A resolution passed by the Executive Committee of BBI in June, 2008, resolved that “B’nai B’rith calls on governments to expeditiously address the urgent need to reduce dependence on foreign oil by developing and implementing a comprehensive environmentally sound energy plan.” Click here to read the resolution. The president’s message followed along these lines, urging Congress to look into a full range of energy alternatives.

B’nai B’rith International also is dedicated to reforming our nation’s healthcare system. Through the BBI Center for Senior Services, we have developed a list of principles our lawmakers should take into account when considering healthcare reform legislation, for we know that healthy aging begins with consistent healthcare for all. We also have reached out to individual communities, providing education on healthcare to a wide spectrum of age groups, from nutrition discussions with seniors to talks on the importance of health insurance with young professionals.

As the largest Jewish provider of affordable senior housing in the United States, B’nai B’rith is concerned with the housing foreclosure crisis. With the economic downturn, for many older Americans, their homes have become their most valuable assets. But, between sinking housing prices and skyrocketing foreclosure rates, many are left with mortgages higher than the worth of their homes, or a much smaller retirement nest egg. Unlike many of us, they can’t wait to sell when the market rebounds.

In these difficult economic times, America faces significant challenges. B’nai B’rith will continue work in the areas of energy independence, healthcare reform, and housing stability.