In March, when the United States announced that it would attempt to join the council, BBI expressed hope that the return would afford an “opportunity for much-needed reform.” The involvement of the United States will hopefully remove the outrageous negative fixation on Israel as an offender of human rights.

“It is B’nai B’rith International’s fervent desire that United States involvement with the council will bring a dose of diplomatic sobriety to the Human Rights Council,” BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “With the elevated credibility of the United States on the world stage, we believe that a U.S. presence on the council could lead to improvements in the lives of those in need globally.”

Annually, the council, and its predecessor, the Human Rights Commission, singled out Israel while neglecting to deal with some of the most notorious human rights violators around the world.

As recently as January, the Human Rights Council delivered a biased and anti-Israel statement, siding with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during Operation Cast Lead while denying Israel’s right to self-defense. The council also passed a resolution in 2006, defining Israel as a human rights violator for its “occupation” of Palestine.

“Given the difficulties we have endured with the Human Rights Council in the past, this move could renew the initial promise that has been tarnished,” said BBI President Moishe Smith. “The council has departed from its promise of ‘strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe,’ but with the involvement of the United States government, we could see some positive changes.”