2019 ANNUAL REPORT
The Global Voice of the Jewish Community
Annual Leadership Forum + Global Gatherings
B’nai B’rith International’s 2019 Leadership Forum, with leaders attending from around the world, featured prominent speakers from the diplomacy, public policy and media realms and a special reception for participants at the residence of the Japanese ambassador.
Ambassador Gonzalo Koncke, chief of staff for Organization of American States Secretary General Louis Almagro (who delivered a video greeting to the Leadership Forum) and Eduardo Kohn, B’nai B’rith International’s director for Latin American affairs, participated in a discussion about the security outlook of the Western hemisphere.
The three focused on fighting domestic and international terrorist threats in the age of the Internet and social media, noting that seemingly every week, a new platform is unveiled.
Director of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider broke down the complicated Israeli elections during a luncheon presentation.
A unique program this year was a reception at the residence of the Japanese ambassador, hosted by Ambassador Shinsuke J. Sugiyama and his wife, Yoko.
The 2019 Leadership Forum concluded with a diplomatic luncheon featuring Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States Marios Lysiotis, Ambassador of Greece to the United States Haris Lalacos and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Israel Benjamin Krasna. The diplomats emphasized the historic and continuing ties between Greece and Cyprus and the Jewish people.
International Council of B’nai B’rith (ICBB) Meets In Lisbon, Portugal
 Flanked by B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman (l) and B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin is Gabriel Steinhardt, president of the Jewish Community of Lisbon, who opened the Conference of the International Council of B’nai B’rith there on June 23. Photo by Annie Darmon.
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In addition to council meetings, the itinerary included numerous fascinating insights into Portuguese and Jewish history.
After the opening plenary featuring Gabriel Steinhardt, the president of the Jewish Community of Lisbon, participants learned about the heroic legacy of Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Sousa Mendes issued visas to refugees, including thousands of Jews, fleeing Nazi terror during World War II. Attendees viewed a clip from the documentary “Turned Away” about the voyage of the S.S. St. Louis, a ship carrying Jewish refugees from WWII-era Germany that attempted to reach Cuba but was turned away. The ship then attempted to unload passengers in the United States and Canada but permission from both countries was denied. Although some of the refugees were ultimately able to find refuge in European countries, it is estimated that more than a quarter of the refugees ultimately perished in Nazi death camps. Day two of the program included a special session on “Sephardi Jews Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean” held at the University of Lisbon and a plenary session featuring Catarina Vaz Pinto, culture councillor on the Lisbon City Council. The day concluded with a screening of “Sefarad,” a 2019 film inspired by real events in the city of Oporto during the mid-20th century, and a tour of Shaaré Tikva Synagogue in Lisbon. An all-day Jewish heritage tour of the region of Alentejo, in south central and southern Portugal concluded the program. |
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B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community.
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