B’nai B’rith Connect (formerly called Young Leadership Network) serves as a vital link to nurture and cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders. Through events at embassies, missions, disaster rebuilding sites and fundraisers, we have a network of new leaders who meet, exchange ideas, have a chance to learn from current B’nai B’rith leadership as well as meet with diplomats and lend a hand to a struggling community.

Over the weekend of Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, B’nai B’rith Connect Chair and Senior Vice President Scott Knapp brought the next generation of B’nai B’rith leaders to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to unite and build for the future. Knapp coordinated an amazing young leadership retreat; from Shabbat with a sommelier, to guest speakers, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis, planning for the future and enjoying the evenings together, participants were busy. They also took a morning to serve breakfast to seniors at B’nai B’rith’s Deerfield Beach affordable housing complex.

In February, for the fourth consecutive year, a delegation of B’nai B’rith young leaders traveled to Japan as part of the Kakehashi Project, a cultural exchange program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As representatives not only of B’nai B’rith but the American Jewish Community, the Kakehashi participants came back to their respective regions invigorated as new B’nai B’rith Connect leaders, inspired to grow with and learn from B’nai B’rith International.

On a global level, in August, B’nai B’rith International and The Jewish Agency for Israel, along with the Greek Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Commissioner for Cypriots Overseas, sent 12 members of their communities on a 10-day trip to Israel, Greece and Cyprus in an effort to forge bonds between the communities and strengthen ties between the three countries. The trip created a passionate cadre of young Jews, Greeks and Cypriots who have taken the message of strategic cooperation back to their home countries.

In the fall, B’nai B’rith Connect convened the first of its bi-monthly policy calls with guest speakers. The calls serve as opportunities to learn more, stay connected nationally and globally, and participate in B’nai B’rith International’s advocacy efforts. CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin briefed the leaders on B’nai B’rith’s efforts at the opening session of the U.N. General Assembly, where B’nai B’rith held important meetings on the sidelines. He also discussed the organization’s efforts combating the ongoing rise of anti-Semitism around the world.

Also in the fall, B’nai B’rith Connect joined the Conference of Presidents Young Leadership Division based in New York City. The coalition was formed to bring together young leadership representatives throughout the Jewish community in an effort to combat anti-Semitism on the national and community level. Representatives from B’nai B’rith Connect attended special meetings and events coordinated through the Conference of Presidents.

Young leaders in Europe were also busy. B’nai B’rith Europe co-organized a weekend for young professionals in Greece in the spring with B’nai B’rith young professionals. Participants from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom and Switzerland had the opportunity to meet with Greek government officials and representatives of the Jewish community in Athens to discuss the future of Jewish life in Europe. Discussion topics included the history of Jews in Greece, the current situation of Jewish life and anti-Semitism in Greece, allowing participants to express their concerns about a safe future for Jews in Greece and across Europe.

B’nai B’rith Colorado held its 23rd Annual Leadville Cemetery Cleanup from June 21 through June 23. For the first time, on Friday evening, the group hosted a pre-services oneg Shabbat for the B’nai Vail congregation to thank and engage the mountain communities. The rest of the weekend offered camping at Turquoise Lake, Saturday morning Shabbat services at the beautifully restored Temple Israel followed by a Kiddush brunch, a potluck dinner and Havdalah later that evening at the campgrounds. The weekend culminated on Sunday with the cleanup of the historic Jewish cemetery, including a continental breakfast, a memorial service led by B’nai Vail and a BBQ lunch. The weekend was an overwhelming success, with nearly 200 attendees throughout the events, in spite of the unseasonal weather, including snow during the Sunday cleanup.

The 2nd Annual Denver Jewbilee Bash is was held Dec. 24. The event follows on the success of the 2018 launch, which saw hundreds of Denver-area Jews get together for an evening of fun

In June, B’nai B’rith Connect New York leaders visited the residence of David Gill, consul general of Germany in New York City. Gill was introduced by Millie Magid, B’nai B’rith International’s chair of U.N. affairs. The event provided the opportunity for an intimate discussion which ranged from Gill’s path to diplomacy, the German-American bilateral relationship and Germany’s relationship with the Jewish people.

Group members attended several B’nai B’rith International awards dinners in New York City. Including the Distinguished Achievement Award Dinner in September, which recognizes the accomplishments of key community and corporate leaders from around the world.

B’nai B’rith International sends a delegation to the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York each fall. There, the delegation meets with leaders from all over the world to advance the interests of human rights, Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. This year, B’nai B’rith Connect New York Co-chair Jared Hakimi represented B’nai B’rith at some of the high-level meetings