(Washington, D.C., Nov. 5, 2020)–B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith condemns the decision made by a United Nations committee to pass a resolution referring to the Temple Mount – the holiest site in Judaism – only by its Islamic name.

The vote comes amid a wave of seven anti-Israel resolutions passed by the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (known as the Fourth Committee) of the U.N. General Assembly. The General Assembly will vote on final versions of these seven resolutions, plus a number of other biased resolutions that harshly condemn Israel, later in its session.

We thank Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Hungary, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and the U.S. for voting with Israel against the egregious resolution that whitewashes Judaism’s ties to Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. It is disconcerting that many European countries voted in favor of a resolution with such a shameful clause.

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. Visit bnaibrith.org.