Press Releases
(Washington, D.C., June 11, 2019)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We applaud the Organization of American States’ (OAS) decision to adopt language defining anti-Semitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA’s working definition covers anti-Semitism in many forms, including discrimination against and persecution of Jews, Holocaust denial and anti-Zionism.
We want to especially note OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro for his strong stance against anti-Jewish terror. In his speech announcing the adoption of the IHRA definition, Almagro called out the continued presence of Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in Latin America, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. He also mentioned the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and wounded more than 300. Though no individuals or groups have ever been brought to justice in the worst terror attack in Latin America, Iran and its proxies are widely believed to be behind the deadly attack. After the announcement of the adoption of the IHRA language, Almagro denounced an anti-Semitic attack against a rabbi in Argentina. The rabbi’s attackers yelled anti-Semitic slurs before assaulting him.
A universally accepted definition of anti-Semitism is vital so that all levels of society can recognize the problem and take steps to combat it.
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 www.bnaibrith.org
We applaud the Organization of American States’ (OAS) decision to adopt language defining anti-Semitism from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA’s working definition covers anti-Semitism in many forms, including discrimination against and persecution of Jews, Holocaust denial and anti-Zionism.
We want to especially note OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro for his strong stance against anti-Jewish terror. In his speech announcing the adoption of the IHRA definition, Almagro called out the continued presence of Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in Latin America, particularly Cuba and Venezuela. He also mentioned the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people and wounded more than 300. Though no individuals or groups have ever been brought to justice in the worst terror attack in Latin America, Iran and its proxies are widely believed to be behind the deadly attack. After the announcement of the adoption of the IHRA language, Almagro denounced an anti-Semitic attack against a rabbi in Argentina. The rabbi’s attackers yelled anti-Semitic slurs before assaulting him.
A universally accepted definition of anti-Semitism is vital so that all levels of society can recognize the problem and take steps to combat it.
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 www.bnaibrith.org