Jerusalem Post – Grapevine, March 10, 2024

In Tel Aviv, B’nai B’rith International CEO Dan Mariaschin spoke with presidents of B’nai B’rith Israel, in a meeting convened as part of our new initiative to expand international engagement. Read more about it in the Jerusalem Post.

B’nai B’rith leaders dive headfirst into volunteering in Israel

Last December, a B’nai B’rith International solidarity delegation of BB leaders from the USA, South America, and Europe led by the organization’s long-term Executive Director Dan Mariaschin came to Israel and became so immersed in volunteer projects, that Mariaschin did not have time to meet with more than a few members of the local BB leadership.

When Ilan Shchori, a member of the BB executive committee, chairman of BB’s Tel Aviv Regional Council, and international relations adviser to BB Israel President Emanuel (Mano) Cohen learned that Mariaschin was returning to Israel in February for the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, he asked if it was possible for him to meet with the presidents of all the BB lodges in Israel. A luncheon meeting was duly arranged at the Mandarin hotel in Tel Aviv, which was attended by more than 100 local presidents as well as members of the BB Grand Lodge. This was an introductory meeting to discuss BB Israel’s expansion initiative to broaden its international activities and to facilitate closer contacts with BB leaders around the world.

Cohen and Shchori each spoke of the importance of wider contacts between BB Israel Lodges and those of other countries within the context of the Jewish world’s Together program, which aside from embarking on joint projects and ventures, is an important means of fighting antisemitism and racism by learning from each other’s experiences in the aftermath of October 7.

Mariaschin’s reaction was one of enthusiastic support.