|
(Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2020)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
B'nai B'rith is pleased with the Trump administration's imposition of sanctions on Iran, which would punish any company or person that violates a conventional arms embargo on Iran. This action comes a month after the United Nations Security Council’s shameful failure to extend its own arms sanctions on Iran. The proposed U.S. action would work toward stopping Tehran – a rogue regime that continually threatens peace for the entirety of the Middle East and beyond – from becoming an even greater global security threat. (Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2020)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first Jewish woman and only the second woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. The announcement of her death as the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, began, seems especially poignant. She was a giant of the Supreme Court, a champion to many women and others as a strong, progressive voice on the court with a trailblazing judicial presence. She was courageous in her many battles against cancer. Ginsburg spoke at a B'nai B'rith International convention about "Jewish Justices on the Supreme Court." Her unique and esteemed, groundbreaking career was often informed and influenced by her Judaism. JTA notes: “She was also frank about the importance of Jewish tradition in influencing her life and career, hanging the Hebrew injunction to pursue justice on the walls of her Supreme Court chambers.” With a strong sense of fairness, a respect for knowledge and education and an incredible work ethic, Ginsburg was an inspiration to us. May her memory be a blessing.  Photo Credit: Noah Berger (Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
B’nai B’rith is opening its Disaster Relief Fund to aid those impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in the West and those who are feeling the wrath of Hurricane Sally across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle. At least 30 people have died from the wildfires, which are raging in California, Oregon and Washington State, and many more are missing. Though Hurricane Sally’s impact cannot yet be stated, it’s known that it has brought major flooding across the Gulf Coast, which has already been battered by hurricanes this season. The B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund will match the first $5,000 of donations. We will work with local groups in affected areas to determine possible projects that need our support. B’nai B’rith began its disaster relief program of helping communities in distress in 1865, with a fundraising drive to aid victims of a cholera outbreak in pre-state Israel. Since then, B’nai B’rith has helped countless people across the globe who have faced adversity after natural and man-made disasters. Please click here to make a contribution to the fund. Donors can also call (800) 573-9057 to make a credit card contribution over the phone and send payable checks to the following address: B’nai B’rith International Disaster Relief Fund 1120 20th St. NW, Suite 300 N Washington, DC, 20036 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.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump all participated in the signing of the Accords.
B'nai B'rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin were present on the South Lawn for the historic signing. “What we witnessed was something beyond anyone’s imagination just a few years ago,” Kaufman said. “The historic signing of the Abraham Accords and treaties was less about hope and promise and more about reality and what is happening in real time. It is more about creating real opportunities, advancements, innovations, not some platform for mere dreams and aspirations. Finally, promises and failures of the past gave way to a far better option — trusting, respecting parties developing a specific plan for prosperity, security and peace. Today was an unforgettable day of accomplishment.” “Today marked a tremendous turning point in the history of Israel and the Jewish people, and in the Middle East,” Mariaschin said. “The signing of the Abraham Accords, and the agreements between Israel and the UAE, and Israel and Bahrain demonstrate that peace can be achieved when there is the good will to achieve it. We congratulate President Trump for hosting this historic signing, and the leaders of Israel, the UAE and Bahrain for taking these important steps together.” 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. (Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
Today B’nai B’rith International along with major Jewish organizations working with the EU institutions, launched a unified position on tackling anti-Semitism online, in response to the Digital Services Act consultation by the European Commission. Joining us as partner organizations are the American Jewish Committee Transatlantic Institute, B’nai B’rith Europe, CEJI - A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe, the European Jewish Congress, the European Union of Jewish Students and the World Jewish Congress. As the European Union looks to redefine its approach to digital governance under the motto A Europe fit for the Digital Age, maintaining a safe online space, free of hate and incitement must be a key priority – one that both our Washington, D.C. headquarters and our office of EU Affairs have been strong advocates for. The unified position offers 10 recommendations for the future legislation to effectively tackle anti-Semitic content online and demand higher accountability from online platforms and service providers. Among the demands formulated are the push for platforms to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism as part of community standards, data collection and analysis to better understand the spread of anti-Semitism online, platform transparency with regard to algorithms, support for civil society actors to be effective parts of the conversation and a call to disincentivize profit stemming from harmful content. A 2018 Fundamental Rights Agency survey on Experiences and Perceptions of anti-Semitism among Jews in the EU found that 89% of respondents consider anti-Semitism expressed online as a problem and 80% of those experiencing anti-Semitic abuse have encountered it online. These worrying statistics have only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created an environment ripe with disinformation and conspiracies. A revised EU digital framework must tackle head-on the role and responsibility of online platforms and must guarantee users’ safety. See the full text of the common position here: deleteantisemitism.org. 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. (Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2020)--We are pleased to announce that AJIRI, the American Jewish International Relations Institute, is now under the B’nai B’rith umbrella. The boards of both organizations voted unanimously to advance and formalize the close working relationship between the two groups.
"AJIRI has for a number of years worked closely with B'nai B’rith International. It has been a pleasure for us to note how our close working relationship produced highly useful results for the benefit of U.S. foreign policy objectives and of Israel. Now that our relationship has become even closer, we look forward to witnessing many highly beneficial results," noted AJIRI Chairman of the Board of Directors Ambassador Richard Schifter. AJIRI-BBI, as the new institute will initially be known, will continue to advance the groundbreaking work both organizations have undertaken separately in the realm of fair treatment for Israel on the world stage. “Ambassador Schifter and AJIRI are a welcome addition to the B'nai B'rith family,” B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman said. “Simply, we are deeply honored to be linked with the ambassador and his distinguished board. Our overlapping missions and excellent chemistry will strengthen our already strong policy efforts in advocating for a safer and more secure Israel in the world and within the United Nations. The Jewish new year is already off to a great start." B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin added: “The campaign to address bias in U.N. voting on Israel-related issues will be tremendously strengthened by AJIRI’s joining forces with B’nai B’rith. We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Schifter in calling out the double standards which are unfairly applied to Israel at the U.N. at the General Assembly in New York, and at its agencies around the world.” 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 (Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2020)--The winners of Enlighten America, the Achim Gate City Lodge’s annual essay contest for 7th through 9th graders in the Atlanta area, will receive their awards on Sunday, Aug. 30 virtually. Please click here to register on Zoom.
Daniel S. Mariaschin, B’nai B’rith CEO, will speak on the essays’ theme: “Tolerance, Equality and Respect for All.” Enlighten America began in 2000 as a B'nai B'rith International response to shootings sparked by racial and religious hatred in Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York and elsewhere. This year’s theme encouraged students to stress the importance of achieving respect for diversity in race, religion, national origin, gender, disability and sexual orientation by writing about issues of prejudice and bigotry. Students were also asked to select one or more quotes from an American president, world leader or local community leader, write about the quote’s meaning and relate it to current events and today’s society. The B’nai B’rith Enlighten America program was the inspiration for our new initiative, None Shall Be Afraid. Read more here. 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 (Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
B’nai B’rith International condemns the United Nations Security Council’s failure to pass a common-sense resolution proposed by the United States that would extend a crucial arms embargo on Iran. The vote was: two yes votes; two no votes; 11 abstentions. In its failure to renew these sanctions, the U.N. Security Council has enabled a rogue regime that threatens the entirety of the Middle East – and others far beyond – to become an even more dangerous threat to global peace and security. The resolution would have kept in place the arms embargo imposed on Iran, which under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was set to expire in October. 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. (Washington, D.C., Aug. 13, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We strongly hail a breakthrough agreement that will normalize ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed today signed what are now called the Abraham Accords, solidifying normalized relations between their two nations. A diplomatic exchange of ambassadors will take place soon. We commend the White House for its role in helping to bring this agreement about. These accords will now join the peace agreements between Israel and Egypt and Israel and Jordan as stabilizing influences in the region and send a strong message to those who seek to promote chaos that their efforts will not succeed. 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. (Washington, D.C., Aug. 12, 2020)--Four previous Israeli United Nations ambassadors, representing almost 20 years of history, spoke today with B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin on a virtual program about their time at the world body.
As the U.N. celebrates its 75th anniversary, Ambassadors Ron Prosor, Gabriela Shalev, Dan Gillerman and Yehuda Lancry recounted memories from their time as permanent representatives to the U.N. and its relations with Israel. Gillerman (2003-2008) recalled advice his mentor Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. diplomat, once shared following a diplomacy dispute. He reminded Gillerman that the U.N. office on 1st Avenue in New York City was nothing more than a glass building. “At the end of the day, it’s only as good as its tenants, and its tenants are the world we live in,” Gillerman said. The Durban Review Conference in 2001, which is viewed by many as the catalyst to a global renewal of anti-Semitism, made for one of Lancry’s greatest frustrations during his tenure at the U.N. “That was a big disappointment for those who felt we were advancing peace,” said Lancry, who served from 1999-2002. Durban was a really harsh setback. The conference was supposed to be on racism, but instead, it “focused on Israel. We felt frustrated.” Shalev (2008-2010) who entered the United Nations with a background in law and academia, found difficulty in transitioning to her new role as an ambassador. “Coming from academia, where we look at the truth, I found the double speech at the U.N. frustrating,” she said. “To represent Israel at the U.N. is hard labor. It’s day and night.” Prosor (2011-2015) was shocked by the “triple standards” Israel was held to at the United Nations. “One for democracies, one for dictatorships and one special standard just for Israel, which is unattainable,” he said. “I was shocked and I’m still shocked at the Europeans. It has nothing to do with what we do or we do not do. Do they go for Syria? No. Do they go for Yemen? No. Israel.” Each ambassador also offered positive thoughts and wishes for the incoming Israeli permanent representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Click here to watch the entire webinar. 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. |
Archives
September 2020
Categories
All
|
- About Us
-
Global Advocacy
- Israel
-
Seniors
- CSS Response to COVID-19
- Virtual Trainings
- CSS Advocacy
-
B'nai B'rith Senior Housing Network Timeline
>
- Wilkes-Barre
- Harrisburg, Pa.
- St. Louis, Mo.
- Reading, Pa.
- Silver Spring, Md.
- Allentown, Pa.
- Peoria, Ill.
- Houston, Texas
- Claymont, Del.
- Pasadena, Texas
- Boston, Mass.
- Hot Springs, Ark.
- Queens, N.Y.
- Scranton, Pa.
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Deerfield Beach, Fla.
- Sheboygan, Wis.
- Schenectady, N.Y.
- South Orange, N.J.
- Bronx, N.Y.
- Tuscon, Ariz. - B'nai B'rith Covenant House
- Marlton, N.J.
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- New Haven, Conn.
- Chesilhurst, N.J.
- Tucson, Ariz. - Gerd & Inge Strauss B'nai B'rith Manor on Pantano
- Dothan, Ala.
- Sudbury, Mass.
- CSS Staff Bios
- B'nai B'rith Resident Leadership Retreat
- CSS Puerto Rico Meeting 2019
- Housing Locations
- Seniority Report Newsletter
- Humanitarian Aid
- News & Media
-
Partner with Us
- B'nai B'rith Extra
RSS Feed
Connect With Us |
About B'nai B'rith |
Support Our Work |
Subscribe to Our Podcast |
|
© 2020 - B'nai B'rith International
1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-857-6600 Privacy Policy |
|
|