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(Washington, D.C., March 3, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are outraged by outgoing International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda’s announcement that she is opening an investigation into allegations of “war crimes” by Israel. It does not suffice that the prosecutor is also open to probing Palestinian war crimes. There is no moral or legal equivalence whatsoever between Israel, a democratic state seeking responsibly to protect the lives of its diverse civilian population, and Palestinian terrorist groups openly committed to indiscriminate atrocities and the very destruction of the Jewish state. As we have previously affirmed, the Court has no jurisdiction in the Palestinian areas, and “Palestine” is not a state and thus not one that can bring legal claims—something made fully apparent in the Palestinians’ own ongoing pursuit of statehood and refusal of sovereign obligations in the meantime. Additionally, Israel’s legal system—certainly unlike that of the Palestinians, all the more so in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip—is internationally renowned for its independence and capacity to investigate and respond to criminal offenses. This by itself removes any place for the ICC to scrutinize Israeli personnel. Above all, the acquiescence of the prosecutor to politicize the ICC and exploit it as a propaganda tool not only batters the standing of the court and distracts it from truly grievous and systematic crimes around the world, but also intolerably stands to handicap law-abiding nations’ abilities, rights and fundamental duties to combat the brutal asymmetric warfare of terrorist organizations. Such infringement cannot stand, and democratic countries will be obligated to do whatever possible to protect service-members engaged in entirely legitimate and necessary defensive activity. We demand that the ICC discontinue any prosecution of the single most humane military in a most dangerous region. 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., Feb. 26, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We strongly condemn Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s reported refusal of an Israeli proposal to open a coronavirus vaccination location in the area of the Temple Mount. The decision puts the health and safety of both Israelis and Palestinians at risk. The proposal, sent to the Palestinian Authority and the Jerusalem Waqf, the authority overseeing Muslim holy places, was meant to provide vaccinations mainly to Palestinian worshippers gathering at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount. A second offer by Israel, that the vaccines be administered by Arab Israelis rather than by Jews, was also apparently rejected by the Palestinian Authority and the Waqf. Abbas’s opposition unambiguously puts politics ahead of the health and safety of citizens. We urge that the vaccination station be allowed to open. Israel’s rapid and robust program to vaccinate all citizens has resulted in a large drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Israel currently has the world’s highest per capita rate of coronavirus vaccinations. 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. Providing Funds Match Up to $10,000 (Washington, D.C., Feb. 22, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International is opening its Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to assist those impacted by the Texas winter storm crisis. We will be accepting donations to help with this unprecedented catastrophe and will match donations up to $10,000 to assist those affected by this crisis.
Millions of people across the state were left without access to electricity, clean water or gas for days in freezing conditions. The unprecedented storm has also left already vulnerable low-income populations reeling. Efforts to restore power across the state continue, but thousands are still experiencing outages and millions more still uncertain access to clean water. President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in 77 Texas counties. We would like to thank our friends at World Central Kitchen for providing 110 meals to residents of our Mollie & Max Barnett Apartments and Tarrant County B’nai B’rith Apartments in Fort Worth. B’nai B’rith and World Central Kitchen have had a strong partnership since 2017, when B’nai B’rith supported World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. A B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services team spent time in Puerto Rico helping with rebuilding efforts after that hurricane. B’nai B’rith is exploring the needs of several communities and partners in Texas and will work with partners on the ground to determine needs and solutions. Our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund is part of our longstanding tradition of helping communities in distress, which began in 1865 in pre-state Israel when we raised funds to aid victims of a cholera outbreak. Since then, B’nai B’rith has helped countless people across the globe who have faced adversity after natural and man-made disasters. Recent donations to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund have helped vulnerable communities around the world stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. To help us help communities in need in Texas, donate to our Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund here. Donors can also call 800-573-9057 to make a credit card contribution over the phone. Or, you can send a check payable to the B’nai B’rith Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund to: B’nai B’rith International Disaster and Emergency Relief Fund 1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N Washington, D.C. 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. (Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2021)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We reject a ruling out today by the International Criminal Court (ICC) giving itself the power to investigate Israel and the Palestinians for supposed “war crimes” stemming from the 2014 Operation Protective Edge, where Israel defended itself from Hamas terror attacks. The ruling also determined that “Palestine” is a state. With this ICC decision, we see again that Israel is subject to systemic bias in multilateral organizations. The ICC puts Hamas and Israel on the same playing field, even though Israel’s actions were defensive in the face of Hamas attacks. We concur with Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s assessment: “The ICC ignores the real war crimes and instead pursues the State of Israel,” and further: “In this decision the ICC violated the right of democracies to defend themselves against terrorism, and played into the hands of those who undermine efforts to expand the circle of peace.” 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., Feb. 3, 2021)--Winners of the “Students Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism. A Creative Video Production Contest,” were honored Tuesday at a virtual awards ceremony hosted by B’nai B’rith International and the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM), co-sponsors of the contest.
This unique public awareness campaign was created to strengthen the fight against anti-Semitism, hatred and discrimination. The contest challenged high school and undergraduate university students around the world to create two- to three-minute videos to boost education about anti-Semitism and the prejudice, bigotry, hatred and violence it engenders. The three winners are: Porter Christensen of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for “Universal Acceptance.” Diego Israel Rivera Berumen of Colegio Libre de Estudio Superiores (CLEU) in Guadalajara, Mexico for “Peace Will Thrive.” Madeleine Stern of Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland for her video, “Anti-Semitism is Everywhere: Stop Hate.” Following the premiere of her video, Stern said, “I cannot stop after the ceremony ends. Neither can you. We must educate others. We must not be bystanders when we witness acts of hate…we must stand up for what is right.” Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission coordinator on combatting anti-Semitism, provided an opening greeting. B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin said, “We had an impressive slate of entries from students around the world. The passion and commitment to recognizing anti-Semitism, and fighting against it, is an encouraging sign that this serious problem is getting serious attention from next-generation leaders. Congratulations to our winners, and to all participants, for thinking about this global problem, and global solutions, in such a meaningful way.” Kaufman and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Sima Vaknin-Gill, senior advisor to CAM, addressed the winners. Kaufman commended all of the contest participants and said, “I know these students can and will fight back. They understand the meaning of Never Again. And never means never. They are not afraid, and I pray their work will influence many others.” Vaknin-Gill said she was proud after seeing the videos and addressed the winners: “You are the crucial element in the fight against anti-Semitism…You are the future and that is why we invest in you so much, because it is up to you to take the fight further.” Sienna Girgenti, B’nai B’rith program director for strategic engagement, and Daniel West Cohen, director of partnerships for CAM, hosted the award ceremony. See the full award ceremony 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 bnaibrith.org. (Brussels, Feb. 2, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International extends its thanks to the European Commission, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for their contributions to the B’nai B’rith International Holocaust Remembrance Day event held on Feb.1.
The commemorative event, “International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Renewed Commitment through Innovation and Cooperation,” featured keynote addresses from President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić, Director of ODIHR Matteo Mecacci and Chair of the IHRA Ambassador Michaela Küchler. The two ensuing expert panels featured the focal points in these institutions tasked with tackling anti-Semitism and grassroots initiatives, bringing innovation to the field of remembrance, education and research. Von der Leyen noted “B'nai B'rith International never wavered in its mission to fight anti-Semitism and racism, to promote Jewish life, to stand by Israel and to preserve the memory of the Holocaust. Today I am here to tell you that Europe is with you in this endeavor—because anti-Semitism strikes at the heart of our values: humanity, religious freedom, equality.” She continued, “This year we will present the first ever European strategy to combat anti-Semitism. Holocaust remembrance and education will be an important aspect in this strategy, and we will increase our funding for projects on Holocaust remembrance and education. And in addition, last week we have launched the campaign #ProtectTheFacts which pushes back Holocaust distortion together with the United Nations, UNESCO and the IHRA. We back up our fight against Holocaust distortion and denial by legislation too. With our Digital Services Act, we make clear that online platforms must take greater responsibility for their role in disseminating and promoting such material. Because when there are attempts to deny the Holocaust, it is Europe itself that is called into question.” In her opening remarks Küchler noted, “Remembrance has to go digital. While nothing can replace the immediacy of a story told in person, it is wonderful that we have found creative ways of remembering. This will also help us to preserve testimonies of survivors over time.” Several of the speakers and panelists made reference to the growth of anti-Semitism that we are currently facing in Europe, with Pejčinović Burić mentioning that “We live in a time of uncertainty, when a shrill and intolerant tone too often breaks true and where there has been an increase in the incidents of anti-Semitic words and attacks.” Mecacci noted “As the organizers of this conference [B’nai B’rith International] rightly identify, such negative trends can only be counteracted through innovation and collaboration... But we need to intensify these efforts.” The event itself is a testament to the work being done and the commitments being made by leaders of international, regional and national level organizations alike in Europe and abroad on the fight against anti-Semitism. However, amid rising levels of hate, anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial and distortion both in the physical world and the online realm, institutions and organizations in Europe and around the world must take this moment to effect positive change. Indeed, in speaking to the necessary societal response to rising levels of anti-Semitism, Azoulay said, “We are called on to assume our responsibility, that of remembering what took place yesterday and what is taking place here and now. More than ever, we need to take action and fight amnesia, the distortion of facts, and to not cede ground to liars and demagogues through the power of memory and education.” The memory of the Shoah must be cultivated to promote commemoration in future generations as a historical marker and such informal and educational initiatives must be backed up by effective and necessary legal and legislative frameworks used in order to combat anti-Semitic hate. As B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin put it in his welcome remarks to the event, “[We are thankful that] Key international institutions have joined us to recommit their efforts to discharge an abiding duty, to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, to tackle anti-Semitism and hatred and work to foster Jewish life.” See the full event 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 bnaibrith.org. Jewish communities in countries across Latin America held events to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Due to the pandemic commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day in Latin America was held in-person in only a few countries this year. All events were available to watch live through streaming. Here’s a sample of some of the events held in person: In Chile, an event organized by B’nai B’rith and the Chile Jewish community took place in the Foreign Ministry, with Minister Andres Allamand as the keynote speaker. Under Secretary Carolina Valdivia was also in attendance. In Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico, events were held in the respective Congresses. Only the main leaders of the Jewish communities attended. In Uruguay, Congress gathered in the morning with 35 Jewish leaders in attendance—including B'nai B'rith Uruguay President Franklin Rosenfeld. In the evening, Minister of Education and Culture Pablo Da Silveira made a very strong speech against anti-Semitism and intolerance. He spoke to all the country through radio stations and TV channels. In Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru, the Jewish communities held cultural events that were streamed live. FORT WORTH — On Jan. 26 ICU COVID workers at Texas Health Southwest enjoyed a meal prepared by members of the Isadore Garsek Lodge of B’nai B’rith, a Jewish social service organization actively dedicated to improving the quality of life in its community.
“The leaders of our hospital appreciate the support from our community. Knowing someone cares is a great encouragement,” said Susan Meredith, food coordinator for Texas Health Southwest. The meal included homemade shepherd’s pies, fruit salad and cookies. The lodge brought enough food to feed 30 day-shift and 30 night-shift ICU workers. Accepting the food on behalf of the hospital was Gaylia Hammond, who works with Meredith. “We very much appreciate the work our frontline hospital workers do every day of the year to care for our neighbors,” said Alex Nason, president of the Fort Worth Lodge. “Your sacrifices often go unnoticed, and we also know that many have put their health at risk to keep us safe. Providing food for ICU COVID staff who have worked so hard during this pandemic is just a small way we can show our gratitude.” Attending the event were Joe Mintz, Rich Hollander, Robert Chicotsky, Dan Sturman, Jim Stanton, Alex Nason and Dr. Evgeny, Rina, Adam and Annie Ostrinsky. (Washington, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International will award the annual Sally R. Schneider Scholarship to a deserving Jewish female graduate student in the spring of 2021. Applications are now being accepted.
Sally Schneider, born in Brooklyn in 1919, was a voracious reader and a passionate supporter of Israel who felt strongly that women should be independent and educated. She and her husband, George, were longtime B’nai B’rith members. In 1998, after Sally’s death, the family set up an endowment fund in her name. This scholarship, of approximately $1,000, will be awarded to an individual from among the applicants meeting the following qualifications: 1) A deserving Jewish female graduate student; 2) In the metropolitan New York area; 3) Currently enrolled in and attending a graduate program (by Jan. 31, 2020) in a field benefiting humankind, including, but not limited to medicine, medical research, education, social work, psychology, chiropractic medicine, nursing or public health; and 4) The candidate should demonstrate an involvement or interest in Jewish culture. To apply, please submit a statement (no more than two pages, typed and double-spaced, including home address and email) indicating your qualifications for this scholarship to Paula Dorfman at pdorfman@bnaibrith.org. For questions, please call 202-857-6657. Applications must be received by March 15, 2021. 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., Jan. 14, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
B’nai B’rith International calls on the Belgian parliament to launch an official inquiry into the failure of law enforcement authorities in the country to successfully conclude their investigation into the 1989 murder of Professor Joseph Wybran, president of B’nai B’rith in Brussels and head of the Jewish community at the time of his murder. We urge a legal change in Brussels to eliminate any statute of limitations for crimes of terror. On Dec. 24, 2020, the Brussels indictment chamber declared the criminal case against prime suspect Abdelkader Belliraj and other defendants closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. Wybran, a Holocaust survivor and renowned immunologist, was gunned down in the parking lot of the Erasme Hospital in Brussels where he worked. B’nai B’rith is determined to pursue justice for Wybran and his widow, Emmy, who serves as president of the Joseph Wybran Lodge in Tel Aviv. Belliraj, who confessed to this and five other murders in Belgium, including the killing of the Imam of the Grand Mosque of Brussels, is reportedly under detention in Morocco. We are appalled that 30 years on, there are no charges brought against Wybran’s killer. 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. |
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