B'nai B'rith International
  • About Us
    • 175th Anniversary >
      • Timeline
    • Annual Report >
      • 2020 Annual Report
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2018 Annual Report
      • 990 Forms
    • Presidents Book
    • Around the World >
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Canada
      • Cuba
      • Europe
      • Israel
      • Latin America >
        • Argentina
        • Brazil
        • Chile, Bolivia and Peru >
          • Anti-Semitism Forum in Santiago 2019
        • Northern Latin America and the Caribbean
        • Organization of American States (OAS)
        • Uruguay and Paraguay
      • South Africa
      • United States >
        • Allegheny/Ohio Valley
        • Chesapeake Bay
        • Colorado
        • Evergreen
        • Golden Pacific
        • Great Lakes >
          • B'nai B'rith Great Lakes Scholarship Program
        • Greater Florida
        • Kentucky
        • Liberty
        • MetroNorth
        • Midwest
        • New England
        • North Central
        • Southern California >
          • Knesset B'nai B'rith
        • Omaha, Nebraska
        • Southern Communities >
          • Atlanta, Georgia
        • St. Louis, Missouri
        • Texarkoma
        • Tri-State
    • Departments & Careers
    • Calendar
    • Events >
      • 2020 National Healthcare Award
      • 2020 B'nai B'rith Leadership Forum
      • Jewish Holiday Calendar
      • Continuing Education
    • Insurance Programs
    • Leadership
    • Programs >
      • BBRAVO
      • For Communities >
        • Project H.O.P.E.
      • For Culture and Education >
        • Unto Every Person
        • Center For Jewish Identity
        • Enlighten America
        • Museum and Archives >
          • B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum® Collection
          • Holocaust Art Resource List
          • Palestine Mandate Coins
        • Smarter Kids - Safer Kids
      • For Kids >
        • B'nai B'rith Cares for Kids
        • Diverse Minds
    • Senior Staff
    • B'nai B'rith Connect >
      • B'nai B'rith Connect Fall 2019 Newsletter
      • Past Connect Events
    • Privacy Policy
  • Global Advocacy
    • Take Action!
    • Anti-Semitism / None Shall Be Afraid >
      • About None Shall Be Afraid
      • B'nai B'rith on the Front Lines
      • Resources
      • Students Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism Contest
      • Take Our Pledge
    • AJIRI-BBI
    • IMPACT: Emerging Leaders Fellowship
    • Intercommunal Affairs
    • Tolerance and Diversity
    • Europe
    • Latin America
    • Canada
    • Israel and The Middle East
    • United Nations
    • United States
  • Israel
    • World Center – Jerusalem >
      • Sally Bein
    • Israel and the Middle East
    • Israel Emergency Fund
    • Fighting BDS
    • History in Israel
    • Center Stage 2020
    • Previous Center Stage Editions
    • Jewish Rescuers Citation >
      • Jewish Rescue
  • Seniors
    • CSS Response to COVID-19
    • Virtual Trainings
    • CSS Advocacy
    • 50 Years of Senior Housing
    • 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
    • Community Support
    • Cuba Relief >
      • Cuba Missions
      • Get Involved
      • Cuba Blog
      • Where We Work
      • Cuba History
    • Disaster Relief >
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Haiti
      • Latin America
      • United States >
        • SBP-New York Thanks B'nai B'rith Disaster Relief
  • News & Media
    • B'nai B'rith Impact
    • B'nai B'rith Magazine >
      • 2020 Winter B'nai B'rith Magazine
      • Magazine Archives
      • Past Magazine Articles
    • Expert Analysis >
      • Policy and Advocacy
      • Israel
      • Seniors
      • Jewish Identity
      • Community Action
    • In the News
    • Sign Up For B'nai B'rith Email Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars and Conversations
    • Zero.Dot.Two Initiative
  • Partner with Us
    • B'nai B'rith Today
    • Give to B'nai B'rith
    • Membership
    • Planned Giving & Endowments >
      • Bequests
      • Charitable Gift Annuities
      • Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
      • Donor Testimonials
    • Giving >
      • Donate Stock
      • Foundations & Corporate Giving
      • Tribute Cards
      • Shop AmazonSmile
      • Purchase B'nai B'rith Apparel
    • Disaster Relief
    • Tree Of Life
    • Contact Form
  • B'nai B'rith Extra
    • Content For You
    • Upcoming Events

B'nai B'rith Determined to Reform U.N. Human Rights Council After Unprecedented Anti-Israel Vote for Reparations, Monitors 

3/26/2010

Comments

 
Despite recent pleas from B’nai B’rith International and other non-governmental organizations for a significant change in the way it acts toward Israel, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has once again adopted anti-Israel resolutions that unfairly single out the Jewish state for condemnation and attack. Through its United Nations offices in New York and Geneva, B’nai B’rith International is working to end the UNHRC’s consistent anti-Israel agitation.


On March 24, the UNHRC passed four resolutions—in the context of the only permanent agenda item dedicated to a specific country, Israel—that each unjustly attacked Israel’s policies and practices. Beyond those, on March 25, the council adopted a resolution urging reparations only for Palestinian victims of hostilities with Israel. It also established a committee of “independent experts” to oversee implementation of the demands of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict (also known as the Goldstone report), which from inception through execution denied Israel the possibility of effective counterterrorism. Additionally, the council reiterated a call for supposed Israeli violations to be the focus of a rare conference of parties to the Geneva Conventions.

“We recognize the role that the Human Rights Council could fulfill in advancing causes that are vital, including preventing rights abuses and outright atrocities, and we are saddened by how far from its potential the council has strayed,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “But until the council drops its obsessive, unparalleled abuse of one peace-seeking democracy, legitimate progress is impossible. We will continue to work at the Human Rights Council in order to try to steer it away from such offensive and unjust resolutions meant to erode Israel’s international standing.”

“The United Nations Human Rights Council has consistently embraced a discriminatory, politicized approach in its proceedings, one that should cause great alarm for all who support the State of Israel and all who have concerns about global human rights,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “These continuing attacks serve to both delegitimize the council itself and prevent real steps toward stability and reconciliation in the Middle East.”

B’nai B’rith International has been active at the United Nations since its founding and will continue to push for fairness at the world body.

Comments

B'nai B'rith Defends Israel, Cites Iranian Violations at United Nations Human Rights Council 

3/25/2010

Comments

 
B’nai B’rith International held its annual leadership delegation to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva last week, conducting meetings with high-ranking officials and presenting formal statements to the diplomatic body.

The multinational delegation, which was led by Senior Vice President Yves Kamami of France and B’nai B’rith International primary Geneva Representative Klaus Netter, met with numerous diplomats including new U.S. Ambassador to the UNHRC Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe. The meetings were convened to discuss the highly unbalanced report of the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, also known as the Goldstone report; the anti-Israel permanent agenda item at the UNHRC; and the need for a special rapporteur on human rights violations in Iran. The discussions are a key part of ongoing efforts to defend Israel at the council.

Additionally, Netter delivered three statements at the council regarding Iran, the demonization of Israel, and some countries’ efforts to describe as “defamation of religion” various forms of speech that are critical or deemed blasphemous.

The statement on defamation of religion, delivered on March 15, reflects B’nai B’rith’s deep concerns regarding the routine resolutions on the topic at the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.

“On behalf of a community that profoundly values faith and the right to hold and practice it free of threat or abuse,” Netter read from his formal remarks on behalf of B’nai B’rith International and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, “[we] rise to appeal against repeated efforts to exploit the Human Rights Council in the name of preventing ‘defamation of religion’ in order to legitimize violations of the universal human right of freedom of expression.”

On March 16, B’nai B’rith reminded the council of the severity and urgency of the human rights situation in Iran—circumstances which necessitate that the UNHRC appoint a special rapporteur.

“The aftermath of the [Iranian] election last year has proven beyond a doubt the tyrannical nature of the Government in Iran,” the remarks read. “While the world watched, the Government brutally suppressed freedom of expression and peaceful protests. Those whom the regime broadly defined as members of the opposition were subject to arbitrary arrest and, in many cases, physical and psychological torture.”

The B’nai B’rith mission to Geneva was followed by a statement to the council on its singular anti-Israel fixation, delivered on March 22. Reading the remarks on behalf of B’nai B’rith and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations, Netter referenced the “multitude of resolutions lambasting Israel, all of which will be adopted without difficulty by the well-organized majority dominating this Council.”

B’nai B’rith and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations also requested “that the [General Assembly-mandated] 2011 review of this Council’s work be used to eliminate this egregious [anti-Israel] item from the permanent agenda” and called for the resignation of Richard Falk, the stridently partisan special rapporteur on the Palestinian issue, “in view of his obvious bias, which deprives his reports of any credibility.”

Click here to read the remarks on Iran.
Click here to read the remarks on defamation of religion.
Comments

B’nai B’rith Welcomes House Passage of Health Care Reform 

3/22/2010

Comments

 
Millions of Americans are on the cusp of having access to health insurance after the House of Representatives passed a health care reform bill on March 21.The momentous health care overhaul bill would give more than 30 million currently-uninsured Americans access to affordable medical care.

B’nai B’rith has a long-time special interest in issues important to seniors, particularly housing and health care. As the leading Jewish sponsor of supportive housing for seniors over the last 40 years we have seen the impact the lack of life-time access to health care has on people as they age. It is for that reason that we believe expanding access to health care for people of all ages is fundamental to achieving healthy aging for each generation.

As an advocate for America’s seniors, B’nai B’rith is committed to ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to stay healthy as they age. Life-long access to quality health care, which should include prevention, diagnostic, and maintenance of chronic conditions, will ensure everyone can age in good health.

“Increasing access to affordable, quality health care is the very cornerstone of our principles of health care reform,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “The bill would create a voluntary, self-funded, long-term care insurance program, limit or eliminate discrimination based on age, gender and pre-existing condition and health status, and finally help pool risk in the non-employer job market—all of which would have a positive impact for so many Americans.”

The issue of health care reform has taken on a new urgency as the job market has been slow to recover from the nation’s fiscal crisis. It has been nearly impossible for most Americans to afford insurance on the individual market.

“This measure, while not perfect, addresses the top priority of health care reform—getting more people affordable access to care,” B’nai B’rith Director of Aging Policy Rachel Goldberg, Ph.D., said. “For far too long health care was often the domain of the well-off or the lucky.”

The bill passed by the House, parts of which must still be approved by the Senate, also improves Medicare's financial future without cutting into the program’s guaranteed benefits. By making the program more efficient and more geared toward paying for good outcomes, these changes could not only improve the Medicare program but serve as an example for the rest of the health care system.
Comments

In Letter to University of California, Irvine Chancellor, B’nai B’rith Expresses Concern for Anti-Semitic Trends at School 

3/18/2010

Comments

 
B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin sent a letter to the chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, expressing “deep dismay at the severe and persistent anti-Semitic harassment experienced by Jewish students at the University of California, Irvine.”The letter was sent following recent anti-Israel demonstrations at a campus appearance by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, where students repeatedly disrupted his remarks. Such heated protests contribute to a persistent atmosphere of hatred and intimidation for Jewish students at the school.

B’nai B’rith also provided Chancellor Michael Drake a copy of the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency’s working definition of anti-Semitism that has been in worldwide use since 2005, in the hope it will be used to help students and faculty better understand and identify all forms of anti-Semitism. B’nai B’rith helped develop this description as an essential tool for educators, government officials, journalists, and others to understand contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism.
B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin sent a letter to the chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, expressing “deep dismay at the severe and persistent anti-Semitic harassment experienced by Jewish students at the University of California, Irvine.”The letter was sent following recent anti-Israel demonstrations at a campus appearance by Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, where students repeatedly disrupted his remarks. Such heated protests contribute to a persistent atmosphere of hatred and intimidation for Jewish students at the school.

B’nai B’rith also provided Chancellor Michael Drake a copy of the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency’s working definition of anti-Semitism that has been in worldwide use since 2005, in the hope it will be used to help students and faculty better understand and identify all forms of anti-Semitism. B’nai B’rith helped develop this description as an essential tool for educators, government officials, journalists, and others to understand contemporary manifestations of anti-Semitism.

The letter to the chancellor notes: “Sadly, the hate-filled demonstrations surrounding the appearance by Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren at UCI on February 8 were merely recent examples of the anti-Semitic animus that has resulted in the intimidation of the school’s Jewish population for many years.”

And later: “Too often, anti-Israel messages propounded on the UCI campus have far exceeded the line separating legitimate policy criticism from anti-Semitic polemics. B’nai B’rith therefore calls on your administration to recognize these manifestations of anti-Semitism as precisely that and to condemn them as such.”

The letter asks the university to make combating the insidious anti-Semitism on campus a high priority.

“The university’s leadership must make clear that denial of the Jewish right to self-determination—to peace and security for Jews in their homeland—is, very simply, anti-Semitism. And to intimidate and incite against Jews—in speeches, sermons, placards, demonstrations, and publications—is most certainly anti-Semitism. We implore the UCI administration not to turn a blind eye to intolerance.”

Click here to read the entire letter.
Comments

B'nai B'rith Delivers Remarks on Human Rights at UNHRC 

3/18/2010

Comments

 
The following remarks were presented by B’nai B’rith International primary Geneva Representative Klaus Netter at the United Nations Human Rights Council on behalf of B’nai B’rith International and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations. The remarks were delivered during a discussion of the protection of human rights.


United Nations Human Rights Council - 13th Session


Agenda Item 3: Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights

Statement on behalf of B'nai B'rith International and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations

Read by Klaus Netter, March 15, 2010

Mr. President:

On behalf of a community that profoundly values faith and the right to hold and practice it free of threat or abuse, I rise to appeal against repeated efforts to exploit the Human Rights Council in the name of preventing "defamation of religion" in order to legitimize violations of the universal human right of freedom of expression.

Behind concern over "defamation of religion" lies a narrow perspective on insults or blasphemy, and, what is more, a desire to curb legitimate discussion of a strain of violent fanaticism within an otherwise honorable and humane faith. It is worth noting that some sponsors of ongoing initiatives on "defamation of religion" are themselves not immune to the infringement of democratic freedoms generally and lack of respect for religious minorities in particular.

Indeed, those championing the "defamation of religion" issue would be well-advised to internalize two lessons of human history: One, that it is precisely the minorities, not the majority, whose rights and sensibilities must be guarded most vigilantly; Two, that open, honest debate enriches inter-faith understanding and that freedom, rather than coercion, underpins the flourishing of faith. Finally, let them look inward by practicing the fundamental teachings: "Love your fellow as yourself “and "Do not onto others what you would not want done onto you."

Thank you, Mr. President.

Comments

B'nai B'rith Draws Attention to Iran at UNHRC 

3/18/2010

Comments

 
The following remarks were presented by B’nai B’rith International primary Geneva Representative Klaus Netter at the United Nations Human Rights Council on behalf of B'nai B'rith International and the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations. The remarks were delivered during a discussion of urgent human rights situations requiring the Human Rights Council’s attention.

United Nations Human Rights Council - 13th Session
Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention

Statement on behalf of the Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations

Read by Klaus Netter, March 15, 2010

Mr. President:

Two years ago we stood before this Council and urged a re-examination of the decision to eliminate the 1503 procedure on Iran due to the ongoing violations of human rights in that country. Sadly, our request was not acted upon. In the meanwhile, the situation has further deteriorated, yet this Council chose not to discuss human rights violations in Iran until the UPR last month. We commend those countries which raised tough questions about the severe human rights violations in Iran, and therefore utilized the UPR for its stated purpose, namely, the objective review of that country’s human rights obligations and commitments.

We come before this Council again to renew our urgent request to initiate a special procedure that will examine violations of human rights in Iran. The aftermath of the election last year has proven beyond a doubt the tyrannical nature of the Government in Iran. While the world watched, the Government brutally suppressed freedom of expression and peaceful protests. Those whom the regime broadly defined as members of the opposition were subject to arbitrary arrest and, in many cases, physical and psychological torture.

Only a handful of countries still execute juvenile offenders, but of those that do, Iran has the highest numbers of executions by far. In Iran, capital punishment is meted out for homosexuality and apostasy. Members of the Baha’i leadership continue to be held in detention after their arrest in May 2008.

The systemic assault on the human dignity of Iran’s own citizens has continued unabated during this Council’s existence. Waiting until the next UPR to discuss Iran is not an acceptable option to the victims of this oppressive Government. This situation urgently requires a Special Rapporteur.

Thank you, Mr. President.
Comments

European Parliament Endorsement of Biased Goldstone Report Chilling 

3/15/2010

Comments

 
The European Parliament on March 10 endorsed the findings of the widely criticized Goldstone report, which accuses Israel of “war crimes” and other human rights violations during Israel’s defensive actions in the Gaza Strip, known as Operation Cast Lead, from December 2008 to January 2009. B’nai B’rith has issued the following statement:B’nai B’rith International is deeply disappointed that the European Parliament chose to accept the severely biased Goldstone report as a fair and accurate representation of the events in Gaza last year.

Initiated under a faulty and unjust premise laid out by the United Nations Human Rights Council, the commission members were told to examine Israel’s violations of various laws of war. Investigators began their work on the foundation that Israel was responsible for the conflict.

It is truly a shame the European Parliament was unable to recognize the inherent bias in the report and see the document for what it really is—yet another attempt by some in the international community to discredit and delegitimize Israel by holding the Jewish state to an entirely different set of rules than the rest of the world faces.

The report concluded Israel was mostly responsible for the conflict, while giving scant mention to Hamas terrorism and cynical use of civilians as human shields.

Though encouraging that 43 voters chose to abstain rather than join the unfair vote, the resolution still passed 335 to 287.

We must remember and be encouraged that the United States Congress deemed the report illegitimate.

Comments

Talk Of U.S.-Israel Dispute Unhelpful 

3/15/2010

Comments

 
B’nai B’rith International is dismayed that a policy dispute is now being used by some to undermine the storied relationship between the United States and Israel. And it would be deeply troubling if a momentary disagreement is used in any way to derail peace efforts, challenge an important alliance, or divert attention from the major objective of the trip—stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Israel apologized twice to Vice President Joe Biden for overlapping with his visit its announcement that 1,600 new homes would be built in Jerusalem. At the conclusion of his trip, Biden reaffirmed the solid foundation of the relationship: “President Barack Obama and myself know that the U.S. has no better friend in the community of nations than Israel." And Biden also noted the U.S.-Israel relationship is: “impervious to any shifts in either country or either country's partisan politics."

Biden’s affirmation of the shared allegiance between the United States and Israel should serve as a reminder that such disagreements do not add up to irreparable damage. Two countries with a relationship as solid as the one Biden describes should be able to work through any diplomatic problems. Those who would characterize this as a major relational shift causing irreversible damage are exacerbating the problem. This is unfair to Israel, which, through various steps, including its unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and its recent opening of checkpoints in the West Bank, has demonstrated it willingness to go the extra mile to get negotiations re-started.

“A diplomatic dispute has now, unfortunately, derailed the original intent of the vice president’s visit: to focus on the global threat that a nuclear Iran poses,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “But that in no way should detract from the bottom line: the United States and Israel are unshakable partners.”

Policy differences are to be expected in the complicated world of the Middle East. But such differences cannot be used to detract from the key issue—for Israel to live in peace. A policy dispute cannot change that.

“Allies don’t always agree,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “The incessant negative attention and harsh language surrounding this disagreement is a distraction from the real work that needs to be done to further Middle East peace and confront a nuclear Iran.”

The United States and Israel must intensify efforts to recall and implement shared goals and values—specifically peace talks. Israel is calling for negotiations without preconditions, and has accepted the “proximity talks” that could jump start a stalled process. This is where attention and focus must now return. It is incumbent now for the United States and Israel to ensure that the enemies of peace do not use a diplomatic dispute to release the Palestinians from their peace negotiation obligations.
Comments

B'nai B'rith Welcomes Companies Severing Business Ties with Iran 

3/12/2010

Comments

 
B’nai B’rith International welcomes the decision of Royal Dutch Shell and other multinational firms to curtail business dealings with Iran.This week, Shell announced that it has not supplied gasoline to Iran since last year. B’nai B’rith International has long called for severe sanctions against the Iranian regime as a means to stop Iran from its quest to develop nuclear weapons. B’nai B’rith recently endorsed Senate actions that would deprive companies that provide gasoline to Iran access to funds from U.S. banks.

B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said, “We welcome this action by a company of the international significance of Royal Dutch Shell. However, we note with concern that the company has not renounced nor disclosed whether it has other links to Iran. To be most effective, we urge Shell to sever all business ties to Iran.”

Published reports indicate that about 40 percent of the gasoline used for domestic purposes in Iran is imported. Denying access to refined petroleum products would put severe pressure on the Tehran regime and severely damage Iran’s economy.

B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said, “The greatest threat to the world comes from the development of Iranian nuclear weapons. While governmental sanctions are an essential tool to put pressure on Iran’s leaders, voluntary cessation of all trade is certainly welcomed since such action by the companies themselves can hasten the adoption by countries of sanctions against trade with Iran. We call upon other companies doing business with Iran to take the responsible step of ceasing such business.”

B’nai B’rith notes that several commodities traders such as Vitol Holdings, B.V.; Trafigura; and Glencore International, AG have also announced that they have stopped gasoline sales to Iran. Several other multinational companies, including Ingersoll Rand, Caterpillar, General Electric, Huntsman, and Siemens have also agreed to end their business contacts with Iran.
Comments

New OAS Report Finds anti-Semitism in Venezuela; B’nai B’rith Submits Testimony 

3/8/2010

Comments

 
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has issued a new report, “Democracy and Human Rights in Venezuela,” that reviews civil, political, and social rights in the Latin American nation. The Commission expressed concern about reports of anti-Semitic incidents targeting the Venezuelan Jewish community.


The report cites written testimony from B’nai B’rith International Assistant Director of the Center for Human Rights and Public Policy Adriana Camisar, who noted several anti-Semitic incidents, including graffiti that had appeared on Jewish buildings in Venezuela with slogans such as “Child Killer,” “Jews Out,” and “Jewish Dogs.” Camisar also noted a growing number of swastikas on Jewish institutions.

“This report provides conclusive evidence of the Venezuelan government’s hostility toward Jews,” B’nai B’rith International President Dennis W. Glick said. “The fact that Caracas did not cooperate at all with the report, even denying IACHR inspectors into the country for first-hand observation, demonstrates how closed and repressive Venezuela has become.”

An independent arm of the Organization of American States, the IACHR noted numerous violations of democracy and human rights in addition to issues of anti-Semitism.

“Venezuela, under President Hugo Chavez, has become inhospitable to all seekers of democracy and human rights,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “When not overtly or covertly encouraging anti-Semitic acts, Caracas turns a blind eye to incidents that a democratic government should forcefully condemn. It is unacceptable for anti-Semitism and other hate crimes to be endorsed—either overtly or covertly—by a government.”

As a civil society organization accredited at the Organization of American States, B’nai B’rith International, an organization with members throughout Latin America, has been involved with the working group that is preparing an Inter-American Convention against racism and all forms of discrimination and intolerance for years. B’nai B’rith is taking a lead role in ensuring that the draft convention includes a specific reference to anti-Semitism.

Venezuela provides an important example of how urgently such language is needed.

Comments
<<Previous

    Press Releases:

    See where B'nai B'rith International stands on the issues.

    For more information contact: Media Relations, by phone at 202-857-6699 or by e-mail at mediarelations@bnaibrith.org

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    February 2010
    January 2010
    November 2008

    Categories

    All
    6th & I
    Achim Gate/City Lodge
    Aepi
    Africa
    Alan Dershowitz
    Alan Gross
    Alberto Nisman
    Allan J. Jacobs
    Al-Shabab
    Amal Alamuddin
    Amazon
    American Hospital Association
    American Jewish Press Association
    Amia
    Anti Semitic Attack
    Anti-Semitic Attack
    Anti Semitism
    Anti-semitism
    Argentina
    Auschwitz
    Australia
    Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
    Bahrain
    Ban Ki-moon
    Barack Obama
    Bas Belder
    Baseball
    BDS
    Beersheba
    Belgium
    Ben-Gurion
    Benjamin Netanyahu
    Benny Gantz
    Bershad Scholarship
    Berta Rubinsztejn
    Black Lives Matter
    B'nai B'rith
    Bnai Brith
    B'nai B'rith Europe
    B'nai B'rith International
    B'nai B'rith Magazine
    B'nai B'rith World Center
    Boston
    Boston Red Sox
    Boycott
    Brazil
    British Parliament
    Budget
    California
    Canada
    Canadian Supreme Court
    Catholic Church
    Center For Senior Services
    Chile
    Christians
    Combat Anti-Semitism Movement
    Commission Of Truth
    Community Achievement
    Community Service
    Confederate Flag
    Conflict Kitchen
    Congress
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Cristina Fernández De Kirchner
    Css
    Cuba
    Cyprus
    Daniel S. Mariaschin
    David Cameron
    Death Of Klinghoffer
    Death Threat
    Democracy
    Denmark
    Department Of Housing And Urban Development
    Diaspora Reporting Award
    Disability Insurance
    Disaster And Emergency Relief Fund
    Disaster Relief
    Divestment And Sanctions Movement
    Doudou Diène
    Ebola
    Etsy
    EU
    Europe
    European Commission
    European Court Of Justice
    European Union
    Events
    Fatah
    Florida
    Fort Worth
    France
    Gaza
    GC4I
    Geneva Convention
    Geoffrey Corn
    Germany
    Grant Oliphant
    Greece
    Hamas
    Harari
    Harpercollins
    Hassan Diab
    Health Care
    Hezbollah
    Holocaust
    Holocaust Denial
    Holocaust Education
    Holocaust Remembrance Day
    House Of Commons
    Iaea
    ICC
    Ichrpp
    IDF
    Ilhan Omar
    Immigration Reform
    Impact: Emerging Leaders Fellowship
    Interfaith
    International Community
    International Council Of B'nai B'rith
    International Criminal Court
    International Day Of Solidarity With The Palestinian People
    Intolerance
    Iran
    Iraq
    Isis
    IsraAID
    Israel
    Israel-Hellenic Forum
    Israeli Embassy
    Israeli Embassy Bombing
    Israeli Medical Care
    Israel Palestine
    Israel-palestine
    Item 7
    Jerusalem
    Jewish
    Jewish Refugees
    Jewish Rescuers Citation
    Jews Of Spain
    John Kerry
    Jonathan Pollard
    Joseph's Tomb
    Joseph Wybran
    Juan Carlos Varela
    Julio Maria Sanguinetti
    Justice For Jews From Arab Countries
    Kenya
    King V. Burwell
    Klaus Netter
    Kosher Food
    Kristallnacht
    Larry Lucchino
    Latin America
    Leadership Forum
    Lebanon
    Letter
    Light-rail Station
    Macklemore
    Mahmoud Abbas
    Maidenform
    Medicare
    Metropolitan Opera
    MFA
    Middle East
    Mohammed Zarif
    Monaco
    Natalie Portman
    National Healthcare Award
    Nazis
    Negotiations
    New York
    Nikki Haley
    Normalization
    Nostra Aetate
    Nuclear Iran
    Nuclear Weapons
    Oasi
    Obamacare
    Orange
    P5+1
    Palestine
    Palestinian Authority
    Palestinian Liberation Organization
    Panama
    Passover
    Payroll Tax
    Peace
    Philanthropy
    Philippines
    Podcasts
    Policy And Advocacy
    Policy Forum
    Pope Francis
    Portugal
    Prince Albert Ii
    Project H.o.p.e.
    Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
    Rabbi Shimon Pessach
    Radio And Machine Workers Of America
    Ralph Hoffman
    Rashida Tlaib
    Restitution
    Restitution And Holocaust Education
    Reuven Rivlin
    Rich Umbdenstock
    Rockower Awards
    Rolling Stones
    Romania
    Rwanda
    Sally R. Schneider Scholarship
    Scholarship
    Sears
    Senate
    Senior Housing Network
    Seniors
    Senior Services
    Shimon Peres
    Simon Rockower Jewish Journalism Awards
    Slovakia
    Social Security
    South Carolina
    State Of The Union
    Statute Of Limitations
    Stephane Richard
    Stereotypes
    Students Speak Out
    Survivors
    Switzerland
    SXSW
    Syria
    Terror
    Terrorism
    The Daily Show
    The Heinz Endowments
    Tony Blair
    Trevor Noah
    Twitter
    UAE
    UE
    UNESCO
    U.n. General Assembly
    Unhrc
    United Arab Emirates
    United Electrical
    United Nations
    United Nations Human Rights Council
    United States
    UNRWA
    Un Security Council
    Unto Every Person There Is A Name
    Urban Outfitters
    Uruguay
    U.s. Supreme Court
    Vandalism
    Vatican
    Venezuela
    Virginia State Bar
    Voting Rights Act
    Warsaw Ghetto
    West Bank
    We Walk To Remember
    William Schabas
    World Center
    World Central Kitchen
    World Union Of Jewish Students
    World Zionist Congress
    WUJS
    Yemen
    Yom Hashoah
    Yom Kippur

Connect With Us

About B'nai B'rith

Contact Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Programs


Support Our Work

Attend an Event
Become a Member
Donate Now
B'nai B'rith Apparel

Subscribe

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Stitcher
​Youtube
​​
© 2021 - B'nai B'rith International 

1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N
Washington, D.C. 20036

Phone: 202-857-6600
Privacy Policy 
Picture
  • About Us
    • 175th Anniversary >
      • Timeline
    • Annual Report >
      • 2020 Annual Report
      • 2019 Annual Report
      • 2018 Annual Report
      • 990 Forms
    • Presidents Book
    • Around the World >
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Canada
      • Cuba
      • Europe
      • Israel
      • Latin America >
        • Argentina
        • Brazil
        • Chile, Bolivia and Peru >
          • Anti-Semitism Forum in Santiago 2019
        • Northern Latin America and the Caribbean
        • Organization of American States (OAS)
        • Uruguay and Paraguay
      • South Africa
      • United States >
        • Allegheny/Ohio Valley
        • Chesapeake Bay
        • Colorado
        • Evergreen
        • Golden Pacific
        • Great Lakes >
          • B'nai B'rith Great Lakes Scholarship Program
        • Greater Florida
        • Kentucky
        • Liberty
        • MetroNorth
        • Midwest
        • New England
        • North Central
        • Southern California >
          • Knesset B'nai B'rith
        • Omaha, Nebraska
        • Southern Communities >
          • Atlanta, Georgia
        • St. Louis, Missouri
        • Texarkoma
        • Tri-State
    • Departments & Careers
    • Calendar
    • Events >
      • 2020 National Healthcare Award
      • 2020 B'nai B'rith Leadership Forum
      • Jewish Holiday Calendar
      • Continuing Education
    • Insurance Programs
    • Leadership
    • Programs >
      • BBRAVO
      • For Communities >
        • Project H.O.P.E.
      • For Culture and Education >
        • Unto Every Person
        • Center For Jewish Identity
        • Enlighten America
        • Museum and Archives >
          • B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum® Collection
          • Holocaust Art Resource List
          • Palestine Mandate Coins
        • Smarter Kids - Safer Kids
      • For Kids >
        • B'nai B'rith Cares for Kids
        • Diverse Minds
    • Senior Staff
    • B'nai B'rith Connect >
      • B'nai B'rith Connect Fall 2019 Newsletter
      • Past Connect Events
    • Privacy Policy
  • Global Advocacy
    • Take Action!
    • Anti-Semitism / None Shall Be Afraid >
      • About None Shall Be Afraid
      • B'nai B'rith on the Front Lines
      • Resources
      • Students Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism Contest
      • Take Our Pledge
    • AJIRI-BBI
    • IMPACT: Emerging Leaders Fellowship
    • Intercommunal Affairs
    • Tolerance and Diversity
    • Europe
    • Latin America
    • Canada
    • Israel and The Middle East
    • United Nations
    • United States
  • Israel
    • World Center – Jerusalem >
      • Sally Bein
    • Israel and the Middle East
    • Israel Emergency Fund
    • Fighting BDS
    • History in Israel
    • Center Stage 2020
    • Previous Center Stage Editions
    • Jewish Rescuers Citation >
      • Jewish Rescue
  • Seniors
    • CSS Response to COVID-19
    • Virtual Trainings
    • CSS Advocacy
    • 50 Years of Senior Housing
    • 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
    • Community Support
    • Cuba Relief >
      • Cuba Missions
      • Get Involved
      • Cuba Blog
      • Where We Work
      • Cuba History
    • Disaster Relief >
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Haiti
      • Latin America
      • United States >
        • SBP-New York Thanks B'nai B'rith Disaster Relief
  • News & Media
    • B'nai B'rith Impact
    • B'nai B'rith Magazine >
      • 2020 Winter B'nai B'rith Magazine
      • Magazine Archives
      • Past Magazine Articles
    • Expert Analysis >
      • Policy and Advocacy
      • Israel
      • Seniors
      • Jewish Identity
      • Community Action
    • In the News
    • Sign Up For B'nai B'rith Email Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars and Conversations
    • Zero.Dot.Two Initiative
  • Partner with Us
    • B'nai B'rith Today
    • Give to B'nai B'rith
    • Membership
    • Planned Giving & Endowments >
      • Bequests
      • Charitable Gift Annuities
      • Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT)
      • Donor Testimonials
    • Giving >
      • Donate Stock
      • Foundations & Corporate Giving
      • Tribute Cards
      • Shop AmazonSmile
      • Purchase B'nai B'rith Apparel
    • Disaster Relief
    • Tree Of Life
    • Contact Form
  • B'nai B'rith Extra
    • Content For You
    • Upcoming Events