B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International strongly condemns the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) for holding a two-day anti-Israel conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War. The event, predictably, turned into a marathon smear campaign against Israel, which featured anti-Semitic questions from the audience and calls by panelists for boycotts of Israel.

Saeb Erekat, a featured speaker on the event's first day, said that “Hamas and the PFLP are not terrorist organizations.” Both organizations have long been involved in attacks that have sought to murder scores of Israeli civilians. The Palestinian Authority, which Erekat represented at the forum, continues to pay stipends to imprisoned terrorists and to family members of suicide bombers.

Erekat also made blatantly offensive comparisons between Israel and ISIS while saying—without any basis in logic—that the only way to defeat ISIS was to "end the occupation." He further tried to smear Israel as an apartheid state, “deeper than the [apartheid] in South Africa.”

Responding to criticism that organizations tapped to speak at the conference had ties to the terrorist groups Hamas and PFLP, the chair of CEIRPP absurdly claimed that precautions had been taken to make sure that no organization or individual on the U.N.'s list of terrorists organizations were invited. That list, however, contains only ISIS and Al Qaeda affiliated groups and individuals.

This conference has plainly shown why the United Nations must end the mandate of CEIRPP when it comes up for a vote again this fall. U.N. member states must stop the millions of dollars that are being poured into bureaucratic organs within the U.N. system whose sole purpose is to propagate the Palestinian narrative and attack Israel.

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International is disappointed by the Israeli government’s decision to cancel part of its plans for an egalitarian section at the Western Wall.
 
A historic agreement was passed in January 2016 that included an expansion of the non-Orthodox section at the Kotel, the creation of a communal entrance to non-Orthodox and Orthodox areas and the establishment of a government committee comprising different Jewish denominations to oversee the non-Orthodox section.
 
The decision in the last few days to reverse that plan is distressing to many Jews, both in the Diaspora and in Israel.
 
We support all efforts to expeditiously re-visit the agreement in its entirety and resolve all outstanding issues in the interest of Jewish unity. In the meantime, construction of the egalitarian section should proceed. 

Friedman’s First Public Speech Since Appointment as Ambassador to Israel

United States Ambassador to Israel David M. Friedman delivered the keynote address at the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem’s Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage. This marked Friedman’s first public speech since his appointment.
 
Friedman talked about Jewish unity in his address: “B’nai B’rith is perfectly situated to help lead this effort, because in 1843, when B’nai B’rith was founded there was no Israel and Diaspora, no religious and non-religious, no Orthodox, Conservative, reform. In 1843, we were just a bunch of Jewish people who were desperate for advocacy and help, for sustenance and guidance. It is not a time we want to go back to but the spirit of B’nai B’rith when it was formed without judgment, without conflict, without checking people’s Hechsher, but just saying that we are all in this together and with just a wish to help advance the interests of the Jewish people—that is the spirit that is so needed today.”
 
The ceremony honored Yaniv Pohoryles, home page editor and writer for the Jewish World section of Ynet, on June 27 in Jerusalem.
 
Pohoryles was chosen for a series of nine articles published over the course of 2016 that covered Jewish communities in the U.S. and France, Jewish demography, Israel-Diaspora relations, Jewish sportsmen, fundraising, Aliyah and Kosher food in the Diaspora, among other topics. Pohoryles studied political science and international relations at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he was chief editor of the student newspaper, The Donkey’s Mouth. He later wrote for Globes, Maariv and Yedioth Ahronoth.

​A special citation for fostering Israel-Diaspora relations through the arts was conferred upon Israeli singer/songwriter David Broza. The citation was established by the B'nai B'rith World Center-Jerusalem in 2014, and has been conferred upon Nurit Hirsh (2014), David D'Or (2015) and Idan Raichel (2016). Broza has appeared before countless Diaspora communities, groups and organizations during a career that has spanned more than 40 years. His original songs and passionate performances are cherished throughout Israel and the Diaspora, offering a common language and point of reference for Jews of diverse backgrounds. A powerful musician, dedicated peace advocate and music industry innovator, Broza awes and inspires audiences with his sincere message and musical allure.
 
"The result of my 40 years of wandering between Jewish communities around the world is that I have been able to experience the fabric of these communities. We have to maintain contact with Diaspora Jewry also when this relationship becomes strained and also during periods when it is easier for them to disengage. But the fact that you are there makes it more difficult for them to disengage. The indelible connection between the Jewish communities around the world and the Zionist concept is something that breathes kicks, invites, embraces and at all times is intriguing. This connection is direct and unstoppable,” Borza said at the ceremony. 

The ceremony also memorialized former jury member Bambi Sheleg, who died last year. B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Chairman Haim V. Katz, Ph.D. opened the event.
 
Since its establishment in 1992, the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Award for Journalism has recognized excellence in reporting on contemporary Diaspora-Jewish communities and on the Israel-Diaspora relations in Israeli print and electronic media. The award is widely recognized as a prestigious prize in the Israeli media industry and was established to help strengthen the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora. It also highlights the important contributions the media can make toward strengthening the relationship between Israel and world Jewry—so essential for the resilience of both—by encouraging quality reporting on Diaspora communities and Israel-Diaspora relations. 
 
The distinguished members of the journalism award jury were: Yehudith Auerbach, professor at the School of Communications, Bar Ilan University; Sergio DellaPergola, professor at the Institute of Contemporary Jewry, Hebrew University; Sallai Meridor, international chairman, Jerusalem Foundation, former Israeli ambassador to the United States, former chairman of the Zionist Executive and Jewish Agency; Gabriela Shalev, Higher Academic Council, professor at Ono Academic College and former Israel ambassador to the U.N.; Yair Sheleg, columnist at Makor Rishon; Asher Weill, publisher and editor of ARIEL-The Israel Review of Arts and Letters from 1981-2003.
 
The B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Award for Journalism is named for the late Wolf Matsdorf and his wife Hilda. Wolf Matsdorf was an editor of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Journal “Leadership Briefing” and a journalist in Israel and Australia. Hilda Matsdorf was a pioneer in social work in both Australia and Israel.
 
The award is made possible through donations from World Center International Board of Governors member Prof. Daniel Schydlowsky (Lima, Peru and Washington D.C.) in memory of his parents Luis and Trudi and Mr. Peter Matsdorf. 
​
Click here for an audio recording from the event and to read media coverage.

BCRA Would Be Detrimental to Many, Especially Seniors
 
B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International strongly urges the United States Senate to use the July 4 recess to improve the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA). As written, the measure would have adverse consequences for many communities, including low-income seniors. B’nai B’rith has been a long-time advocate for healthy aging for seniors. This plan could put in grave danger many tools currently in place to help seniors navigate health care.
 
Monday’s Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score finds that under the BCRA the number of low-income older Americans without insurance would substantially increase. 
 
Among the many troubling aspects of the BCRA is a Medicare payroll tax repeal, which would speed up the Medicare insolvency rate. Weakening the financial well-being of Medicare could put in jeopardy health care benefits that low-income seniors rely on.
 
Similar to health care changes proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate’s BCRA turns Medicaid into a block grant program to be administered at the state level. Doing this places deep fiscal strains on already-suffering state budgets, which in turn, could adversely affect seniors of limited means. For example, without significant Medicaid assistance, the cost of nursing home care could be out of reach for too many. Where would those people go?  
 
Despite the Senate’s plans for inclusion of protections for those with pre-existing conditions, we are deeply troubled that older Americans will have to pay higher costs for essential health care benefits such as chronic disease management and hospitalization.  
 
Also, under the BCRA older Americans are allowed to be charged five times more than younger people. This would cause a dramatic spike in health care costs for older adults.
 
Countless low-income seniors could face fiscal ruin under the Senate’s proposed plan. More hearings and debate amongst lawmakers should occur before this legislation is put up for a vote.

HUD Section 202 Rally at U.S. Capitol Features Seniors, Senators, House Members

B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
At a rally on Capitol Hill today, B’nai B’rith International and its co-hosts called attention to the devastating impact that the proposed government budget cuts would have on low-income seniors and the need for more affordable housing.
 
B’nai B’rith co-hosted, with LeadingAge, a Save HUD 202 rally, organized to call attention to the vital need for funding for Section 202 housing, which provides housing assistance for seniors of limited means. This type of housing is essential to low-income seniors who might not receive fully funded rental subsidies in the federal government’s 2018 budget. This is a direct threat to the housing needs of our most vulnerable seniors.
 
B’nai B’rith’s long history with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 202 housing program started in 1971 when we formed a partnership with HUD to sponsor housing for seniors of limited means. The B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network in the United States comprises 38 buildings and serves more than 8,000 people. B’nai B’rith is the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income housing for seniors in the country.

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International Director of Latin America Affairs Eduardo Kohn, International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy Assistant Director Sienna Girgenti and B’nai B’rith Mexico President Dan Tartakovski represented the organization during the 47th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), held from June 19-21 in Cancun, Mexico.
 
Kohn, Girgenti and Tartakovski met with a number of high-level leaders, including OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto. They also met with foreign ministers from Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay to discuss issues of human rights, terrorism and the dangerous situation in Venezuela.
 
B’nai B’rith International is an accredited civil society organization at the OAS. 

Teen Writing Contest Rewards Stories About Tolerance with College Scholarships; Book Publication

Two Bronx High School of Science students will share a $5,000 college scholarship for their creative and insightful book advocating tolerance and diversity.
 
The winner of this year’s Diverse Minds Writing Challenge in the NYC-area is “I’m Going to Be Me,” written by Yingchao He and illustrated by Trinh Nguyen, seniors at Bronx High School of Science in Bronx, N.Y. Diverse Minds is a contest where high school students write and illustrate children’s books to help elementary school children celebrate and appreciate tolerance and diversity.
 
This education and awareness initiative was created as part of B’nai B’rith programming that promotes tolerance and communicates a message of equality among all citizens. The contest aims to enlighten, inspire and educate America's young people and their families in an effort to eradicate prejudices and strengthen ties among today’s youth.  
 
He and Nguyen were announced the winners at an award ceremony at the Actors Temple Theatre on June 21.
 
From the start, the students wanted this story to focus on gender stereotypes in society. “We hope this story can be an eye opener and a thought-provoking inspiration for children and adults alike to see the world, not just as blue and pink, but as many different colors, hobbies and preferences. It would be the most incredible honor to be able to spread the message of this story to the world.”
 
He and Nguyen were congratulated by B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin and B’nai B’rith Director of Corporate Partnerships Melanie Marconi.
 
“For the last nearly 30 years, I have traveled the world on behalf B’nai B’rith, and I have met with world leaders, peoples of all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs, and the worst of what I have seen always stems from a foundation of intolerance, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. So, it is always heartening for me to see the idealism, hope and conviction of this next generation and the young people who participate in the Diverse Minds Writing Challenge. It is needed now more than ever, and it is why we at B’nai B’rith are so committed to this program and the substance that it conveys,” Mariaschin said.
 
This year a panel discussion, “These Diverse Minds: Tolerance & Inclusion Practices for the Next Generation,” was added to the event. Topics discussed during the panel were equal rights, inclusion and justice, and actionable ways to promote these ideas in their schools, homes and communities. Panelists included Mariaschin as the moderator; Kandace Coston, editorial assistant at Lee & Low and­ the first winner of Diverse Minds NYC; Kimberly Mann, chief of the Education Outreach Section at the United Nations Department of Public Information; and Jill Hausman, rabbi at the Actors Temple.

By placing first, He and Nguyen will share a $5,000 college scholarship and their book has been professionally published. It will be distributed to local schools, libraries and community organizations, as well as to the annual TODAY Show Holiday Toy and Gift Drive. Their book will also be accessible in an e-book format and will be available on iTunes and Amazon as a free download.

Second place winners Jackson Rocke and Ella Shea, also from Bronx High School of Science and The Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights, N.Y. wrote and illustrated “Career Day” and will share a $2,000 scholarship.
For the second year in a row, Townsend Harris High School in Queens, N.Y had a student place in the top three: Third place winner Emma Fujita wrote and illustrated “Colors of the Sea” and won a $1,000 scholarship.

Teacher Nick McConnell, who advised He and Nguyen on their first place book, received a $1,000 grant to be used for classroom or organizational materials. Bronx High School of Science also received a $500 grant.

B’nai B’rith has now published 37 original children’s books, in two different languages (English and Spanish), awarded more than $300,000 in college scholarships and grants and donated more than 42,000 books to public schools, libraries and community organizations across the country.

A diverse panel of judges from the worlds of education, the arts, business and government, along with B’nai B’rith International leaders, reviewed the submissions and selected the winners. Judges this year included: Rhonda Love, B’nai B’rith International vice president of programming; Michael D. Cohen, eastern director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center; Lawrence J. Krule, president of the Jewish Book Council; Kristina Rodulfo, associate editor of ELLE.com and 2008 winner of Diverse Minds; Naomi Kleinberg, editorial director of licensed publishing at Random House Children’s Books; Andrea Louie, executive director of Asian American Arts Alliance; and Ryan John Koch, director of New York Public and International Affairs at LDS church.

This year’s contest was generously supported by an anonymous donor and the panel discussion, “These Diverse Minds: Tolerance & Inclusion Practices for the Next Generation,” was supported by First Data.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B’nai B’rith International and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following joint statement:
  
We welcome the third trilateral summit between Israel, Greece and Cyprus, held in Thessaloniki, Greece, June 15, 2017. The summit again demonstrates the ongoing commitment between the three countries, which share common democratic values, principles and interests, to strengthen their strategic partnership to provide stability to the eastern Mediterranean region. The announcement of a fourth summit to be held in Cyprus in late 2017 is a further indication of the partnership’s development and significance.
 
We are encouraged that the trilateral relationship is addressing critical sectors such as: energy cooperation, specifically in the field of natural gas; infrastructure and water; research and innovation, which is so vital to Greece; and foreign affairs, including enhanced relations between the EU and Israel. The importance of such a forum where discussions are held at the highest levels of government about the Middle East peace process, the Cyprus settlement talks, terrorism, and migratory flows—all critical to the region’s security—cannot be overstated. Moreover, we continue to see growth in other critical sectors, such as tourism, that are a direct result of this strategic partnership.
 
Furthermore, we applaud the unveiling of a plaque to mark the construction of a new Holocaust museum and the summit’s condemnation of the denial of the Holocaust and all forms of anti-Semitism, racial discrimination and xenophobia. 
 
Finally, we welcome the summit’s recognition of the importance of cooperation between the diasporas of the three countries, especially in areas of culture, education and youth. For our part, we take pride in providing broad support and encouragement for advancing the trilateral relationship’s advancement, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future.
 
In January 2016, our four organizations joined together for the second Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece; and are planning a third combined mission in 2018. The groundbreaking inaugural mission was held in January 2014 and led to greater understanding between our communities and the greater recognition of our common values, intents and aspirations.

Letter to Committee Laments Politicization of Cultural Preservation

B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
The ongoing politicization of the work of the World Heritage Committee is outrageous. The vital role of cultural preservation that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) plays has been compromised again and again by inflammatory resolutions that have sought to erase the established, and thousands-of-years long, connection of Jews to Israel.
 
We sent a letter to the World Heritage Committee expressing our alarm at these unfolding efforts.
 
 “As you know, the Palestinians and member states hostile to Israel are likely at the upcoming WHC session to raise matters related to the cities of Jerusalem and Hebron. On Jerusalem, the Palestinians have devastated UNESCO’s reputation by putting forward past inflammatory resolutions that have absurdly sought to erase the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount—the holiest site in Judaism—and tried to completely deny Israel's sovereignty in its capital city, to say nothing of an endless list of distortions and baseless accusations against Israel. If UNESCO is to begin to try to rehabilitate its image, the first step must be a rejection of biased, offensive resolutions on Jerusalem.”
 
We continued: “On Hebron, the Palestinians are attempting to name the Cave of the Patriarchs (Me’arat Ha’machpela in Hebrew) to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger. Though profoundly holy to three major world faiths, the site is not yet on the World Heritage list. More to the point, it is not in danger. The site is operated by Israel in accordance with agreements with the Palestinian Authority and is open to people of diverse faiths.”
 
We also noted: “Unnecessary UNESCO resolutions that attack Israel with a litany of false accusations, or deny Jews' connection to their holiest of sites, will not bring about conditions in which peace can thrive. These resolutions only make peace more difficult to achieve and will continue to degrade the credibility of UNESCO.”
 
The Jewish connection to these sites is not a changeable narrative, as the Palestinians would have the committee believe.

Click here to read the full letter.

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International strongly condemns the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) report that came out June 14 stating that Israel has used excessive force against Palestinians. This report was prepared by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), which issued an infamous report, in March 2017, accusing Israel of apartheid.
 
The U.N.’s report includes a slanderous accusation that Israeli security forces have been involved in "unlawful killings...which may have amounted to extrajudicial executions" in confrontations with terrorists carrying out (or attempting to carry out) attacks. Executions of Palestinians carried out by Hamas were not discussed in the report.

The ECOSOC report chides Israel for holding deceased terrorists' bodies as a "collective penalty,” while Hamas has held Israeli citizens—both hostages and the corpses of slain service-members—in Gaza and is not condemned for it. This report also continues the U.N. assault on Jewish culture and history by absurdly claiming that Israeli archeological excavations are effectively illegitimate, a method Israel employs to "entrench its presence in the West Bank."
 
These relentless anti-Israel accusations from the United Nations must end. Such defamation only mimics the Palestinian narrative and does nothing to advance peace in the Middle East.