B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International is outraged to learn that Iran is campaigning for the position of rapporteur during the next session of the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee, a committee which handles issues of international security and disarmament. Iran’s brazen and cynical attempt to win a leadership role on this committee would turn it into a farce.

On top of Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program—for which the regime has been repeatedly sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council—Iran is the world’s most active state-sponsor of international terror, supplying arms to a number of terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah.

Iran is seeking leadership positions in U.N. bodies to gain legitimacy for the regime. In May, Iran chaired the United Nations-sponsored Conference on Disarmament by way of conference protocol and a rotating chairmanship. The United States and Canada refused to participate in the conference during Iran’s tenure as chair.

Iran has continuously stonewalled international attempts to deal with Iran’s illegal nuclear weapon program. Its actions are completely antithetical to the objectives of the committee and U.N. member states must put pressure on Iran to withdraw its candidacy for rapporteur. 

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B'nai B'rith International is outraged over a federal appeals court ruling declaring unconstitutional a 2002 law allowing Americans born in Jerusalem to name Israel as their birth country in their U.S. passports. The court viewed the issue as a foreign policy matter to be dealt with by the executive branch.

In issuing its decision in Zivotifsky v. Secretary of State on July 25, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sided with current and previous administrations, which have resisted entreaties to officially declare Jerusalem part of Israel.

In an amicus brief, B'nai B'rith and other Jewish organizations argued that the law was in fact constitutional because passport information is merely for identification and not to be interpreted as a statement of U.S. foreign policy.

B'nai B'rith hopes the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case on appeal and reverse the lower court's decision. We will continue to monitor the situation and press for a more just, and logical, result for Americans born in Israel's capital.

B’nai B’rith International commends the European Union for designating the “military wing” of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization but maintains that the entirety of Hezbollah—including its “political branch”—needs to be blacklisted as well.

“The EU decision to ban Hezbollah’s ‘military wing’ is an important first step, but it is not nearly enough,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “The distinction between Hezbollah’s ‘military’ and ‘political wing’ has been contrived—it’s a distinction unrecognized by Hezbollah itself. Without an across-the-board designation blacklisting the entirety of Hezbollah, this could prove to be only little more than a symbolic move without the power to significantly curtail the operations of the terrorist organization.”

After an investigation by Bulgarian officials confirmed Hezbollah was behind the bombing of a bus in Burgas, Bulgaria, one year ago, which killed six individuals (including five Israelis) and injured 32 others, the EU designation is an important, official acknowledgement of the terrorist priorities of Hezbollah. However, by distinguishing between Hezbollah’s “military” and “political wings,” the European Union has conferred legitimacy to the organization’s political operations, unless it moves forward and bans the political branch as well.

It is unclear what impact this designation will have on Hezbollah’s ability to carry out its terrorist atrocities. A partial ban will likely prove ineffective at preventing future terrorist attacks like the one in Burgas, especially since Hezbollah’s political leadership also directs the military and terrorist operations. With legitimacy within Europe, the political branch of Hezbollah can continue to raise funds, recruit, acquire technological training and materials, and broadcast incendiary propaganda through such media as its Al-Manar television station, all of which could inevitably serve to support Hezbollah-backed acts of terror.

“The European Union needs to ensure that this first step of blacklisting the ‘military wing’ of Hezbollah is just that—a first step,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Without a similar designation to the ‘political branch,’ Hezbollah will likely be able to continue business as usual, drumming up political and financial support across Europe unfettered. This designation is important, but, unless the European Union is willing to do more, it very well could be a feckless move.”

B'nai B'rith International deeply mourns the loss of Joseph H. Domberger, who passed away on Saturday, July 20. As a former B’nai B’rith International Senior Vice President, for two decades B’nai B’rith presidents have named Joe as a Special Advisor, relying on his superb counsel and leadership. Joe was an Honorary Life President of B'nai B'rith Europe and a founding member of the B’nai B’rith World Center Board of Trustees. In 1996, Joe was recognized with the Moe and Berdie Kudler Award for Outstanding Leadership by his dear friend and mentor Honorary President Jack J. Spitzer.

We were both fortunate to have served with Joseph Domberger, and to have enjoyed his friendship, as well as that of his late wife, Jacqueline. As we fondly remember this extraordinary leader, we encourage you all to read a candid interview posted on the B’nai B’rith Europe website to learn more about his inspiring life and devotion to family, B'nai B'rith and Israel:

http://www.bnaibritheurope.org/bbeurope/en/who-we-are/meet-the-executive/199-interview-with-joseph-h-domberger-honorary-life-president-of-bnai-brith-europe

May his memory serve as a blessing.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

In the June 28 edition of Tribune Co. newspapers, a crossword puzzle was distributed which used the clue “Shylock, e.g.” with a corresponding answer of “Jew.” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin wrote Peter Liguori, president and chief executive officer of  Tribune to express outrage over the deeply offensive word choice.

B’nai B’rith is pleased to learn that Tribune has since apologized for the offensive term and B’nai B’rith has accepted the apology.

Managing Editor of Tribune Content Agency Mary Elson wrote B’nai B’rith offering remorse for the term’s appearance and pledging vigilance that such a matter would not occur again.

In the letter Elson said: “The puzzle should not have been distributed with that clue and answer, and I sincerely apologize for the offense it caused. The issue has been discussed with the creators and editors involved, and the clue will not be used again in a Tribune Content Agency puzzle.

We are sensitive to racial and cultural references in the content we distribute, and we regret that this slipped through without the proper review.”

B’nai B’rith is encouraged by Elson’s note and Tribune’s commitment to avoiding future religious, racial or cultural affronts.

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

One year ago in Burgas, Bulgaria, a suicide bomber attacked a bus filled with Israeli tourists and ultimately killed five Israelis, the Bulgarian bus driver and injured 32 others. B’nai B’rith remembers those who perished in the attack and the injured. B’nai B’rith Bulgaria will be in attendance for tomorrow’s memorial ceremony in Burgas.

The ceremony will commemorate the lives lost, as well as honor the emergency personnel who responded to the attack. Family members, government officials, diplomats and members of the Jewish community will be in attendance. B’nai B’rith Bulgaria will lay a wreath in memory of the victims.

Bulgarian officials investigated the attack and found that Hezbollah was behind it. The European Union Council of Ministers, at their meeting in Brussels next week, are expected to discuss the issue of designating Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, a position B’nai B’rith has consistently urged the EU to do.

The attack occurred on the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Argentine-Israelite Mutual Association Jewish center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and wounded 300.

This attack on Israelis, occurring on the AMIA anniversary, is a chilling reminder that the threat of international terror knows no boundaries. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the victims and their families. 

B’nai B’rith International marks the 19th anniversary of the bombing attack on the Argentine-Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) building in Buenos Aires. With Argentina and Iran entering into a pact this year to “investigate” the bombing, we are concerned that justice may never be served.

In January, Iran and Argentina agreed to create a “Commission of Truth,” an “independent” group that will investigate the 1994 bombing that killed 85 people and wounded 300. This is all despite the fact that Iran’s ties to the terrorist attack are well known and documented.

In 2006, after a massive investigation and review of the evidence, Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman detailed how top Iranian leaders including Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran’s president at the time, and Ahmad Vahidi, today’s minister of defense, ordered Hezbollah to kill Jews in Buenos Aires. Recently, Nisman was scheduled to travel to the United States to testify before Congress on his findings. Instead of supporting him in his efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, Nisman’s own government barred him from travelling to the United States. This makes the embrace of Tehran by Argentina all the more troubling.

“It’s very difficult to understand why the Argentine government is suddenly so close to Iran,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “Since Argentina and Iran signed this pact, they’ve become very comfortable with each other. It’s unsettling that we’re nearly two decades removed from this tragedy and it seems the Argentinean government is not only uninterested in the prosecution of the terrorists, but they’re make trade agreements with them instead. The situation is incredibly disconcerting.”

Iran still clings to the outrageous claim that foreign agents and Zionists are responsible for the worst terrorist attack in the history of Latin America.

“In the last year the AMIA bombing ‘investigation’ has really reached a new level of absurdity,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “The Argentineans have essentially agreed to a murder investigation with the killer as a co-detective. This “commission” won’t produce any meaningful results and this sham of an agreement is the ultimate mark of disrespect against the victims and their families.”

For 19 years, B’nai B’rith, with its deep ties throughout Latin America, has called for those responsible for this attack to be brought to justice. Our calls will only grow louder with the disgraceful pact between Argentina and Iran.

In the meantime, we pledge to never forget the victims and their families and to keep pushing for the arrest of the attackers.

B’nai B’rith International is outraged by a decision of the European Union Institute that undermines the chance for a negotiated peace process by imposing unilateral restrictions on Israel, while further isolating the Jewish state.

New guidelines by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU) would restrict funding, grants and overall cooperation by the EU with any Israeli institutions beyond the 1967 lines.

“These guidelines clearly display the longstanding EU double standard and obsession with Israel to the point of outright discrimination,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “Syria’s civil war and Iran’s march toward nuclear weapons do not get the same attention as Israel.”

The document’s bias is clearly evident as specific non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are singled out to comply with the guidelines. Additionally, Gaza is noted as an occupied territory, despite the fact that Israel withdrew all presence from Gaza in 2005—eight years ago.

“This decision undercuts the recent efforts of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to restart negotiations. For years, the Palestinians have refused to sit down with Israel. This EU move can now only further set back that eventuality,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “The EU cannot be seen as an objective player in the peace process while issuing restrictions like these.”

These E.U. guidelines are on par with the United Nations’ standard operating procedure regarding Israel. The EU and the United Nations seem ready and willing to do the Palestinians’ bidding, instead of urging the Palestinians to negotiate—without preconditions—directly with Israel; something Israel has long been ready to do.

Following in the footsteps of the United Nations, these new EU guidelines set up obstacles by imposing pre-conditions and revealing international bias against Israel. 

B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith condemns the Polish Parliament for rejecting a bill that would have legalized the Jewish ritual slaughter of animals. On July 12, the parliament voted 222-178 against a bill that would have legalized kosher and halal slaughter in a slaughterhouse.

This ruling is profoundly concerning, as it restricts the religious freedoms of both the Jewish and Muslim communities. Some have attributed the vote by some members of parliament to misinformation and the work of animal rights groups.

B’nai B’rith applauds those in the Polish Parliament who voted in favor of legalization, as they recognized the importance of religious freedom in a democratic society. We hope they will take any legislative action necessary to preserve a vital right and need of Poland’s Jewish minority, itself a vital part of the country. 

B’nai B’rith International has expressed astonishment over reports that Syria and Iran may seek seats on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Reuters reported that the chronic human rights abusers are vying for two of the four contested seats allotted to Asian countries at the UNHRC.

“If accurate, it is unfathomable that these countries would try to join the Human Rights Council when their actions show that they could not care less about human rights,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “The Syrian government is engaged in committing atrocities in its own country and has been accused of using chemical weapons. Iran is the world’s leading state-sponsor of terror and, among countless other misdeeds, is assisting Syria in its war. What do they think they could possibly bring to the council?”

The U.N. General Assembly will vote on new council members this fall. The winners of the election will hold three-year terms.

“The Human Rights Council continues to allow itself to be manipulated for the worst of political purposes,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Both Syria and Iran commit gross human rights violations on a day-to-day basis. It would be an absurdity for them to join the council.”

B’nai B’rith will work at the United Nations to make sure member states understand the danger of electing Iran and Syria to the UNHRC.