​(Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
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B’nai B’rith International condemns the United Nations Security Council’s failure to pass a common-sense resolution proposed by the United States that would extend a crucial arms embargo on Iran.

The vote was: two yes votes; two no votes; 11 abstentions.

In its failure to renew these sanctions, the U.N. Security Council has enabled a rogue regime that threatens the entirety of the Middle East – and others far beyond – to become an even more dangerous threat to global peace and security.

The resolution would have kept in place the arms embargo imposed on Iran, which under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was set to expire in October.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.

(Washington, D.C., Aug. 13, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:  
 
We strongly hail a breakthrough agreement that will normalize ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. 
 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed today signed what are now called the Abraham Accords, solidifying normalized relations between their two nations. A diplomatic exchange of ambassadors will take place soon.
 
We commend the White House for its role in helping to bring this agreement about.
 
These accords will now join the peace agreements between Israel and Egypt and Israel and Jordan as stabilizing influences in the region and send a strong message to those who seek to promote chaos that their efforts will not succeed.
 
B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.

​(Washington, D.C., August 10, 2020)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International is disappointed President Trump has signed an executive order cutting the payroll tax. As the revenue source for Social Security, any potential cuts to the payroll tax will erode one of our nation’s most important programs for seniors.

As the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income, nonsectarian housing for seniors in the United States, we understand the critical role Social Security plays for older Americans. Social Security funding provides vital resources so seniors can afford housing, health care and nutrition. It must not be tampered with as a substitute for federal stimulus legislation.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we call on Congress and the White House to reach a bipartisan solution that provides desperately needed economic relief – especially financial resources – for seniors and Americans who rely on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assisted senior housing. The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) and the Emergency Housing Assistance for Older Adults Act of 2020 are important bills that secure funding for senior housing as a response to the coronavirus.

We urge Congress to ensure any federal stimulus legislation honors the provisions of these bills, and call on lawmakers to pass legislation immediately.

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., August 6, 2020)--Israel’s outgoing permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Danny Danon, was the guest today on a virtual program hosted by B’nai B’rith. In a wide-ranging conversation with CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, Danon talked about his five years at the world body and the unique diplomatic challenges that Israel faces.

“We have bilateral negotiations with more than 160 countries, [and] we have many more quiet relationships,” Danon said. “We have a lot of friends. The challenge is to actually [convince them to] stick up publicly about the way they feel about Israel. I [have] spent a lot of energy doing that.”

He also praised B’nai B’rith’s role in supporting Israel’s relations with the international community.

Danon talked about what he’s most proud of during his tenure. “For me, the greatest achievement was the moment I was elected,” representing Israel, “to become the chairman of the Legal Committee. When I decided to run for this position, many colleagues in Jerusalem told me, ‘You’re out of your mind, Danny… There’s no way you can win,’” he said. “There was strong opposition from the Arab League and the Palestinians… but at the end of the day, I received the support of 109 member states and 44 voted against me. It proved to me that we could do anything at the U.N.”

One highlight of the discussion, organized by B’nai B’rith’s Office of U.N. Affairs and the B’nai B’rith World Center in Jerusalem, concerned Israel’s strengthening relationships with African countries. “We are opening more embassies in Africa, and we have strong friends that are not afraid to stand with Israel,” Danon said. “It proves to everybody that you can be a friend of Israel and a successful leader… We see other countries following the footsteps of [Rwanda’s] President Kagame publicly acknowledging the opportunity and the will to cooperate with us.”

Danon is optimistic about expanding Israel’s ties to other countries through means other than security cooperation, emphasizing that many countries can benefit from Israel’s expertise in “water, food security and health.” He wants Israel to take even more of a proactive role in “offering solutions to the problems of the world.”

Prior to his U.N. role, Danon served as a Member of Knesset from the Likud party, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, Deputy Minister of Defense and Minister of Science, Technology and Space, among other positions.

To watch the full interview, click here.

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.