(Washington, D.C., Aug. 28, 2020)--The winners of Enlighten America, the Achim Gate City Lodge’s annual essay contest for 7th through 9th graders in the Atlanta area, will receive their awards on Sunday, Aug. 30 virtually. Please click here to register on Zoom.
Daniel S. Mariaschin, B’nai B’rith CEO, will speak on the essays’ theme: “Tolerance, Equality and Respect for All.” Enlighten America began in 2000 as a B'nai B'rith International response to shootings sparked by racial and religious hatred in Los Angeles, Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York and elsewhere. This year’s theme encouraged students to stress the importance of achieving respect for diversity in race, religion, national origin, gender, disability and sexual orientation by writing about issues of prejudice and bigotry. Students were also asked to select one or more quotes from an American president, world leader or local community leader, write about the quote’s meaning and relate it to current events and today’s society. The B’nai B’rith Enlighten America program was the inspiration for our new initiative, None Shall Be Afraid. Read more 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 (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:
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., Aug. 12, 2020)--Four previous Israeli United Nations ambassadors, representing almost 20 years of history, spoke today with B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin on a virtual program about their time at the world body.
As the U.N. celebrates its 75th anniversary, Ambassadors Ron Prosor, Gabriela Shalev, Dan Gillerman and Yehuda Lancry recounted memories from their time as permanent representatives to the U.N. and its relations with Israel. Gillerman (2003-2008) recalled advice his mentor Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. diplomat, once shared following a diplomacy dispute. He reminded Gillerman that the U.N. office on 1st Avenue in New York City was nothing more than a glass building. “At the end of the day, it’s only as good as its tenants, and its tenants are the world we live in,” Gillerman said. The Durban Review Conference in 2001, which is viewed by many as the catalyst to a global renewal of anti-Semitism, made for one of Lancry’s greatest frustrations during his tenure at the U.N. “That was a big disappointment for those who felt we were advancing peace,” said Lancry, who served from 1999-2002. Durban was a really harsh setback. The conference was supposed to be on racism, but instead, it “focused on Israel. We felt frustrated.” Shalev (2008-2010) who entered the United Nations with a background in law and academia, found difficulty in transitioning to her new role as an ambassador. “Coming from academia, where we look at the truth, I found the double speech at the U.N. frustrating,” she said. “To represent Israel at the U.N. is hard labor. It’s day and night.” Prosor (2011-2015) was shocked by the “triple standards” Israel was held to at the United Nations. “One for democracies, one for dictatorships and one special standard just for Israel, which is unattainable,” he said. “I was shocked and I’m still shocked at the Europeans. It has nothing to do with what we do or we do not do. Do they go for Syria? No. Do they go for Yemen? No. Israel.” Each ambassador also offered positive thoughts and wishes for the incoming Israeli permanent representative to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan. Click here to watch the entire webinar. 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. Urges Congress to Conclude Bipartisan Stimulus Agreement(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. |
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