One-hundred-seventy-five years of action, advocacy and service were on full display during the B’nai B’rith International Leadership Forum in New York. Over three days, leaders, members, supporters and donors looked back at the indelible history of the organization that traces its founding to the Lower East Side of New York, on Oct. 13, 1843.

At this year’s forum, Charles O. Kaufman of Austin, Texas was elected president for a three year term. Kaufman, with decades of service to B’nai B’rith at the local, national and international levels, noted:  “Organizations that celebrate 175 years — and there aren’t that many of them — have a strong mission, great resolve for success and an impressive ability to innovate. B’nai B’rith has built a proud history because we’ve shown that being nimble, bold and committed are keys to longevity.”

Seth J. Riklin of Sugar Land, Texas was appointed Chairman of the Executive. B’nai B’rith also installed new senior vice presidents: Brad Adolph, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; Scott D. Knapp, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Roberto M. Nul, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rebecca Anne Saltzman, Centennial, Colorado; Stéphane Teicher, Paris, France; Morris Tobias, Melbourne, Australia; re-elected Treasurer A. Michael Gellman, Potomac, Maryland; re-elected Chief Justice William K. Peirez, Great Neck, New York. Gary P. Saltzman, the outgoing president who chaired the forum, was elected Honorary President.

A featured event of the celebration was a gala dinner held on Oct. 15 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. There, B’nai B’rith honored pillars of the Jewish community and celebrated our dedication and commitment to the community at the grassroots and global levels over the last 175 years.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sent special greetings to the gala: “Thank you for being such strong and long-standing supporters of the United Nations. You were present at the San Francisco conference in 1945; you have been an accredited non-governmental organization since 1947; and today you remain a dynamic presence as we strive to build a world of peace, prosperity and dignity for all.” And the secretary-general later noted: “Often been called ‘the oldest hatred’ anti-Semitism should have no place in the 21st century. Indeed, the origins of the United Nations itself are rooted in the need to learn the lessons of the Holocaust. Being true to our Charter means combatting anti-Semitism across the world, and I am strongly committed to being in the forefront of the fight against it and against all forms of discrimination.”

Corporate and community leaders honored with the Jewish Heritage Award during the gala, were prominent attorney Kenneth J. Bialkin; Andrew Borans, former executive director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and executive vice president of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation; Susan Goldberg, editorial director of National Geographic Partners and editor in chief of National Geographic Magazine; Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman and CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; active philanthropists and community leaders Adam and Gila Milstein; and David Yarus, founder of mllnnl and JSwipe.

Chip Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals and the recipient of B’nai B’rith’s  2016 National Healthcare Award, which has recognized exceptional trailblazers in the health care industry for more than 30 years, was the evening’s emcee.

The evening examined B’nai B’rith’s founding 175 years ago, and showcased how the organization was an incubator for many of today’s Jewish communal groups.

“B’nai B’rith is a unique and pivotal organization,” B’nai B’rith CEO and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin, who also delivered a key note address during the forum, said. “We meet with leaders in the fields of diplomacy and religion, at the U.N. and elsewhere around the world. We’ve evolved and expanded our mission over our 17-and-a-half decades, but our founders would still recognize our commitment to Tikkun Olam — making the world a better place.”

B’nai B’rith also hosted a conversation with Ambassador Dani Dayan, the Consul General of Israel in New York, at a luncheon discussion, part of our on-going Diplomatic Encounter Series. “Israel is stronger, more prosperous and has a better relationship with the world than we’ve ever had,” Dayan said. He went on, “Strength is a necessity,” but noted it isn’t an Israeli aspiration.

At the same diplomatic encounter event, we conferred an award for Outstanding Contributions to Holocaust Memory upon Kimberly Mann, chief of the Education Outreach Section of the United Nations Department of Public Information.

A panel discussion on The Crisis of Zionism in “Progressive Spaces” looked at the challenges facing Zionists today, where too often, they are denied a voice on issues of equality and justice. Panelists Ann Lewis, Democratic Party strategist; Amanda Berman, President/CEO, Zioness; and Emily Shire, journalist, talked about how we can work to overcome those who seek to dehumanize and alienate Zionists. “The word ‘Zionist’ is so sullied we have to reclaim it,” Berman said. “If we had challenged the narrative all along, we wouldn’t be so far behind.”

B’nai B’rith also recognized the incredible energy of top young leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to the work of B’nai B’rith. Five outstanding individuals received the Label A. Katz Award, given to exemplary individuals under the age of 45 who have demonstrated exceptional service to the totality of B'nai B'rith and have worked to achieve the goals of the B'nai B'rith Young Leadership program. Frank Goldman, Denver, Colorado; Scott D. Knapp, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Jessica Kreger, Plantation, Florida; Roni Sarfati, Petah Tikvah, Israel and Tali Schwartz, New York City, were recognized for their leadership skills and dedication to the organization.
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With a depth of expertise and knowledge, B’nai B’rith Subject Matter Experts held an interactive dialogue on some of B’nai B’rith’s top advocacy efforts: fighting for global human rights; advocating for Israel; promoting tolerance, finding inter-religious commonalities; combating anti-Semitism and the odious BDS (Boycott Divestment Sanctions) movement; supporting seniors; and providing humanitarian aid around the world.

To view a photo album from the 2018 Leadership Forum, click this link. 

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
As the Florida Panhandle is left devastated by Hurricane Michael, now a tropical storm lashing the Carolinas, B’nai B’rith International is opening its disaster relief fund. B’nai B’rith is also allocating $5,000 to support relief efforts.
 
At least two are confirmed dead from the Category 4 storm but officials fear a far greater number of casualties will be discovered once rescue efforts are fully underway.
 
We will work with local groups in impacted areas to determine possible rebuilding projects.
 
B’nai B’rith began its disaster relief program of helping communities in distress in 1865, with a fundraising drive to aid victims of a cholera outbreak in pre-state Israel. Since then, B’nai B’rith has helped countless people across the globe who have faced adversity after natural and man-made disasters. Recent donations to our Disaster Relief Fund are helping victims of Hurricane Florence, Hawaii’s volcanic eruptions, community rebuilding after California wildfires and flood victims after Hurricane Harvey.
 
If you would like to help us help communities in need, donate here to our Disaster Relief Fund: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/bbi-disaster-relief
 
Donors can also call 800-573-9057 to make a credit card contribution over the phone. Or can send a check payable to the B’nai B’rith Disaster Relief Fund to:
 
​B’nai B’rith International
Disaster Relief Fund
1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N
Washington, D.C. 20036

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:  
 
Upon the announcement of her stepping down as the United States ambassador to the United Nations at the end of the year, we strongly commend Nikki Haley for the critical contributions she has made at the world body since early 2017.
 
Haley assumed a substantial leadership role in standing up for America’s interests, its values and its democratic allies. We recognize her particularly as a steadfast friend of the State of Israel.
 
Haley was a fierce and outspoken critic of the hypocrisy and politicization that is endemic at the U.N.
 
We thank her for her continuing public service and look forward to working closely – as a non-governmental organization long at the forefront of Jewish communal engagement with the U.N. – with her successor.

New York’s Lower East Side. 1843. It's dirty. It's crowded. Conditions are not great for Jewish immigrants. Into that scene arrives 12 German Jews who meet at a beer hall — Sinsheimer’s Café — to discuss ways to make their lives and the lives of their families and the greater Jewish community, better in their new country.  

They establish B’nai B’rith on Oct. 13, 1843.

During the next 175 years, B’nai B’rith International has grown this mission. As the Global Voice of the Jewish Community, B’nai B’rith focuses on global human rights, advocating for Israel; eradicating anti-Semitism and the pernicious Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement; providing humanitarian relief to communities in need; and supporting seniors through advocacy on vital health issues. We are also the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income housing for the elderly. B’nai B’rith has had a vocal and engaged presence at the United Nations since the world body’s inception. We meet with global leaders at U.N. headquarters in New York, speak out against the vicious treatment of Israel at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and work to protect the Jewish connection to Israel at UNESCO in Paris.

Though our scope is vast, our work and results are rarely matched.

“In both longevity and impact, B’nai B’rith has more than just years on our side. The organization forever evolves and grows, recognizing changing community needs as well as broader global issues, all while holding fast to our core founding principles and values,” B’nai B’rith President Gary P. Saltzman said.
 
We date back longer than many major institutions still around today. The New York Times, Major League Baseball, The Coca-Cola Company and the Red Cross are all B’nai B’rith’s junior.

“B’nai B’rith continues to expand, building on a solid foundation,” B’nai B’rith CEO and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Our history is one of innovation. Our founders would still recognize this organization for its passion for caring and helping. Today’s B’nai B’rith is a global leader in advocating for global human rights, Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism, among our most unfaltering endeavors. With our broad reach, and depth and breadth of skills and expertise, our global impact is unparalleled.”
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B’nai B’rith will celebrate its founding, its roots and its future at the 2018 Leadership Forum and Gala dinner, Oct. 14-16 in New York.  ​

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

We are pleased to announce our 175th anniversary gala dinner will take place on Oct. 15 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. In addition to paying tribute to our founding on New York’s Lower East Side, we will also celebrate outstanding Jewish leaders of today who are impacting philanthropy on many levels.

Founded in 1843 by German Jewish immigrants, B’nai B’rith has an unparalleled commitment to championing global human rights, supporting and defending Israel, advocating for the health and well being of our seniors and administering disaster relief. We recognize and work for Jewish continuity and commit to connecting generations in global Holocaust education programming. We focus on combating anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance and inclusion education. And we recognize the importance of identifying and training the next generation of Jewish influencers.   

Chip Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals and the recipient of the 2016 National Healthcare Award, which has recognized exceptional trailblazers in the health care industry for more than 30 years, will serve as the evening’s emcee. This once-in-a-lifetime gala evening will be a celebration of our dedication and commitment to the community over the last 175 years.

We will be honoring several corporate and community leaders with the Jewish Heritage Award, including prominent attorney Kenneth J. Bialkin; Andrew Borans, former executive director of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and executive vice president of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation; Susan Goldberg, editorial director of National Geographic Partners and editor in chief of National Geographic Magazine; Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman and CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; active philanthropists and community leaders Adam and Gila Milstein; and David Yarus, founder of mllnnl and JSwipe.

Bialkin’s practice with the firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom encompasses a broad range of corporate and securities law matters, including activity in U.S. and international merger and acquisition and corporate finance transactions, and SEC enforcement matters. Bialkin has previously served as chairman of ADL, chairman of the America-Israel Friendship League, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. He has served as a strong advocate for Israel and the American Jewish community in the face of adversity.

Borans is actively involved in a number of national and international Jewish causes, including AIPAC, Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, B’nai B’rith International, Hillel and Chabad on Campus. He has been the recipient of several awards for his tireless dedication to Israel and commitment to the Jewish people, and is a noted authority on the Jewish student experience on university campuses.

Goldberg has been a journalist for nearly 40 years, including serving as the top editor for two major metropolitan newspapers, The San Jose Mercury News and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. In 2013, she was voted one of Washington D.C.’s 11 most influential women in the media by Washingtonian magazine; in 2017, Washingtonian again selected Goldberg, naming her among the most powerful women in Washington, D.C. across professions. She is active in professional journalism organizations, and sits on the boards of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU, and also is on the board of the National Museum for Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.

Hoenlein was the founding executive director of the JCRC of Greater New York and of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry. Hoenlein appears regularly in the media, has three weekly national radio broadcasts and has lectured and met leading officials around the world. He has received numerous awards from U.S. and foreign governments and institutions, including four honorary doctorates.

Adam Milstein is a co-founder and National chairman of the Israeli-American Council, an organization that strengthens the Israeli and Jewish identity of our next generation, the American Jewish community, and the bond between the peoples the United States and the State of Israel. Gila Milstein sits on the board of several organizations, including the American-Israel Education Foundation and StandWithUs. She is the president of Stand By Me, an organization that supports Israeli-American cancer patients and their families.

Yarus’ mllnnl is a social and creative agency that helps global brands and Jewish nonprofits like Taglit-Birthright Israel, Hillel International, Schusterman Foundation and the Israeli Consulate understand and engage the millennial consumer. JSwipe is the world’s largest and fastest-growing Jewish dating app, with more than 1 million users across 70 countries — acquired by Spark Networks in 2015. He is passionate about human connection, millennial empowerment and all things future.​

The gala dinner is part of B’nai B’rith’s annual Leadership Forum, which brings together members and supporters from across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Australia for lively and topical debate and exchange.