Contact B'nai B'rith

1120 20th Street NW, Suite 300N Washington, D.C. 20036

info@bnaibrith.org

202-857-6600

(Jerusalem, Nov. 27, 2018)— B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem conducted a six-day mission to Israel last week with 12 members of Congress from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, the first of its kind undertaken by B’nai B’rith.

B’nai B’rith brought the congressmen to Israel to encounter first-hand the security and political challenges facing the country, its strong democratic institutions and its culture, history, technological innovation and demographic diversity.

The mission kicked off with a meeting with Reuven Azar, head of the Foreign Policy Department, National Security Council and foreign policy advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The delegation conferred with Shmulik Bass, director for Latin America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and met with Knesset member Sharren Haskel (Likud), chair of the Israel-Chile Parliamentary Friendship Group, at the Knesset.

The group was also briefed by Knesset Member Haim Jelin (Yesh Atid), chair of the Israel-Argentina Parliamentary Friendship Group, near his home at the Israel-Gaza border and received strategic briefings near Israel’s borders with Syria and Lebanon.

In Jerusalem, they visited the Holy Sepulchre, Yad Vashem, the Israel Museum and the Western Wall. Uruguayan-Israeli journalist Jana Beris (who is also known by her maiden name, Jerozolimski) and educator-guide Gabriel Ben Tasgal discussed current affairs with the group, including the peace plans since the Oslo Accords and the situation between Israel and Palestinians since 1948.

Other highlights of the itinerary included visits to Bethlehem, the Galilee, the Jordan River and the Golan Heights. The group was introduced to Israeli high-tech at OrCam Technologies and Taglit innovation center.

The delegation was assembled in close cooperation with B’nai B’rith Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Director Alan Schneider, B’nai B’rith Director for Latin America Eduardo Kohn and B’nai B’rith Chile Director Jorge Zeballos accompanied the mission.
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.