Thanks Biden For Condemning Attacks Against Jews

(Washington, D.C., May 27, 2021)—B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

We wrote to President Joe Biden thanking him for forcefully condemning violent attacks against Jews. “Jews have contributed too much to the freedom, development, innovation and overall progress in this country for this matter to be treated with anything short of a full measure of attention.”

“We also call for increased funding to protect synagogues and organizations representing vulnerable communities. Appointing a State Department Ambassador at Large to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, a White House Jewish liaison, and a domestic coordinator focused on anti-Semitism in the U.S. would help focus the government’s efforts to address hatred of Jews.”

Our letter notes our organization’s history, dating to 1843, and our vital role in correcting a truly egregious piece of American history when, in “1863 we protested an order by General Ulysses Grant expelling Jews ‘as a class’ from the Tennessee Department.”

We continue: “The struggle against anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred has continued over the decades, with B’nai B’rith playing an integral role through our prolific activities in the U.S. and around the world. But while much of our attention the past two decades has been focused on the threat to Jewish communities overseas, we are now witnessing a resurgence of anti-Semitism in America the likes of which we have not previously seen.”

The president’s current efforts are an encouraging start. In our letter we also write, “More action from your administration will be needed to respond to this growing problem. We ask that you bolster protections for Jewish students on university campuses, including preserving the current Executive Order on combating anti-Semitism.”

Read the full letter 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 bnaibrith.org.