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(Washington, D.C., July 15, 2021)—B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin spoke at the 7th Global Forum for Combating Anti-Semitism (GFCA), organized by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Thursday morning. Mariaschin’s speech, “Placing Contemporary Anti-Semitism in Context,” addressed anti-Semitism in the past and how it manifests today.  

Mariaschin first gave a short history of anti-Semitism and how we reached this point, including the lynching of Leo Frank in Georgia in 1915; discrimination against Jews in hiring, college admissions, housing and more; and the “Zionism is Racism” resolution adopted by the United Nations in 1975. 

He then spoke on the forms of anti-Semitism we see today, such as the attacks on Jewish institutions and, most recently, anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic rhetoric from members of the U.S. Congress.  

To combat this wave of anti-Semitism, Mariaschin suggested five approaches: Working with friends and allies of Israel; working at a local level with mayors, local media, educators and church leaders; working person-to-person to educate friends, family and colleagues; educating ourselves and others about Jewish history, especially the Jewish people’s many contributions to civilization; and encouraging the endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism.  

Mariaschin closed by emphasizing the need for cohesiveness and collaboration in the Jewish community.  

The GFCA is a biennial gathering that brings together public and political figures, diplomats, scholars, religious leaders, journalists and more to discuss the state of global anti-Semitism and how to respond to it. 

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.