(Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2022)--The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA), American Hellenic Institute (AHI), B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations held a virtual Ambassadors Forum with the American ambassadors to Greece, Cyprus and Israel, Jan. 19, 2022. 

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Judith Garber and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt briefed the leadership of each of the four organizations on the 3+1 framework in the Eastern Mediterranean, touching on developments in sectors such as energy, defense and security, commerce and tourism. 

Following the briefing, the organizations issued the following statement: 

“We sincerely thank Ambassadors Nides, Garber and Pyatt for their generous time and for highlighting the importance of the trilateral partnership and the engagement of the United States as part of the 3+1 framework. 

“The 3+1 framework is in the best of interest of the United States as it fosters peace, security, stability and shared democratic values and ideals in a vital region. We will continue to lend our broad diaspora support, ideas and encouragement for advancing the framework, especially as we plan our fifth Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece later this year.” 

Participants 

AHEPA 
Supreme President Jimmy Kokotas 
Executive Director Basil Mossaidis 

American Hellenic Institute (AHI) 
President Nick Larigakis 
AHI Foundation President Leon Andris 
Board Vice Chairman James Lagos 
Board Member Kostas Alexakis 

B’nai B’rith International 
President Seth J. Riklin 
CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin 
Director of B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider 

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations 
Chair Dianne Lob 
CEO William C. Daroff 
Vice Chair Malcolm Hoenlein

Background 
In January 2020, the four organizations completed their fourth Leadership Mission to Israel, Cyprus and Greece. A fifth mission in 2022, delayed due to the pandemic, is planned for later this year. The ground-breaking inaugural mission to the three countries took place January 2014 and led to diaspora support for the tripartite, greater understanding between our communities, and the greater recognition of our common values, intents and aspirations. 

In December 2018, the four organizations co-sponsored an international conference held in Jerusalem titled “New Realities in the Eastern Mediterranean.” 

In August 2011 and December 2012 AHEPA, AHI, B’nai B’rith International and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations co-organized roundtable discussions in New York City between leaders of the American Jewish and American Hellenic communities. 

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., Jan. 15, 2022)--B’nai B’rith President Seth Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

We are relieved that the harrowing hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas ended with all the hostages safe. The four hostages were released unharmed, after being held for some 12 hours.

With synagogue attacks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Poway, California fresh in our minds, we are well aware of how this could have turned tragic.

We are immensely grateful to local and federal law enforcement for their efforts to peacefully and safely end the situation.

The hostage taker reportedly demanded the release of convicted terrorist and anti-Semite Aafia Siddiqui, who is now serving 86-years for attempted murder and assault of U.S. service members.

Threats and violence against Jews—at places of worship, at restaurants, walking down a street, online—have grown at an alarming pace in recent years. We will continue to work within our communities, with local law enforcement and with state and federal officials to help protect Jews wherever they are.

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., Dec. 21, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International has just published an essential report, pulling back the curtain on European Union (EU) assistance to the Palestinian Authority and other beneficiaries. 
 
The report, titled “Aligning Principles and Practice: EU Assistance to the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian NGOs, Rethinking the Approach to Meet Normative Goals,” is a unique, comprehensive guide to European Union funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Palestinian NGOs. It provides a deep look into serious inconsistencies in the EU’s implementation of its stated values in relation to Palestinian actors—including the unconditional nature of most funding—and offers recommendations to improve oversight and accountability. 
 
In his opening remarks on Dec. 21 at the webinar launching the report, Member of European Parliament David Lega (European People’s Party) noted, “We in the European Union must do better: We should impose clear conditions on EU funding. Thanks in large part to EU assistance, Palestinians are the largest recipients of per capita support in the world. European citizens should know that their money is used to promote peace and EU values.”
 
He highlighted the persistent issues of payments to families of convicted criminals by the Palestinian Authority as well as anti-Semitic and inciteful content in Palestinian textbooks: “[The EU] has, in the process, aided and abetted persistent human rights abuses by the Palestinian Authority and has turned a blind eye to unconscionable practices such as the payments to families of convicted terrorists, considered martyrs for the killing of Israeli civilians. The European Union has for the longest time also failed to hold both UNRWA and the Palestinian Ministry of Education accountable for gross anti-Semitism and incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis in Palestinian textbooks.” 
 
In turn, MEP Dietmar Köster (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats), noted, “One of the construction sites that we all have in our eyes very vividly is the trouble regarding the anti-Semitism in Palestinian textbooks sponsored by UNRWA. This showed once again how important it is to examine exactly whether civil organizations are used under the guise of humanitarian aid to carry out anti-Israel attitudes and actions. This fundamental issue goes far beyond educational propaganda. According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the PFLP for instance finances terrorist acts through these channels. The party tries to acquire donations from abroad with the help of a network of civil organizations. These personnel and organizational links have been discussed in Israel for a long time. The EU supports Palestinian NGOs financially. Thus, such cash flows urgently need to be checked through the EU Anti-Fraud Office.”

He later added, “As part of the European Neighbourhood Policy, the EU must therefore use its leverage with the PA for the better and advocate reforms, so that the above-mentioned adjusting screws can really be turned. This is crucial for Israel’s security and stability in the region. The PA must be held accountable wherever it exerts its jurisdiction, and the EU in turn must take a firm stand when it comes to cases of non-compliance.”

The report findings reveal that the EU has neither pushed the Palestinian Authority to significant reforms nor held it accountable for its human rights violations. The European Union has not substantively addressed the infamously persistent issue of so-called “pay-for-slay” payments—financing to the families of convicted terrorists by the PA. At the same time, the implementation of the anti-terrorism clause for NGOs has been opaque. Building on research commissioned by the European Union itself, the report addresses persistent anti-Semitism in Palestinian textbooks utilized in UNRWA schools. 

The report was released today by B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, together with Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem, and Alina Bricman, B’nai B’rith International director of EU Affairs. B’nai B’rith International is grateful to have been joined by members of the European Parliament representing the two largest political groups on a European level—Lega and Köster--as well as author and former member of Knesset Dr. Einat Wilf and the authors of the report, Dr. Tommaso Virgili and Dr. Paul Stott. 

Mariaschin stressed, in conversation with Wilf, the need for the EU and individual member states to demand accountability in their dealings with the PA, UNRWA and civil society. 
 
He noted, “[The Abraham Accords] have managed in just over one year to breathe new life and hope into the region, to bring a sense of opportunity and to present a whole new universe of partnerships and exchanges. This momentous paradigm shift is a unique opportunity for the European Union to join this positive momentum.”
 
“The EU is the biggest donor to the Palestinian Authority and to Palestinian civil society, as well as the second biggest donor to UNRWA. Given this reality, the EU has an essential role to play in the promotion of peace, but in accordance with its own values and stated goals and to date that has not been regrettably the case.”
 
B’nai B’rith looks forward to engaging with policymakers and other EU officials in the new year to remedy the challenges identified in the report. 
 
The report was initiated and overseen by Schneider and Bricman and can be found here: https://www.bnaibrith.org/uploads/1/1/6/9/116999275/bnai_brith_report_eu_assistance_to_the_pa_and_palestinian_ngos.pdf 

The launch event is available here: https://www.facebook.com/bnaibrithinternational/videos/1054525421778862

​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., Dec. 20, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International concluded its annual Leadership Forum, held virtually on Dec. 19 and 20. The two-day event featured discussions on anti-Semitism threats today, barriers to Middle East peace, polarization in the media, the Covid-19 pandemic and more.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised B’nai B’rith in a video address and described the organization’s mission as “the purest antidote to the rising tide of apathy, indifference and tribalism engulfing the world.”

Outgoing President Charles O. Kaufman opened the forum with a welcome address. He discussed the honor of being B’nai B’rith’s president “Doing the work that must be done to advance the organization’s mission … standing up with laser focus for Jews and Israel.”

B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin spoke on anti-Semitism threats we see today, saying “Hatred of Jews is unique in its longevity” and emphasizing the urgent need for governments, international organizations and leaders of society to confront the phenomenon of anti-Semitism.

In “Covering the World Through a Jewish Lens,” a conversation with Ron Kampeas, Washington bureau chief of JTA, and Jonathan Tobin, editor in chief of JNS, the two journalists spoke with Mariaschin on being Jewish journalists and the polarization we see in media today, among other topics.

Tobin said we are divided by the outlets we choose to listen to, read and watch, and that divide is growing because of social media and users’ ability to filter out points of view that don’t align with their own. “That is a formula not merely for polarization but for a tribal culture war, which is exactly what we’re living through right now,” Tobin said.

Kampeas said polarization is a challenge and that, even though he tries to direct readers to be more objective and seek out multiple news sources, he’s found that people are “mostly unpersuadable these days.”

In a video greeting, Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) spoke on the rise in anti-Semitism and extremism and highlighted B’nai B’rith’s work in calling attention to it and combating it.

Mariaschin also spoke with Einat Wilf, a former Knesset member and co-author of “The War of Return.” The conversation centered around the idea of the “right of return” and how the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (known as UNRWA) perpetuates the narrative that Palestinians are refugees, making peace impossible.

“To be a Palestinian is to be a refugee and to believe in return. What needs to change is the very conception of what it means to be a Palestinian, away from this perpetual refugeehood,” Wilf said.

She said that the very essence of UNWRA is to keep the war of 1948 going and that “for peace to take place, the war must be over.”

In a recorded video address, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, noted B’nai B’rith’s presence at the founding of the U.N. She also spoke about her trip to Israel last month—her first time there—for a week of security briefings and discussions with senior Israeli officials about anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias at the United Nations. She said during her time in Israel she saw first-hand the “serious security risks faced by Israel. It is subjected to regular attacks by terrorist organizations including Hamas and Hezbollah, both of whom are funded by Iran. The impact of Iran’s nuclear aspirations and hatred for Israel must not be ignored.”

The first day of the forum concluded with a conversation with Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, on the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic and what we can expect moving forward.

Referencing Omicron, he said that variants arise out of unvaccinated communities. “We do not have to live this way. If we can vaccinate the entire world, we can vaccinate our way out,” Hotez said.

He also emphasized the speed and collaboration of the scientific community and how it has responded to the pandemic in a very meaningful way and collaborated in a way it never has before.

On day two of the global Leadership Forum, Rep. Tom Suozzi joined Mariaschin for a conversation on issues of concern to B’nai B’rith, including funding for affordable senior housing in the Build Back Better bill, the Iran nuclear deal, anti-Israel bias at the U.N. and rising anti-Semitism in the U.S. and globally.

“I am 100% pro-Israel and will be there every single time on every single issue,” Suozzi said. He said the U.S. needs to build trust with allies and form a strong coalition against unfair treatment of Israel at the world body.

On the Iran nuclear program and the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), he was adamant that Iran “cannot be trusted” and stressed that Iran will not do something unless it is in Iran’s s existential self-interest.

In a pre-recorded interview, Mariaschin spoke with Israel’s recently appointed ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, in one of his first addresses in his new post.

Herzog warned that we are at a “critical junction” on Iran and because Tehran faces no consequences for its malign activities, it means Iran will continue to push the envelope.

On anti-Semitism, Herzog said, “We have to address the threat of anti-Semitism in a broad context,” which includes education, state measures, legal action and security.

B’nai B’rith’s newly elected president Seth J. Riklin closed out the two-day forum, speaking on his long personal history with B’nai B’rith and his goals for the organization moving forward.

Riklin, who has been part of the B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network for more than 30 years, said he has seen first-hand the number of lives our B’nai B’rith senior housing buildings benefit.

He said B’nai B’rith will increase its communication with its leaders around the globe to support each other and work toward speaking with one voice as we fight the growing scourge of anti-Semitism. In discussing anti-Semitism, he said that “throughout history, we Jews are caught in the middle. We know first-hand where these scapegoating efforts lead.”

Riklin was elected president by the B’nai B’rith International Board of Governors in a meeting preceding day one of the forum.

Joining Riklin on the newly elected B’nai B’rith leadership team are Vice Chairman Brad Adolph, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; senior vice presidents James Altman, Sydney, Australia; Eric Book, Woodland Hills, California; David Djemal, Panama City, Panama; Paolo Foa', Milano, Italy; Sandra Horowitz, Chicago, Illinois; and Gina Strauss, Miami, Florida. In addition, A.Michael Gellman, Potomac, Maryland, was reelected treasurer; and William K. Peirez, Great Neck, New York, was reelected chief justice.

Winners of the 2021 Label A. Katz Award were also announced during the Leadership Forum. The young leadership award goes to individuals under 45 who have demonstrated outstanding service to the totality of B’nai B’rith and have worked to achieve the goals of B’nai B’rith Connect, formerly the Young Leadership program. The honor has proven a good measure of future achievement in B’nai B’rith, as many presidents and top organizational leaders have won the Label A. Katz Award. 
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Scott D. Knapp, chair of Connect and a 2018 Label A. Katz recipient, presented the award to three winners—Margo Rocklin Goldman of Denver, Alberto Levy of Panama City and Joshua Sushan of Washington, D.C.  
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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., Dec. 19, 2021)--Seth J. Riklin of Houston, Texas, was elected president of B’nai B’rith International by the organization’s International Board of Governors during its triennial meeting.
 
Riklin immediately begins a three-year term leading the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. Riklin is the immediate past chairman of the Executive Board of Directors and is a longtime member of the B’nai B’rith Board of Governors and Executive Board of Directors. He has served as chair of the B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Committee and twice served as B’nai B’rith’s treasurer. 

Riklin has been part of the B’nai B’rith Senior Housing Network for more than 30 years, serving as vice president and president of the Goldberg B’nai B’rith Towers, a federally subsidized, low-income, non-denominational affordable senior housing building in Houston, Texas. Riklin’s desire to join B’nai B’rith was inspired by his father, the late Sam J. Riklin, and his uncle, Arthur Riklin, who both served as president of the San Antonio B’nai B’rith Lodge, as well as Sarah Riklin, his aunt, a past tenant of Goldberg Towers. 

Outside of his efforts for B’nai B’rith, Riklin practiced business law for almost 30 years. Riklin is the founder and current president and CEO of Hill Country Wind Power, LP and Clean Power Texas, which develop utility-size wind and solar energy projects. He is also deeply involved in his community, having served as a member of the Sugar Land Rotary Club and on the Government Relations Committee of the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce. Riklin is also a pilot and has served as captain in the Civil Air Patrol. 

Riklin received his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and bachelor’s degree in accounting from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. He has been recognized in “Who’s Who in American Law, 10th Edition.” 

Joining Riklin on the newly elected B’nai B’rith leadership team are Vice Chairman Brad Adolph, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; senior vice presidents James Altman, Sydney, Australia; Eric Book, Woodland Hills, California; David Djemal, Panama City, Panama; Paolo Foa', Milano, Italy; Sandra Horowitz, Chicago; and Gina Strauss, Miami. In addition, A. Michael Gellman, Potomac, Maryland, was reelected treasurer; and William K. Peirez, Great Neck, New York, was reelected chief justice.
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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.