B’nai B’rith Opens Israel Emergency Fund to Support Israel Communities Hit by Terror Attacks5/13/2021
(Washington, D.C., May 13, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International is opening its Israel Emergency Fund to help communities in Israel rebuild and recover, even as Hamas continues its rocket barrage targeting Israel.
Over the past days, Hamas has fired more than 1,500 rockets at Israel, many targeting Tel Aviv. Jewish homes and synagogues have also been attacked by Palestinian mobs. We stand in support of Israel and its citizens in the face of these attacks, and of Israel’s right to defend itself against them. Supporting Israel and the Jewish people is core to the mission of B'nai B'rith International. Those wishing to donate to the B’nai B’rith International Israel Emergency Fund can do so here. All funds raised will go toward helping Israeli communities rebuild and recover. 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., May 12, 2021)--During a briefing for B’nai B’rith leaders about the latest on the situation in Israel, Eran Lerman, vice president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, summarized the situation: “Why is Hamas doing it? Answers are fairly straight forward: It has been cornered. They pinned their hopes on the Palestinian elections.” He continued that “Hamas is livid with [Palestinian leader Mahmoud] Abbas and these rocket attacks and violence are part of the internal Palestinian power play.”
He addressed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strategic decisions for its defensive response, noting that the idea to remove some high-level—but not top-level—Hamas operatives is to disrupt Hamas capabilities and send a powerful message. In response to a question from President Charles O. Kaufman about the future of Gaza, Lerman said that the IDF does not want to rule over millions of additional Palestinians. That the IDF can defeat Hamas “at any moment of our choice” but if it does so, then Israel “will inherit the Gaza strip for a prolonged period of time.” Lerman also said that part of this strategy is to keep an eye on Iran. Israel does not want to tie up its forces fighting Hamas when Tehran’s ceaseless threats against Israel continue. Lerman and Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem, agreed there is perhaps a bigger issue to be considered beyond the current violence. Lerman also said that beyond the rocket fire and the attacks on synagogues, which he likened to pogroms, there is a serious long-term issue of a “profound rift” that may set back many years “in terms of Jewish-Arab relations,” and that this issue is one of Israel’s political future. He said that the deeper problem is “how to restore Jewish-Arab relations. That will take more work and more complicated work than anyone anticipated.” Schneider added that it is vital to “put Hamas back in the box,” but that the ongoing issue is “the Arabs we live with.” The need to deal with that intercommunal issue is a serious problem, he said. Lerman noted that Hamas is clearly committing war crimes and that Israel should welcome an International Criminal Court investigation, but he does not expect the ICC to investigate Hamas. Lerman and Schneider agreed that Israelis have yet to feel the presence of American Jewry’s support, in a much louder and clearer manner. CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, who moderated the briefing, said of B’nai B’rith, “We count ourselves among Israel’s staunchest supporters.” He added that we will continue to work day and night to advocate for a strong and secure Israel. 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., May 11, 2021)—B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
In light of ongoing Hamas terror attacks against Israel and Fatah’s incitement of violence against Israelis, we call on the White House to abandon plans to open a consulate in East Jerusalem and to rescind any permission for the PLO to open an office in Washington, D.C. The clear support for these attacks that has come from Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas shows, without question, that the PA gives approbation to those using violence in Jerusalem. Abbas has declared this uprising “the battle of all battles; that the long struggle against a satanic colonialist force” is at hand. A more peaceful and certain result would be to come to the negotiating table to discuss a real, tangible outcome. Central to Hamas’ doctrine is a call for Israel’s destruction. It is becoming increasingly clear that the PA refuses to choose a path toward resolving this conflict. In light of that, keeping these offices closed would send a strong message that promoting violence against Israel is a dead end. 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., May 10, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We strongly condemn Hamas and Fatah for ongoing violence and rocket attacks against Israel. Riots in Jerusalem and on the Temple Mount have targeted Israeli forces and civilians alike, and rockets have been fired from Gaza at Jerusalem and southern Israel. We specifically condemn Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah for their constant incitement and calls to violence against Israelis. We stand with Israel and its people as they face this ongoing violence and unrest. We call for an end to the incitement and violence exhorted from both Gaza and the West Bank and stand in solidarity with Israel and its right to defend itself in the face of such attacks. We encourage the media around the world to use caution in formulating their accounts of the situation. The Palestinians are using all means to demonize Israel. 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. On August 31, B’nai B’rith Will Lead Communal Response to 20th Anniversary of Event Poisoned by Anti-Semitism
(Washington, D.C., May 3, 2021)—B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement: B’nai B’rith International, which brought the largest multinational Jewish delegations to the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa, and its follow-up meetings in 2009, strongly commends the United States for having reportedly committed not to take part in a United Nations summit marking the event’s 20th anniversary in September. The 2001 conference was poisoned by manifestations of virulent anti-Zionism and open anti-Semitism. B’nai B’rith, which has led Jewish engagement at the U.N. since the world body’s founding in 1945, will spearhead the community’s response to the forthcoming summit with a major event on August 31. Over the past year, B’nai B’rith—which also organized a high-level event in New York upon Durban’s 10th anniversary in 2011—has worked to ensure continued awareness of Durban’s toxic legacy by speaking publicly on the topic at U.N. forums, publishing relevant commentary and privately reminding ambassadors from around the world that the fight against racism must not be undercut by crass politicization and outright bigotry. The Durban Declaration and Programme of Action singled out only one country—the world’s only Jewish state and the Middle East’s only pluralistic democracy, Israel—for obscene implied characterization as racist. The 2001 conference’s NGO Forum went even further, defaming Israel alone as a “racist apartheid state”—and urging discrimination against those engaging with it—while Jewish participants were subjected to shocking physical and verbal abuse. As a result, B’nai B’rith led a Jewish walkout at Durban—joined ultimately by key democratic countries. The subsequent 2009 Durban Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, was nonetheless addressed by Holocaust-denying Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. B’nai B’rith salutes the U.S. administration for taking a principled decision, like its predecessors, to deny legitimacy to a U.N. framework that purports to fight prejudice but is fundamentally marred by it. We urge all countries of goodwill to do similarly—and we will continue to insist that all forms of hate, including those targeting Jews, not be given a platform by foremost international institutions. 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. Nurit Canetti (Galay Zahal) and Dan Lavie (Yisrael Hayom) Greer Fay Cashman (Jerusalem Post) to receive Lifetime Achievement Award (Jerusalem, May 2, 2021)--The B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem has announced the winners of its Award for Journalism Recognizing Excellence in Diaspora Reportage for 2021:
Canetti broadcasted numerous programs and podcasts that raised fundamental issues pertaining to Diaspora communities and Israel-Diaspora relations in the course of 2020. Lavie published more than 20 articles that appeared in both Hebrew and English on challenges faced by Diaspora communities, including the COVID-19 crisis. This is the first time Yisrael Hayom has received the award and the second time for Galay Zahal. In addition, Greer Fay Cashman, who has appeared in the Jerusalem Post for more than 45 years, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the author of the popular “Grapevine” column and the paper’s correspondent at the Office of the President of Israel. Since its establishment in 1992, the B’nai B’rith World Center Award for Journalism has recognized excellence in reporting on contemporary Diaspora Jewish communities and on the state of Israel-Diaspora relations in Israeli print, broadcast and online media. The award is widely recognized as the most prestigious prize in the Israeli media industry for Diaspora reportage and was established to help strengthen the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora. The award highlights the important contributions the media can make toward strengthening the relationship between Israel and world Jewry by encouraging quality reporting on Diaspora communities and Israel-Diaspora relations. The distinguished members of the award jury are: Ya'akov Ahimeir, past editor and anchor, Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation and Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2016; Professor Yehudith Auerbach, School of Communication, Bar-Ilan University; Professor Sergio DellaPergola, The Institute of Contemporary Jewry, Hebrew University; Sallai Meridor, former Israeli ambassador to the United States and former chairman of the Zionist Executive and Jewish Agency for Israel; Professor Gabriela Shalev, Higher Academic Council, Ono Academic College and former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations; journalist Yair Sheleg; Asher Weill, publisher and editor of “Ariel,” The Israel Review of Arts and Letters (1981-2003). The Awards are presented in memory of the late Wolf Matsdorf, editor of the World Center-Jerusalem’s journal “Leadership Briefing” and a journalist in Israel and Australia, and his wife Hilda, a pioneer in social work in both Australia and Israel, and in memory of Luis and Trudi Schydlowsky. The award is made possible through donations from the Matsdorf family and B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem board member Daniel Schydlowsky. For further information, please contact Alan Schneider, Director, B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem: 02-6251743; 052-5536441. 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., April 30, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the scenes of the stampede at Mount Meron in Northern Israel at what should have been a joyous Lag B’Omer celebration. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the victims and those injured in this terrible tragedy, as well as their families. More than 100,000 people were gathered at Mount Meron for the religious celebration. According to reports, the stampede began around 1 a.m. on Friday, resulting in at least 44 dead and more than 150 injured. We would like to thank first responders and rescue workers for their efforts at the scene of the tragedy. 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., April 28, 2021)—B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We listened to President Joe Biden’s address to a Joint Session of Congress tonight with an ear trained on some of our top organizational priorities. We commend the president for calling for bipartisan consensus in favor of police reform, gun violence legislation, comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act. Meaningful progress in these areas however will result only from serious engagement between the two parties. We support efforts to reduce gun violence in fighting crime in this country. B’nai B’rith has long advocated for sensible gun laws. We support increased background checks and limiting access to the deadliest weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, whose sole purpose is to kill many people as quickly as possible. We advocate for bipartisan legislative solutions to the problem of gun violence. We are encouraged by the president’s focus on infrastructure and note that affordable housing is often included in this topic. As the largest national Jewish sponsor of low-income housing for older adults, we closely track the ongoing need to create more affordable housing. We hope that whatever infrastructure bill emerges includes provisions for expanding affordable housing. Biden called for a combination of “diplomacy and stern deterrence” to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Deterrence must include the continuation of firm economic sanctions until Iran abandons its nuclear aspirations. But we are concerned that this formula may not be enough. We remain skeptical of Iran’s intentions. Immigration has become one of the defining issues of the last few years. We commend the president for focusing on this issue during his address. We support returning the refugee cap to earlier levels. B’nai B’rith has long supported comprehensive immigration reform that combines enforcement with a path to citizenship. We urge lawmakers to focus on a bipartisan solution to the immigration issue. B’nai B’rith will monitor progress on the initiatives announced tonight and continue to offer our expertise, analysis and guidance. 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. B’nai B’rith Commends European Parliament Resolution Mandating Transparency in UNRWA Curricula4/28/2021
(Washington, D.C., April 28, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We commend the European Parliament for passing a resolution demanding transparency in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) curricula taught in Palestinian schools. Current curricula and textbooks used by UNRWA are filled with hatred toward Jews and Israel and incite violence. The resolution demands that “UNRWA acts in full transparency and publishes in an open-source platform all its educational materials for teachers and students, as well as its reviews of host country textbooks used to ensure that content adheres to U.N. values and does not encourage hatred.” It states that EU funding should be conditional on UNRWA complying with the UNESCO “standards of peace, tolerance, coexistence and nonviolence.” We strongly support this sentiment. Earlier this month, B’nai B’rith, along with other Jewish organizations, urged members of Congress to sign a letter to the U.N. Secretary General also asking for increased transparency and accountability over UNRWA curricula. The resolution is an important step in holding UNRWA accountable and sends a message that the presence of hatred against Jews and violent speech in its educational materials will not be tolerated. We urge other multilateral organizations and countries to follow in the European Parliament’s footsteps. 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. B’nai B’rith Outraged by Human Rights Watch Report Accusing Israel of “Apartheid” and “Persecution”4/27/2021
(Washington, D.C., April 27, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are outraged by a new Human Rights Watch report accusing Israel of “persecution” and “apartheid.” In its report, the group, which is known to have an anti-Israel bias, defames Israel. The use of the term “apartheid” against Israel, the Middle East’s only pluralistic democracy and a staunch defender of human rights, is profoundly unjust. We wholly reject the accusations made in the Human Rights Watch report. Israel’s harshest critics often use this apartheid language in an attempt to delegitimize the Jewish state. This pervasive singling out of Israel on the world stage must stop. 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. |
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