B'nai B'rith Latin American Hosts Spanish-Language Virtual Program on U.N. Durban Conference7/29/2021
September Summit Will Mark 20th Anniversary of Racism Conference Tarred by Anti-Semitism (Washington, D.C., July 29, 2021)--As part of its global efforts to heighten awareness of the 2001 World Conference against Racism—a United Nations event in Durban, South Africa, that was hijacked by anti-Israel and anti-Semitic bigots—B’nai B’rith Latin America yesterday held an online program in Spanish addressed by Marina Rosenberg, Israel’s ambassador to Chile. The world body plans to mark the 20th anniversary of the Durban conference with a summit on Sept. 22.
B’nai B’rith—which brought the largest multinational Jewish delegation to Durban, led by the organization’s then-President (and current Honorary President) Richard D. Heideman, and has been in the forefront of Jewish communal engagement with the U.N. since 1945—is urging countries to decline to participate in the commemoration. Already, the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Germany have indicated that they will not take part. In her presentation to Spanish-speakers across the Western Hemisphere, Rosenberg noted that while the U.N. celebrates the Durban fiasco, Israel celebrates its deepening ties with both important regional neighbors and key democracies abroad. Yesterday’s virtual program was opened by B’nai B’rith International U.N. Affairs Chair Millie Magid, who recounted the organization’s long history of leadership on the issue of Durban and Israel’s record as a singularly humane and diverse democracy. She declared, “Zionism most certainly is not racism, but anti-Zionism absolutely is anti-Semitism.” The 2001 Durban Declaration and Programme of Action singled out Israel alone for implied characterization as racist. The 2009 Durban Review Conference in Geneva—at which B’nai B’rith also mobilized the largest Jewish contingent—was addressed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Holocaust-denier who openly and frequently promoted Israel’s destruction. Offering first-hand testimony from Durban on yesterday’s program were Ram Tapia, a former executive vice president of B’nai B’rith Chile who was a member of the B’nai B’rith delegation at Durban, and Eduardo Kohn, B’nai B’rith International Latin American affairs director and B’nai B’rith Latin America executive vice president, who was also a member of the delegation in 2001. In his remarks, Tapia described the successful efforts by B'nai B'rith prior to Durban to have anti-Semitism referenced in the Durban Declaration—but also the shocking reality of violent hatred faced by Jewish delegates at Durban. He decried the complicity of the U.N. in allowing the conference to be derailed by enemies of Israel. B’nai B’rith held a high-level counter-conference on Durban’s 10th anniversary in New York in 2011 and is taking action in advance of the 20th anniversary summit this September. Through published op-eds, interventions at the U.N. Human Rights Council, letters to world leaders, meetings with ambassadors globally and virtual programming in multiple languages, B’nai B’rith is committed to confronting the toxic legacy of Durban. In addition to yesterday’s program, a B’nai B’rith event for the French-speaking world was held earlier this month featuring Yehuda Lancry, a former Israeli ambassador to France who was his country’s permanent representative to the U.N. at the time of Durban. More major programming will be held as the actual anniversary approaches in late August and September. The July 28 program may be watched here. For additional resources, visit https://www.bnaibrith.org/durban-at-20. 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 International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin sent the following letter to Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever, regarding Ben & Jerry's boycott of Israel: Alan Jope
Chief Executive Officer Unilever Dear Mr. Jope: On behalf of B’nai B’rith International’s more than 100,000 members and supporters in over 40 countries around the world, we write to express our deep dismay at the decision by Ben and Jerry’s to cease activities in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. Ben and Jerry’s is participating in a discriminatory boycott aimed at weakening Israel’s security and isolating the Jewish state within the international community. We understand that Ben and Jerry’s operates under an independent board, but Unilever remains the parent company of a brand that is now taking part in a global movement that is anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist. BDS’ own founders have indicated that their goal is the elimination of the Jewish state. The sole focus of their ire is not any of the world’s worst human rights abusers, but rather the Middle East’s only democracy. Their denial of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state in the region not only threatens Israel’s security, but hinders the peace process. B’nai B’rith calls on Unilever to reverse Ben and Jerry’s decision and resume the brand's business activities in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem. Unilever should not allow such a vicious act of hatred and discrimination to take place under its name. Respectfully, Charles O. Kaufman Daniel S. Mariaschin President Executive Vice President and CEO B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin Addresses Global Forum for Combating Anti-Semitism7/15/2021
(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. (Washington, D.C., July 11, 2021)—B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
As co-sponsors of today’s NO FEAR: A Rally in Solidarity with the Jewish People, in Washington, D.C., we are proud to stand with all those who declare that it’s time to push back the rising tide of anti-Semitism, in the United States and around the world. Anti-Semitism is everyone’s problem. We echo the sentiments of today’s speakers. Meghan McCain noted, "We cannot be quiet and we cannot be silent and first and foremost, above all else, we cannot be scared." The fight against anti-Semitism needs a wide, diverse coalition. Former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman told the crowd, "The fight against anti-Semitism is a bipartisan issue." And Hussein Aboubakr, Egyptian American activist, said, “anti-Semitism is anti-Semitism, whether from a Muslim, a Christian, an atheist or even a Jew." Joshua Washington, executive director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel was adamant that a firm commitment to fighting anti-Semitism is vital. "If there’s one message I want to leave you with it’s do not concede. Do not concede a single inch of your humanity. Do not concede a single inch of your heritage." Sienna Girgenti, B’nai B’rith’s program director for Strategic Engagement, along with Trey Meehan, chair of B’nai B’rith Connect-D.C., who represented us at the rally today. B’nai B’rith’s None Shall Be Afraid initiative provides resources for identifying and combating the world’s oldest hatred. Learn more here: https://www.bnaibrith.org/none-shall-be-afraid.html. 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., June 17, 2021)--B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
B’nai B’rith International salutes the State of Texas for approving the establishment of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide and Anti-Semitism Advisory Commission. Rep. Phil King and Rep. Craig Goldman set into motion the adoption of the legislation, which was signed into law June 16 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Both houses of the Texas Legislature approved the legislation without any opposition. In addition to expanding the scope of the state’s Holocaust and Genocide Commission, it also contains the definition of anti-Semitism created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which has been adopted by more than 30 countries around the world, not to mention a growing number of universities, companies, even professional sports associations. Anti-Semitism has festered in the world for thousands of years. It has become embodied in the demonization and denunciation of the sovereign State of Israel. It has become the impetus of false narratives and revisionism in the United Nations and other governmental bodies as to Israel’s very legitimacy as a homeland to the Jewish people. Even in modern-day life we see ever-expanding seeds of evil planted against the Jewish people, not the least of which is the perpetuation of such libels as blaming Jews for the spread of COVID-19 and politicization of vaccine effectiveness in Israel or the lack thereof elsewhere. We hope the new law will put haters on notice that scapegoating Jews through actions and weaponized words is not only wrong but unacceptable. If we curb the appetite for hate against Jews, we will naturally curb the appetite for hate against all freedom-loving Americans. B’nai B’rith groups in Texas and other local Jewish organizations were among 50 signatories supporting the legislation. 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. 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. (Washington, D.C., May 21, 2021)--B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We are deeply concerned by the surge in physical, verbal and online attacks against Jews nationwide and globally. Diners assaulted in Los Angeles and New York; families attacked as they walk; synagogues vandalized; convoys of cars driving through Jewish neighborhoods shouting expletives at residents; “Hitler was right” trending on Twitter. These attacks are reminiscent of the pogroms of the pre-Holocaust era and in the 19th century in Europe. That such actions are gaining widespread acceptance in an age of modernity is horrifying and mystifying. They are simply unacceptable and intolerable. As we monitor these attacks, we urge elected officials, religious leaders, popular culture figures and others to speak out against what they know is wrong, to publicly condemn these hate crimes. Take Action! Stop Attacks Against Jews Congress must mobilize in response to the recent surge of violent anti-Semitism to unequivocally condemn attacks on Jewish individuals and institutions and deplore inflammatory anti-Israel rhetoric, which incites anti-Jewish violence. Join us as we call on Congress to act now to combat anti-Semitism. 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. (Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2021)--Winners of the “Students Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism. A Creative Video Production Contest,” were honored Tuesday at a virtual awards ceremony hosted by B’nai B’rith International and the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM), co-sponsors of the contest.
This unique public awareness campaign was created to strengthen the fight against anti-Semitism, hatred and discrimination. The contest challenged high school and undergraduate university students around the world to create two- to three-minute videos to boost education about anti-Semitism and the prejudice, bigotry, hatred and violence it engenders. The three winners are: Porter Christensen of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah for “Universal Acceptance.” Diego Israel Rivera Berumen of Colegio Libre de Estudio Superiores (CLEU) in Guadalajara, Mexico for “Peace Will Thrive.” Madeleine Stern of Broadneck High School in Annapolis, Maryland for her video, “Anti-Semitism is Everywhere: Stop Hate.” Following the premiere of her video, Stern said, “I cannot stop after the ceremony ends. Neither can you. We must educate others. We must not be bystanders when we witness acts of hate…we must stand up for what is right.” Katharina von Schnurbein, European Commission coordinator on combatting anti-Semitism, provided an opening greeting. B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin said, “We had an impressive slate of entries from students around the world. The passion and commitment to recognizing anti-Semitism, and fighting against it, is an encouraging sign that this serious problem is getting serious attention from next-generation leaders. Congratulations to our winners, and to all participants, for thinking about this global problem, and global solutions, in such a meaningful way.” Kaufman and Brig. Gen. (Res.) Sima Vaknin-Gill, senior advisor to CAM, addressed the winners. Kaufman commended all of the contest participants and said, “I know these students can and will fight back. They understand the meaning of Never Again. And never means never. They are not afraid, and I pray their work will influence many others.” Vaknin-Gill said she was proud after seeing the videos and addressed the winners: “You are the crucial element in the fight against anti-Semitism…You are the future and that is why we invest in you so much, because it is up to you to take the fight further.” Sienna Girgenti, B’nai B’rith program director for strategic engagement, and Daniel West Cohen, director of partnerships for CAM, hosted the award ceremony. See the full award ceremony 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. (Washington, D.C., Dec. 17, 2020)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
We applaud the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019. Approval of this bipartisan legislation sends a strong message that the U.S. will not tolerate anti-Semitism anywhere in the world. The bill provides the State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism with new resources to bolster the fight against global anti-Semitism. It also solidifies combating anti-Semitism as a priority of U.S. foreign policy and will help the Special Envoy confront other governments about this persistent social illness. We would like to thank Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for introducing the Senate legislation, as well as the Democratic and Republican Senators who co-sponsored the bill and pushed for its passage. We also thank Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), one of the bill’s original co-sponsors, for noting B’nai B’rith’s support of the legislation in her statement on the bill’s passage. We urge the House of Representatives, which passed its own bill in 2019, to quickly approve the Senate version of the legislation. We call on President Trump to then sign the bill into law. B’nai B’rith has argued for a State Department Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism since the creation of the position with the passage of the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004. We view the ability of such an official to bring the prestige and authority of the U.S. government to bear on this issue as invaluable to the global effort. 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. |
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