(Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2019)—B’nai B’rith International President Charles O. Kaufman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:
 
It is with deep sadness and anger that we condemn the attack on Nessah synagogue in Beverly Hills on Shabbat. Police are classifying the shocking attack as a hate crime.
 
In the early hours of Saturday morning, a vandal broke into the synagogue, overturned furniture and damaged religious objects.
 
The synagogue was founded by Persian Jews who fled the 1979 revolution in Iran. It is unthinkable that they should have to face religious persecution in the United States.
 
Whether in Brooklyn or Beverly Hills, local officials and law enforcement must protect citizens and institutions. Being able to worship or walk on the street without fear or intimidation should be a given.
 
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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(Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 2019)--B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin will participate in a panel entitled “U.S. Influence in the Mediterranean: Why It Still Matters” on Dec. 10 at the Hudson Institute in cooperation with the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security and B’nai B’rith International.
 
The panel will focus on U.S. influence in the Mediterranean even as other actors - including Iran, Turkey and Russia - vie for influence and for strategic control of the region’s energy resources, increasing tensions and threatening to upset the area’s delicate power balance. Panelists will discuss how the U.S. can promote stability and American interests in this challenging atmosphere and will draw on the Hudson Institute’s report “The Eastern Mediterranean in the New Era of Major Power Competition.”
 
The event is open to the press. Members of the media can register 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 www.bnaibrith.org
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​B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:
 
B’nai B’rith International commends the House of Representatives for approving a 10-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA). The bill was passed by a majority of 419-1 on Nov. 15. These sanctions target Iran’s support of terrorism and its nuclear activities. Tehran is the largest state-sponsor of terror and is known for inciting violence and hate around the world, including calling for the destruction of Israel. 
 
We strongly urge the Senate to pass the same legislation.
 
We are also pleased that the House passed another measure that would apply new sanctions on any person or country that enables Syria’s war crimes.
 

B’nai B’rith International’s Name Appears In Iran’s Anti-Semitic Cartoon Contest

B’nai B’rith reiterates its outrage over the disgusting annual Holocaust cartoon contest in Iran. The entries, which mock the Holocaust, celebrate anti-Semitism, anti-Zionism and pure hate.
 
B’nai B’rith International’s name appears in one cartoon which depicts a cash register with the total amount of money shown equaling six million—a reference to the number of Jews murdered by the Nazi regime during the Holocaust. “B’nai B’rith” is written on the key to the cash register, inferring that Jews are responsible for the Shoah, or that Jews manipulate the Holocaust for financial ends.
 
As we noted last month, the competition started May 14 and continued for the next two weeks. At least 50 countries participated and more than 150 entries were displayed.
 
These cartoons show the depths and detail to which the Iranian regime will go to spout its anti-Semitism and its distortions of the Holocaust, which include denying the Shoah ever happened. Unfortunately, this type of incitement to hatred from Tehran is all too common, as it continuously concocts lies about the Jewish state and the Jewish people.

​B’nai B’rith International strongly condemns Iran’s annual international cartoon contest satirizing the Holocaust. The competition started May 14 and will continue for the next two weeks, with 150 entries already on display from at least 50 countries. According to reporters at the scene, the contest secretary compared the horrors of the Nazi regime with Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
 
“This anti-Semitic contest is threatening Jews and Israel by perpetuating racist stereotypes that only encourage incitement against the Jewish state and Jews around the world,” B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman said.
 
Iran has zero credibility as a legitimate partner on the international stage. Additional recent evidence of Iran’s duplicity came in October when Tehran breached its nuclear agreement with the P5+1 powers, by test-firing a missile capable of mounting a nuclear warhead, as well as its daily calls for the elimination of Israel.
 
Iran’s behavior as an unbridled hater of Israel is rarely challenged in the international community. 
 
“It’s simple—Tehran demonizes and supports the delegitimization of the State of Israel, as evidenced by this despicable and anti-Semitic ‘contest.’ Tehran’s willfully defying the P5+1 nuclear agreement further serves as a useful reminder of the regime’s true motives,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “And, the Iranian government continues to be a known supporter and purveyor of terrorism.”
 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated Iran is “preparing another Holocaust” by allowing this contest to carry on. The global community should speak with one voice to condemn this outrageous display of anti-Semitism.

B’nai B’rith International remains wary of Iran’s nuclear intentions even as global economic sanctions have been lifted.

In finding that Tehran has met its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is certifying that a nation that has deceived the agency and the global community in the past is now abiding by an agreement that would diminish its ability to produce nuclear weapons.  Iran’s delaying tactics in the face of global nuclear inspectors are well documented.

The global ramifications of Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons are significant. Tehran also remains a major exporter and backer of terrorism and terrorist organizations around the world, and is exerting its influence in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and across the Middle East.  

The lifting of sanctions could provide Iran with access to $100 billion which could be used to support terrorism and its goal of pursuing hegemony in the region.

Even as the JCPA deal was being negotiated, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated   “Whether a nuclear agreement is achieved or not, Israel will be more insecure each day.” During negotiations, Iran pursued plans to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Tehran regime is a well-documented serial abuser of human rights against its own people.

Reinforcing our skepticism about Iran’s compliance: Less than a day after the global sanctions were lifted, the White House is implementing new sanctions relating to Iran’s violation of a United Nations resolution prohibiting ballistic missile tests.

There are still many steps Iran must follow to meet its obligations, and we urge the P5+1 (United States, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom) and the IAEA to maintain due vigilance and scrutiny to ensure Iran does not cheat and develop a nuclear weapon.

B’nai B’rith International is deeply disappointed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors’ decision to close its investigation of illicit past Iranian activity in pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. Iran has consistently refused to provide the IAEA with significant information about its missile and weapons programs.  

​“This outcome sets a perilous example to other countries—that deception and continued testing of proscribed weapons is acceptable,” B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman said. “Iran’s track record has proven time and again that it follows its own set of rules.”
 
The IAEA reports that Iran maintained a nuclear weapons program until 2003, and continued working on some aspects of it until 2009. In closing its investigation, the IAEA reported that Iran has not intensified its activities pertaining to this program. Yet, in October, only three months after signing the P5+1 nuclear agreement, Iran test-fired a missile capable of mounting a nuclear warhead. This was in direct violation of a resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
 
“Closing this investigation raises serious questions and grave concerns because of Iran’s proven refusal to be honest and transparent about its nuclear activity and goals,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “Tehran has no credibility; its missile-launch has again violated bedrock international obligations, and there is no doubt that the Iranian regime will continue to skirt international agreements in the future.”

B’nai B’rith International welcomes Argentine President Mauricio Macri’s decision to support the federal court’s verdict declaring the Argentina-Iran memorandum of understanding unconstitutional. The 2013 memorandum was intended to “jointly investigate” the 1994 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA). Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner originally appealed the federal court’s ruling. During his campaign, Macri supported the idea of abolishing the deal; he was sworn into office last week.
 
“Voiding this deal will send a strong message that the pursuit of justice knows no bounds,” B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman said. “The victims and their families deserve answers.”
 
The deal allowed Iranian officials inclusive access to the investigation, and mandated that suspects could only be questioned in Tehran. To expect that Iran, with a 36-year record of hypocrisy and obfuscation, would comply with the terms of such a pact was ludicrous. B’nai B’rith has long-expressed the belief that Iran’s “search for justice” is a sham, and strongly opposed the agreement.
 
Iran is widely recognized to be behind the 1994 terrorist attack in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and wounded 300. Argentine Prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who died under suspicious circumstances earlier this year, believed Iran was directly connected to the AMIA bombing. Nisman wrote a report uncovering new evidence revealing Iran’s and Hezbollah’s involvement in the terrorist attacks. 
 
“The decision to void the memorandum will be a major step forward in addressing the injustice inflicted on the victims and the people of Argentina. Iran, and its proxy, Hezbollah, should be held accountable, so the families and victims of this terrorist attack can find peace, once and for all,” B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said.
 
More than two decades have gone by without answers. In the past Interpol has issued arrest warrants for those in charge of the terrorist attack, but, so far, none have been made. B’nai B’rith hopes that this ruling will allow the investigation to go forward, and bring the terrorists to justice.

During the opening high-level segment of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a B’nai B’rith International delegation has been on the ground meeting with numerous visiting presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers and other senior officials. The delegation is led by International President Allan J. Jacobs, Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin and Chairman of the Executive Committee Gary P. Saltzman, accompanied by B’nai B’rith leaders, professionals and partners from around the country.
 
The B’nai B’rith representatives have appealed for unabated—indeed, intensified—international vigilance surrounding Iranian nuclear activity and support for terrorism around the Middle East and beyond. Government officials have also been urged by B’nai B’rith to reject Palestinian efforts to export tensions with Israel to, and achieve unearned political objectives at, the United Nations rather than engaging in necessary direct negotiations, compromise and agreement with the Jewish state. 

RELATED: B’nai B’rith Denounces Abbas’ Disavowal Of Peace Agreements With Israel; Contradictions Abound In Appearance At U.N. General Assembly

“B’nai B’rith has been present at the United Nations since its inception and our current activity at the General Assembly signals unwavering commitment to engaging with the world body, holding it to its founding principles and speaking truth to power,” Jacobs said.
 
On Sept. 30 Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas disavowed signed peace agreements with Israel in his speech to the General Assembly. The same day, in an unprecedented step, the Palestinian flag was raised at the United Nations in the absence of a Palestinian state recognizing the Jewish state’s right to exist in peace.
 
“Our delegation’s response to Mahmoud Abbas’ latest, open departure from peacemaking has been unambiguous,” Mariaschin said. “Sadly, although Abbas has clearly demonstrated Palestinian responsibility for the discontinuance of dialogue and progress toward coexistence with Israel, the United Nations continues to afford him incomparable, undeserved advantages, and thus every incentive to choose provocation over moderation and responsible leadership. It is in light of this that our global advocacy at the highest level is so urgent.”
 
B’nai B’rith—which coordinated diplomatic meetings on behalf of leading international and American Jewish organizations—has already met with top decision-makers from countries including Austria, Chile, Ethiopia, Germany, Greece, the Holy See, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Ukraine and Uruguay, among others.