(Washington, D.C., April 28, 2020)—In response to the implementation of social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders, B’nai B’rith has increased our production of online content, including podcasts, webinars and one-on-one interviews with experts in a variety of fields. We have talked about how anti-Semitism has spread along with the spread of the coronavirus; the challenges facing older adults in subsidized housing; the latest medical information about the coronavirus; and resilience, among many other topics.

Together, we can navigate this crisis and combat feelings of social isolation. Please find some of our offerings below.

We held a webinar to discuss the explosion in anti-Semitism in the EU during the coronavirus pandemic, with special guest Katharina von Schnurbein, the European Commission Coordinator on Combating Antisemitism The webinar, hosted by CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin can be viewed here.

The Jerusalem Post’s Op-Ed editor and Middle East affairs analyst, Seth Frantzman joined Mariaschin on the B’nai B’rith podcast to discuss his new book, how his experiences reporting in the Middle East have shaped his analysis of recent events on the ground, Iranian hegemony and coronavirus’ impact in the region. The full podcast is here. We also welcomed from the Jerusalem Post Omri Nahmias, along with our World Center-Jerusalem Director Alan Schneider for a discussion on Israel’s coalition government.

In partnership with Yad Vashem, B’nai B’rith commemorated the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, including one and a half million children. As part of the North American Unto Every Person There is a Name program, we read names of Holocaust victims, ensuring these people would always be remembered. Due to COVID-19, this was a virtual ceremony broadcast live on Yom Hashoah.
 
Eric Fusfield, director of legislative affairs and deputy director of the B’nai B’rith International Center for Human Rights and Public Policy spoke with Mariaschin as part of our One-On-One interview series about “The Plot Against America,” HBO’s miniseries adaptation of Philip Roth’s 2004 novel of the same name and explored what the series says about Jewish identity in America, both in the 1940s and today. The six-part limited series imagines that Charles Lindbergh became president in 1940, leading to the widespread persecution of Jews in the United States. Watch here.

Mariaschin spoke with MEP Sergey Lagodinsky. A Member of the European Parliament for Germany since 2019, Lagodinsky is a lawyer and member of the German Green Party. They spoke about European Union’s efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, how the parliament approaches anti-Semitism and what role the Working Group on Anti-Semitism plays in setting the parliament’s agenda. They also talked about threats to the Jewish community and the rule of law in Europe during this crisis. Watch here.

Israel’s Minister of Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi joined Mariaschin for our One-On-One series to discuss the coronavirus’ impact on Israel and its economy, regional cooperation during the crisis, and how Israel’s relationship with the rest of the world has changed in the midst of a global pandemic. Hanegbi also provided updates on the formation of the new Israeli government. Their full conversation is here.
 
Eduardo Kohn, B’nai B’rith’s director of Latin American Affairs, visited our One-On-One program to talk about how Latin America is responding to the coronavirus pandemic, how the Jewish community is handling the outbreak, and what B’nai B’rith is doing to help Jews across Latin America during this time. See the conversation here.

We held a webinar with members of B’nai B’rith’s Center for Senior Services team to discuss how they are guiding our senior housing communities through the coronavirus crisis, emergency and disaster training for B’nai B’rith housing staff, and its efforts on Capitol Hill advocating for seniors during the coronavirus crisis. Panelists from the Center for Senior Services included Director Mark D. Olshan, Associate Director Janel Doughten and Legislative Director for Aging Policy Evan Carmen. Watch the webinar here. What are the special challenges frontline staff are facing at these buildings? This conversation addresses that question.

Mariaschin spoke to David Michaels, B’nai B’rith’s director of United Nations and Intercommunal Affairs, about how the coronavirus has affected B’nai B’rith’s U.N. initiatives, how the virus has changed the U.N.’s priorities and deliberations, and what impact this crisis has had on relations between member states. They also talked about the World Health Organization’s role as this crisis continues to worsen. Watch here.

​​​​Israel is at the forefront of innovative research and treatment when it comes to coronavirus. Yoel HarEven, the director of the international division and resource development at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, joined Mariaschin on the B’nai B’rith International Podcast for a discussion on the coronavirus response at his hospital, in Israel more broadly and the sharing of best practices around the world. Listen here.

B’nai B’rith is committed to providing insightful and enlightening content during this difficult time. Visit our Extra Page to see what programs are coming up and what you may have missed.
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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 www.bnaibrith.org