B’nai B’rith International hosted a reception Oct. 12 at the Consulate General of Germany in New York City to stand in firm solidarity with Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

In the face of continuous terror and loss of innocent lives, B’nai B’rith is resolutely committed to condemning the actions of Hamas, facilitating emergency aid and standing by Israel’s side in its right to self-defense—sentiments that were all echoed by leaders and speakers during the reception.

The reception to support Israel in the face of unimaginable terror inflicted by Hamas, which fell during the same time as our 180-year anniversary, also commemorated B’nai B’rith’s service and advocacy to the world for nearly two centuries.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, representative of the United States of America to the United Nations; Consul General of Germany in New York David Gill; and Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, all spoke at the reception.

Erdan expressed his gratitude to B’nai B’rith and all the allies who are standing up for Israel during this time of crisis. “The gut wrenching stories we are hearing are too hard to bear,” Erdan said. “The magnitude of this tragedy is beyond comprehension.”

He emphasized the necessity to “eliminate Hamas’ terror capability,” not as an act of revenge, but to prevent further tragedies. Erdan stressed the global implications of Hamas’ genocidal ideology and underscored the importance of countering distorted statements from U.N. officials who advocate for calm, restraint, and an end to the so-called ‘cycle of violence’, which can embolden Hamas. Erdan also reminded us that Hamas’s goal is not just the destruction of Israel, but world dominance. “As we speak, Israel is not only fighting in defense of itself, but the entire free world.” Erdan remains confident in Israel’s ability to defend itself, noting “because we know that we can count on our dear friends and allies to support us all along the way.”

In her address, Thomas-Greenfield condemned the barbaric actions of Hamas and emphasized the Biden administration’s shoulder to shoulder solidarity with Israel, recognizing B’nai B’rith’s leadership in fighting anti-Israel bias and anti-Semitism. “We come together at moments of heartbreak and horror,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “Our partnership has never been more vital than it is today.”

In opening remarks, CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin addressed the ongoing war in Israel and its devastation on both the Israeli people and the Jewish community. “We have been anticipating this birthday all year,” Mariaschin said. “But it’s impossible to focus on celebrating while Israel is at war…75 years after the founding of the world’s only Jewish state, Israel’s existence is threatened as never before.” Mariaschin noted B’nai B’rith’s strong ties to Israel, including our role in cementing American support during its establishment as a nation-state and our efforts to raise emergency funds in support of Israel during the ongoing conflict.

Founded in 1843 by 12 German Jewish immigrants on New York’s Lower East Side, B’nai B’rith continues to serve the Jewish community and beyond, especially during this time of crisis, making it especially fitting to be hosted at the Consulate General of Germany.

“Of course, it’s a very different city and a very different world from that first meeting on Oct. 13th in 1843,” Mariaschin said. “But that calling to help others still is the bedrock of B’nai B’rith International.”

Gill, who hosted the reception, affirmed Germany’s unwavering solidarity with Israel, emphasizing, “Germany shares your grief, your pain, your consternation about the inhumane brutality. Security of Israel is and will remain at the top of the Federal Republic of Germany.”

Gill noted B’nai B’rith’s long history of advocating for German Jews.

“When B’nai B’rith was founded by German Jews in New York City during the first major wave of Ashkenazi immigration, the founders were moved by the dreadful physical and spiritual conditions of many of their fellow German Jewish immigrants,” Gill said. “They were always open to help Jews and non-Jews alike in times of crisis… It is touching that you put your trust in the Federal Republic of Germany. We will never take this relationship for granted.”

President Seth Riklin reflected on B’nai B’rith’s rich history, advocacy and ceaseless commitment to a more secure Jewish future. “Our legacy is etched in the founding of hospitals, libraries, community centers and orphanages, which all served as guiding lights of care, education and progress in their time,” Riklin said. “Our legacy is rooted in recognizing societal needs and taking action to improve the lives of the less fortunate.”

Mayor of New York City Eric Adams sent a proclamation that was read at the reception, recognizing B’nai B’rith’s years of service in New York and beyond. Sen. Chuck Schumer also extended his greetings to attendees and congratulated B’nai B’rith’s 180-year milestone in a prerecorded video message.

Riklin read a letter penned by President Joe Biden in commemoration of B’nai B’rith’s 180th anniversary.

“For 180 years, B’nai B’rith has been an important voice in supporting the Jewish American community, combating hate and antisemitism, and defending the right of Israel to be a safe, independent Jewish state—work my administration stands strongly behind,” Biden wrote. “Your mission is a daily reminder that we all share an obligation to ensure that hate can have no safe harbor in America and to protect the sacred ideals enshrined in our Constitution: religious freedom, equality, dignity, and respect.”

Since President Grover Cleveland in 1885, nearly every U.S. president has recognized B’nai B’rith’s commitment to promoting tolerance among races and religions and advancing human rights. Read tributes from past U.S. presidents here.

Cantor Netanel Hershtik of The Hampton Synagogue closed the evening with a moving prayer for soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces and a rendition of Hatikvah (Israel’s National Anthem), as the audience joined in.

B’nai B’rith opened its Israel Emergency Fund last week. Donations to help Israeli citizens can be made here.