Discussions on the Middle East and U.S. Elections

B’nai B’rith International concluded its Triennial Meeting of the B’nai B’rith Board of Governors today in Washington, D.C. with the election of a new president, Robert Spitzer of Mercer Island, Washington, and slate of officers, as well as discussions on the political landscape in the United States as it relates to the Jewish community and tensions in the Middle East.

In his State of the Organization address, outgoing President Seth J. Riklin reflected on the significant accomplishments of his presidential term, including advocating for key issues at the United Nations General Assembly and meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. He also emphasized B’nai B’rith’s crucial role in providing senior housing facilities nationwide.

“Traveling the world for B’nai B’rith has been a great responsibility, but the benefits of sitting in people’s homes and sharing Shabbat with them…it’s just been incredible,” Riklin said. “You get 10 Jews together, you’re going to get 15 opinions…when it comes to anti-Semitism, we have to stand shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, hand in hand, and protect each other and take care of each other.”

CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin delivered remarks Sunday morning, reflecting on worldwide anti-Semitism and challenges faced by the Jewish people including military conflicts, diplomatic isolation and media bias.

“For us in the diaspora, we are facing a five-front war: most of the mainstream media; a growing number of harsh critics of Israel in Congress; continued pro-Palestinian activity on college campuses and in academia; governments globally, including the United Nations; and social media,” Mariaschin said during his address. “Never has the phrase ‘Israel is the Jew among nations’ rung truer than it does today.”

Matthew Continetti, journalist and director of Domestic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, shared insights on the outcome of the U.S. 2024 elections, analyzing the Republican Party’s transformation and Trump’s increased voter support compared to his first term.

“Record inflation eroded the standard of living and wages to such an extent that people were looking fondly back at the Trump years,” Continetti noted. “There was a sort of Trump nostalgia, and I think that was only compounded indeed, after October 7th.”

David Daoud, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, spoke about Middle East tensions amid the Israel-Hamas war, Hezbollah’s prominent presence in Lebanon and the country’s support for the terrorist organization.

Daoud pointed out that Hezbollah is strengthened by the Lebanese government, explaining that “the calculus of pain for Lebanon will always weigh against acting against Hezbollah” due to their role in their government.

“Hezbollah has a say in the government,” Daoud said. “By strengthening the government, you alleviate some of the responsibilities that Hezbollah necessarily has to take upon itself.”

B’nai B’rith recognized exceptional young leaders who have demonstrated outstanding service to the totality of the organization. Five outstanding individuals received the Label A. Katz Award, given to those between the ages of 22 and 45 who have worked to achieve the goals of B’nai B’rith Connect, our young leadership program. Tyler Baram of Baldwin, New York; Jay S. Feldman of Kensington, Maryland; Daniel Gitbud, of Munich, Germany; Laura Hemlock-Schaeffer of Forest Hills, New York; and Trey Meehan of Washington, D.C., were recognized for their leadership skills and dedication.

B’nai B’rith also honored staff and volunteers with awards recognizing their exceptional contributions to B’nai B’rith and the broader Jewish community. The Sidney H. Closter Outstanding New Staff Member Award was presented to Alina Bricman, B’nai B’rith’s director of European Affairs. Human Resources Director/Fiscal Operations Manager Stuart Rosenbaum received the Julius Bisno Award for Professional Excellence and Irving Silver was honored with the Moe and Berdie Kudler Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

Spitzer, the newly elected president, has been involved with B’nai B’rith since 1973 and closed out the two-day forum, speaking about his goals to grow the organization moving forward.

Newly elected Bruce Pascal of Potomac, Maryland, will serve as vice chairman. B’nai B’rith also installed new senior vice presidents: Jack Berkowitz, Goshen, New York; Millie Magid, Miami; Dan Tartakovski, Mexico City; Jacobo Wolkowicz, Montevideo; and Eric Engelmayer, Luxembourg. Michael Gellman of Potomac, Maryland, was re-elected treasurer; and David Geller, South Florida, was elected chief justice.