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In a feature article, My Tel Aviv highlighted B’nai B’rith International’s renewed presence in Israel, the recognition the it receives there, and B’nai B’rith in Israel’s efforts to grow the organization both in the Jewish state and around the world.

Read the article on MyTelAviv (in Hebrew).

According to Daniel Mariaschin, the fact that the organization in Israel has undergone a transformation in recent years and revived B’nai B’rith in Israel, is a clear indication that your work here in Israel is being recognized and that many want to be part of the organization today. The initiative by B’nai B’rith Israel to engage in an international effort to bring together members of the lodges in Israel with lodge members in other countries is very welcome. B’nai B’rith is one big family and this is something we definitely support and encourage, he says.

B’nai B’rith Israel is one of the most important affiliates in the B’nai B’rith network around the world. We are very proud of the activities of B’nai B’rith in Israel and its precious history. The fact that the organization in Israel has been transformed in recent years and has revived B’nai B’rith in your country, mainly because so many new members have joined, is a clear indication that your work here in Israel is being recognized and that many want to be part of the organization today.”

This is what Daniel S. Mariaschin – veteran CEO and “top gun” of the global B’nai B’rith organization based in Washington – said in an exclusive conversation held in Tel Aviv at the beginning of this month with Ilan Shchori, a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Committee for International Relations, Heritage and History in B’nai B’rith Israel. Daniel Mariaschin, who comes to Israel from time to time, also for family visits, came to Israel this time to participate in the 48th annual mission to Israel conducted by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, held in Jerusalem at the end of February. Of the dozens of meetings that Dan Mariaschin held with the heads of the State of Israel: President Yitzhak (Bougie) Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Agency, Doron Almog and many others.

For many years, Daniel Mariaschin has been the prominent leader in B’nai B’rith in the United States and around the world, the organization’s senior director charting the organization’s policy and activities, and the contact person for all political organizations and important interlocutors in the world including heads of state and, of course, senior members of the US Congress. Every year, Daniel Mariaschin meets with dozens of heads of state, prime ministers, foreign ministers, opposition leaders, religious leaders and influential media figures on the affairs of the Jewish people, to promote human rights and help protect the rights of Jewish communities around the world, as well as to promote better relations with the State of Israel.

Prior to joining B’nai B’rith, Daniel Mariaschin served as Communications Director and Chief Spokesperson for former US Secretary of State Alexander M. Hague during his 1988-89 presidential campaign. In the past he was a journalist, news commentator and television and radio broadcaster throughout the United States.

Daniel Mariaschin sat down for a conversation with Ilan Shchori, during which he was invited to participate in the 95th B’nai B’rith Israel convention that will be held on June 6 at the Anu Museum in Ramat Aviv. Dan Mariaschin welcomed the invitation and said that he will make every effort to attend the conference despite his busy schedule. During the conversation with Dan Mariaschin, Alan Schneider, director of the B’nai B’rithh World Center in Jerusalem, who is in fact the permanent representative of Mariaschin in Israel for many years, as well as Micha Natan, former president of B’nai B’rith Israel and currently mentor of B’nai B’rith Israel, also participated. In the interview with Ilan Shchori, Dan Mariaschin reiterated that B’nai B’rith International is very proud of B’nai B’rith Israel, which this year marks the 135th anniversary of the founding of the first B’nai B’rith lodge in Jerusalem, in tandem with the 180th anniversary of the establishment of B’nai B’rith in New York. “B’nai B’rith Israel continues the tradition with wonderful programs that touch many in the State of Israel, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year”, Mariaschin said.

Members of B’nai B’rith live around the world. He welcomed the initiative to enable meetings between members of B’nai B’rith Israel with their colleagues around the world and here in Israel with members of B’nai B’rith lodges around the world visiting Israel. “This is a very important step. The bonding of our friends around the world is a very important issue for us and I am very happy that you took the initiative and began to act on the matter”. Mariaschin made it clear that he encourages more members of B’nai B’rith from all countries of the world to meet with their colleagues, exchange ideas and expand cooperation within the organization.” You will be the pioneers, and perhaps the model you will produce here in Israel will be used by us for activity all over the world. B’nai B’rith  is one big family and this is something we definitely support and encourage,” emphasized Daniel Mariaschin.

Daniel Mariaschin stated that he sees with great satisfaction the expansion of B’nai B’rith around the world and the fact that the organization is celebrating 180 years of activity this year. According to him, B’nai B’rith has been serving the Jewish people and the general community for 180 years. B’nai B’rith currently operates on four continents, supporting a strong and secure Israel and bringing the message of the State of Israel and Judaism to every possible place. “Each member of our organization brings energy and talent to the important work we do. As we enter our 19th decade, we are proud of our many achievements – and optimistic about our future and the contributions we can continue to make in fostering Jewish unity, in the face of so many global challenges,” Daniel Mariaschin concluded.

At the end of his remarks, the CEO of B’nai B’rith International sent warm wishes and regards to all the members of B’nai B’rith Israel and to all citizens of the State of Israel in preparation for Passover. “Happy holidays to all of you. We always think of you and hope for the continued cooperation between us,” said Daniel Mariaschin. (Interviewed and written by: Ilan Shchori)