B’nai B’rith President Robert Spitzer and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International welcomes the European Union’s long-anticipated decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization at today’s Foreign Affairs Council—finally aligning policy in Brussels with the reality of the IRGC’s global threat.

Today’s decision by EU member states is a critical, if belated recognition of decades of malign activity, culminating in the most recent murderous campaign against the Iranian people, which has left tens of thousands dead. For too long the IRGC has operated with impunity—repressing its own people, plotting terror in Europe and around the world, targeting Jewish and Israeli institutions, arming Russia’s war in Ukraine and financing terror proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah.

B’nai B’rith has long advocated for governments and international bodies to properly identify and confront the threats posed by the Islamic Republic and its paramilitary arm. The organization has consistently urged the EU and its member states to adopt comprehensive measures to restrict the IRGC’s access to financial, diplomatic and operational channels.

Recognition of the IRGC as a terrorist entity is a meaningful step toward accountability and security.

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