(Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2020)—We are pleased to announce that AJIRI, the American Jewish International Relations Institute, is now under the B’nai B’rith umbrella. The boards of both organizations voted unanimously to advance and formalize the close working relationship between the two groups. 

“AJIRI has for a number of years worked closely with B’nai B’rith International. It has been a pleasure for us to note how our close working relationship produced highly useful results for the benefit of U.S. foreign policy objectives and of Israel.  Now that our relationship has become even closer, we look forward to witnessing many highly beneficial results,” noted AJIRI Chairman of the Board of Directors Ambassador Richard Schifter.  

AJIRI-BBI, as the new institute will initially be known, will continue to advance the groundbreaking work both organizations have undertaken separately in the realm of fair treatment for Israel on the world stage. 

“Ambassador Schifter and AJIRI are a welcome addition to the B’nai B’rith family,” B’nai B’rith President Charles O. Kaufman said. “Simply, we are deeply honored to be linked with the ambassador and his distinguished board. Our overlapping missions and excellent chemistry will strengthen our already strong policy efforts in advocating for a safer and more secure Israel in the world and within the United Nations. The Jewish new year is already off to a great start.” 

B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin added: “The campaign to address bias in U.N. voting on Israel-related issues will be tremendously strengthened by AJIRI’s joining forces with B’nai B’rith. We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Schifter in calling out the double standards which are unfairly applied to Israel at the U.N. at the General Assembly in New York, and at its agencies around the world.” 

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