A meeting was held this week in Tel Aviv, bringing together presidents of B’nai B’rith Israel and attended by B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, as well as members of the executive committee and representatives of some 100 lodges throughout the country.

The meeting was convened as part of B’nai B’rith’s new initiative to expand its international engagement and reinforce ties with leaders of the organization worldwide.

A solidarity delegation of B’nai B’rith International leaders had traveled to Israel in December to show support in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks but were unable to meet with all of the presidents at that time. Led by Mariaschin, mission attendees met with military authorities and diplomats, made condolence visits to families of those who have been kidnapped and packed gear for soldiers.

The Tel Aviv meeting of B’nai B’rith Israel leaders commenced with an opening address from B’nai B’rith Israel President Emanuel (Mano) Cohen, who briefed attendees on the expansion of B’nai B’rith Israel’s international activities and the ongoing efforts to enhance and broaden the organization’s presence in Israel. Ilan Shchori, advisor to the president, provided a brief overview of B’nai B’rith Israel’s most recent international activities.

Mariaschin then addressed the gathering of Israel’s B’nai B’rith leaders, providing an overview of B’nai B’rith International’s activities in the months following the Hamas attacks and subsequent war in Gaza, detailing the organization’s efforts to combat the rise of anti-Semitism globally. Mariaschin commended the international initiatives currently underway and expressed optimism for the ongoing expansion of cooperation between B’nai B’rith Israel and other B’nai B’rith lodges around the world.