Guided by a carefully devised strategy and sustained fieldwork led by its senior and mid-level leadership, B’nai B’rith Israel has steadily expanded its ranks in recent years. The organization’s expansion initiative was launched in 2017, at a time when it comprised just 43 lodges and 1,300 members. Since then, the effort has proven extraordinarily successful: as of the end of 2025, B’nai B’rith Israel counts 118 lodges and 3,318 members nationwide.
Earlier this month, the Executive Board of B’nai B’rith Israel, chaired by President Emanuel (Mano) Cohen, convened to review the year’s achievements and to outline the organization’s work plan and objectives for 2026 and beyond. Looking ahead, B’nai B’rith Israel has set a clear target: reaching 133 lodges and a membership base of 3,700 members by the end of 2026, and 5000 members by 2028.
A central pillar of the growth strategy is attracting younger members, and B’nai B’rith Israel has recently succeeded in establishing 6 new lodges. Two of these lodges are “second generation lodges,” an innovative initiative spearheaded by Riva Ori, Vice President for Organizational Expansion, designed to engage the sons and daughters of current members, aged 45-55. To attract younger members, B’nai B’rith Israel is offering exciting volunteering opportunities, connections with young members abroad, and social activities suited to their life-style and interests.
Emanuel Cohen said, “Our members are our most valuable asset, and new members bring growth, energy, and continuity. Without engaging younger generations, we cannot sustain the organization or achieve our long-term goals.”