Almost 300 members from across the country gathered this week in Kfar Saba for B’nai B’rith Israel’s 98th Annual Conference. Special guests included B’nai B’rith International’s outgoing CEO, Dan Mariaschin, Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa’ar, and former hostage Alon Ohel, whose grandparents are longtime members of B’nai B’rith.
In his remarks, Dan Mariaschin said that he could think of no more fitting way to spend his final day in office than with B’nai B’rith Israel. He spoke of the need to confront and eliminate the Iranian threat, the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide, and the critical importance of unity and solidarity (achdut Am Yisrael) at this time. During the conference, he was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his “exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to B’nai B’rith International and the global B’nai B’rith family.”
Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa’ar praised the charitable work of B’nai B’rith Israel, stating that “B’nai B’rith makes Israel a better place.” He also announced that Kfar Saba had just inaugurated a new B’nai B’rith Square in the center of town, in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the community. Former hostage Alon Ohel delivered a moving performance of Eviatar Banai’s song “I Have a Chance.”
B’nai B’rith Israel President Emanuel (Mano) Cohen reviewed the organization’s growth and achievements over the past year, highlighting the establishment of 15 new lodges, the extensive support provided to displaced families and IDF units during Iranian missile attacks and several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization’s long-term financial sustainability, including the renovation of the Rokach House and a merger with B’nai B’rith’s senior living facilities in Haifa.
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Elise Shazar