BOOK of LODGES the Force of the European Lodges

B.H. B’nai B’rith Europe BOOK OF LODGES The force of the European Lodges

EDITION 2018 - 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. Message from the President 01 2. A few words on B’nai B’rith 02 3. Map of B’nai B’rith Europe 04 4. List of the European Lodges 05

FOCUS LODGE 07

1. Croatia 08 2. Denmark 09 3. Germany 10 4. Greece 12 5. Italy 13 6. Slovakia 14 7. Switzerland 16 8. The Netherlands 20 9. Norway 22 10. Ukraine 23 11. UK 24 12. France 25

EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS 37 1 Introduction

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Presidents Dear Sisters and Brothers, Dear Friends

The idea of publishing the Book of the Lodges was born of the will of the Pres- ident of B′nai B′rith Europe and all the members of the Executive committee to show the strong capacity of our organization to fight anti-semitism in Europe, to contribute to the dissemination of the culture and of the history of the Europe- an Jews and to spread the values of our movement. order to reinforce the bond of friendship Members of BBE Executive committee and to develop it. noted the dynamism of the Lodges which The “Book of the Lodges 5779” is the com- organize throughout the year cultural and pilation of information transmitted by the charitable events, develop rich programs Presidents of B′nai B′rith Europe Lodges and conferences, launch and coordinate which I thank warmly. actions in the spirit of B’nai B’rith values and thus contribute largely to the notori- Thanks to Jonas Dafner-Markowitz and to ety of B′nai B′rith in Europe. The “Book of Hanna Kalmenson who allowed the real- the Lodges” wishes to highlight the work ization of the “Book of the Lodges 5779” completed by the members of B′nai B′rith Europe to ensure the promotion of all these events and to inspire each one.

The “Book of the Lodges 5779” which cel- ebrates the 175 years of B′nai B′rith is also Fraternally a means of creating contacts when travel- SERGE DAHAN ling in Europe. It facilitates the opportuni- President of B′nai B′rith Europe ties of exchanges and common actions in Introduction 2

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO A FEW WORDS ON B’NAI B’RITH

Our Mission B’nai B’rith is dedicated to improving the The original members’ first concrete quality of life for people around the globe. action was creating an insurance poli- We are a national and global leader in ad- cy that awarded members’ widows $30 vancing human rights; Israel advocacy; toward funeral expenses, and a stipend ensuring access to safe and affordable of one dollar a week for the rest of their housing for low-income seniors and ad- lives. Each child would also receive a sti- vocacy on vital issues concerning seniors pend and, for male children, assurance and their families; diversity education; he would be taught a trade. It is from this improving communities and helping com- basis of humanitarian aid and service that munities in crisis. a system of fraternal lodges and chapters grew in the United States and, eventually, Since 1843, B’nai B’rith has played a vital around the world. role around the world. Making the world a safer, more tolerant and better place is the mission that still drives our organization. Pillars of Our Work 99Human Rights and Public Policy Our History 99Supporting and Defending Israel 99Senior Advocacy and Housing In 1843, Henry Jones and 11 other Ger- 99Helping Communities man-Jewish immigrants gathered in Sin- sheimer’s Café on New York’s Lower East Side to confront what Isaac Rosenbourg, one of B’nai B’rith’s founders, called “the deplorable condition of Jews in this, our newly adopted country.” Thus, B’nai B’rith (children of the covenant) was born. 3 Introduction

B’nai B’rith Europe B’nai B’rith Europe as part of the world- The current President of B’nai B’rith Eu- wide Jewish organization B’nai B’rith rope is Serge Dahan, assisted by an Exec- International is dedicated to combating utive Committee representing B’nai B’rith anti-Semitism as well as promoting tol- all over Europe. erance and intergroup understanding The Executive Committee is composed by around the globe according to its motto Daniel Citone (Mentor), Solomon Bali (Vice «Benevolence, Brotherly & Sisterly Love president), Valerie Achache (Secretary and Harmony». General), André Ouazana (Treasurer) Mon- B’nai B’rith Europe is composed by the Eu- ica Barzilay (Switzerland), Gunnar Bjork ropean Lodges and aims at the following (Denmark), Francine Coen (France), Felicia goals: Waldman (Romania), Tomas Kraus (Czech Republic), Michael Naor (Germany), 99To fight racism, xenophobia and Philippe Meyer(France), Alan Miller(UK), ant-Semitism Eric Engelmayer (Luxembourg). 99To support the State of Israel 99To help the needy B’nai B’rith Europe is actively represented 99To promote Jewish identity in 25 European countries. 99To strengthen the knowledge about Jewish presence through Culture and Heritage 99To encourage and train young Jewish adults for leadership in the Jewish Com- munities Introduction 4

WHERE WE ARE MAP OF B’NAI B’RITH EUROPE

Countries with Lodges 5 Introduction

LIST OF B’NAI B’RITH EUROPE LODGES

99Austria, Wien : Zwi Perez Chajes 99Slovakia, Kosice : Concordia 99Belgium, Brussels : Marc Chagall and 99Slovakia, Bratislava : Tolerancia Henry Jones 99Spain, Barcelona : Nahmanides 99Belgium, Antwerpen : Mala Zimetbaum 99Sweden, Malmö : Malmö 99Bulgaria, Sofia : Carmel 99Switzerland, Geneva : Henry Dunant 99Croatia, Zagreb : Gavro Schwarz 99Switzerland, Lausanne : Edmond Fleg 99Czech Republic, Prague : Renaissance 99Switzerland, Zürich : Augustin Keller 99Denmark, Copenhagen : Denmark 99Switzerland, Zürich Evi und Sigi Feigel 99Germany, Berlin : Raoul Wallenberg 99The Netherlands, Amsterdam : Hilleel 99Germany, Düsseldorf : Franz Rosenzweig 99The Netherlands, Rotterdam : Hollandia 99Germany, Frankfurt : Frankfurt- 99Ukraine, Kiev : Kiev Schönstädt 99Ukraine, Lvov : Leopolis, Dr. Emil 99Germany, Köln : Rheinland Domberger 99Germany, München : Menorah/Hebraica 99United Kingdom, Cheshire Unity Lodge 99Greece, Athens : Judith 99United Kingdom, Barnet: Abraham 99Greece, Gerakas : Philon Lewin Unity Lodge 99Hungary, Budapest : Budapest 99United Kingdom, Cheshire Unity Lodge 99Italy, Livorno : Isidoro Kahn 99United Kingdom Edgware Women’s 99Italy, Milan : Nathan E Anna Cassuto Lodge 99Italy, Rome : Elia Benamozegh 99United Kingdom, Finchley and Hendon Lodge 99Italy, Rome: Stefano Gaj Tache 99United Kingdom, Temple Fortune: First 99Luxembourg, Luxembourg city : Lodge of England Luxembourg 99United Kingdom, Totteridge: First Unity 99Norway, Oslo : Norgelosjen Lodge 99Poland, Warsaw : Polin 99United Kingdom, Golders Green: Raoul 99Romania, Bucharest : Moses Rosen Wallenberg Unity Lodge 99Russia, St. Petersbourg : Sons Of The 99United Kingdom, Stonegrove: Shlomo Covenant Argov Unity Lodge 99Serbia, Belgrad : B’nei B’rit Loge Serbie 99United Kingdom, Surrey: Thames Lodge 676 Introduction 6

99United Kingdom, Pinner: Yad B’Yad 99France, Neuilly sur Seine : Anne Frank Lodge 99France, Neuilly sur Seine: Haïm Bialik 99United Kingdom, Stanmore: Yitzhak 99France, Nice : Côte d’Azur Rabin Lodge 99France, Nice : Golda Meir 99France, Aix en Provence: Jules Isaac 99France, Nice : Léon Eshkenazi Manitou 99France, Avignon : Emeth Avignon 99France, Nice: Mazal Tov 99France, Bordeaux: Michel de Montaigne 99France, Nice: Moshe Dayan 99France, Antibes: René Cassin 99France, Nice: Theodor Herzl 99France, Antibes: Schlomo Altun 06 99France, Perpignan: Ben Salomon 99France, Boulogne Billancourt: Marinette Perpignan Artman 99France, Paris: Ben Gourion 99France, Colmar: Scheurer Kestner 99France, Paris: Chalom Aleichem 99France, Cannes: Chalom Cannes 99France, Paris: Daniel Pearl 99France, Deauville: Deauville-Jerusalem 99France, Paris: France Zadoc Khan 99France, Enghien les Bains: Kinereth 99France, Paris: George Gerschwin 99France, Grenoble : Mordehai 99France, Paris: Hanouka 99France, Le Raincy : Isaac Bashevis Singer 99France, Paris: Hillel 99France, Lille: Cha’areh Chalom 99France, Paris: Jacob Kaplan 99France: Lyon: Edwin Guggenheim-Marc 99France, Paris: Léon Blum Judaisme Aron Pluriel 99France, Lyon: Joseph Reich 99France, Paris: Or ve Chalom 99France, Lyon: Lehman-Rabin 99France, Paris: Paris – Jerusalem 99France, Marseille: Emile Zola 99France, Paris: Sigmund Freud 99France, Marseille: Louis Kahn Eyran 99France, Paris: Tsedek Picard 99France, Rueil Malmaison: Kadima 99France, Marseille: Harmonie Maimonide 99France, Marseille: Joseph Kessel 99France, Saint-Maur : Ben Yehouda 99France, Metz: Armand Kraemer 99France, Saint Mandé: Leon Poliakov 99France, Metz: Elie Bloch 99France, Strasbourg, Levinas Strasbourg 99France, Montpellier: Rambam 99France, Strasbourg : René Hirschler Maimonide 99France, Thiais: Yonathan Netahnyahou 99France, Mulhouse: Paul Jacob 99France, Toulon : Levinas Toulon 99France, Nancy: Beer Isaac Beer 99France, Toulouse : Maimonide Toulouse Jerusalem 99France, Villeurbanne : Victor Basch 99France, Nancy: Elie Wurm 99France, Versailles: Versailles 7 Focus Lodge

LODGE FOCUS Focus Lodge 8

GAVRO SCHWARTZ Zagreb, Croatia

History Direction Board The lodge was created in 2003. The Lodge President was founded by first President Dragan Darko Fischer Stern. Vice-President The goals of the B’nai B’rith Members of Miljenko Bernfest Zagreb are promoting Jewish culture, as well as Israeli culture and the support of Treasurer & Secretary General the state of Israel. They also fight against Altarac Mira anti-Semitism and racial discrimination and improve relations among Jewish people and official public institutions.

Activities 99Lectures on State of Israel, history of jewish people 99Exhibition about Israel 99Concerts of Jewish Music 99Publishing “Voice of BB” (web issue) 9 Focus Lodge

DANMARK Copenhagen, Denmark

History Direction Board The lodge was created in 1912 by three Mentor members of the Danish Jewish Communi- Gunnar Bjork ty, who became members of the lodge in Hamburg, Germany, thereafter Danmark President Loge was installed in Copenhagen. Allan Kern Vice-President Activities Ronen Thalmay The Lodge holds regular meetings, approx. Secretary General 10-12 per season. At most of the meetings Alexander Gingold keynote speakers are addressing issues Treasurer which are actual at the time of the meet- Samuel Korngut ings. Since 2001 the Lodge arranged ac- Second Vice-President: tivities in connection with Jewish Day of Alf Isachsen Culture the first Sunday of September. Marshall Jonas Dessauer

Attendant/Usher Adam Niemann Focus Lodge 10

FRANZ ROSENZWEIG Dusseldorf, Germany

History Direction Board The Franz Rosenzweig Lodge was inau- Mentor gurated in June 1967, on the initiative of Herbert Rubinstein Hans Cohn and of Prof. Lutz Ehrlich, then Secretary-General of B’nai B’rith District President Continental Europe. The Lodge is the suc- Dr. Michael Naor cessor of the Duesseldorf Lodge, which ex- Vice-President isted from 1901 till its destruction by the Dr. Oded Horowitz Nazis in 1937. Secretary General Among previous members of the Lodge Alla Dronov there were numerous personalities, who were active in shaping of post-war Jewish Treasurer life in Düsseldorf and in Germany. Michael Rubinstein

The Lodge is traditionally engaged in be- Manager of Lodge events nevolence and cultural-educational ac- Bert Roemgens tivities. In the last years political action, Manager of organisation and general especially against antisemitism and in tasks advocacy for Israel has gained major em- Tamar Gruenewald phasis in the agenda of activities. 11 Focus Lodge

RAOUL WALLENBERG Berlin, Germany

History Direction Board The Lodge was founded in 1979, with the President help of First President Dr. Rafael Koren- Dr. Andras Kain zecher. Vice-President The Lodge fulfills the motto of B’nai B’rith Irith Rozanski and focuses on numerous issues and projects, such as lectures on media land- Treasurer scape, Antisemitism, Jewish history, cul- Claudia Low ture, social events, annual trips in Europe Secretary General on Jewish footsteps. Conny Jarrosh The Lodge finances several projects in Eu- Social rope and Israel. Gary Wolff

Politics Dr. Joachim Neubauer

Youth Esther Kotek

Culture Nathan Kotek Focus Lodge 12

PHILON Athens, Greece

History Direction Board The Lodge was founded the 4th October, Mentor 1924 under the name «Philon» honoring Leon Gabriili the Jewish philosopher from Alexandria, President Egypt. Victor Batis The Lodge has always conducted its activ- Vice-President ities under the motto of the organization: Rita Gabai Benevolence, Sisterly & Brotherly Love and Harmony. Treasurer Elias Borbolis

Secretary General Solomon Errera

Former President Matathias Borbolis

Former President Albertos Ferrera 13 Focus Lodge

NATHAN AND ANNA CASSUTO Milano, Italy

History 99meeting with the Head of Milan Police, Mr Mastrangelo, in the house of the Lodge. The Lodge was created in 1954 under the 99“The roots” project interviewing broth- leadership of some brothers as Amedeo ers and sister on BB core values Mortara z.l., Silvio Arditi, Nedo Fiano and others. Amedeo Mortara z.l., was the first of our sisters and brothers to create strong Direction Board links with B’nai B’rith Europe and B’nai Mentor B’rith International, serving our Jewish Paolo Foa Community as leader fighting antisemitism inside the Italian Institutions. President Joe Abeni Activities Vice-President Emanuele Mires 99Support Magen David Adom and youth movements like Hashomer Hatsair, Bnai Treasurer Akiva, Youth of Chabad Ioram Klein 9 9Financial help to several families and Secretary General people in poor economic conditions Daniel Hazan 99Distribution of several scholarships to students of the Jewish Community of Master of Ceremony Milan and to students of the Hebrew Uni- Brother Ariel Nissim Colombo versity of Jerusalem Surveillant 99Conferences on various topics by writ- Sister Claudia Bagnarelli ers and journalists. (La stampa, Sky Tg Surveillant made, Corriere della Serra…) Brother Rav Avraham Hazan 99Hosting political candidates for the municipality of Milan 99Delegates in the mission to UN HR Coun- cil week in Geneva in March 2018. Focus Lodge 14

CONCORDIA Kosice, Slovakia

History Direction Board The Lodge was created in 1994. It was Mentor re-established after a couple of decades Pavol Sitar of interruption of its activities. In fact, a President BB Lodge use to exist between the wars Tomas Tesser in our town. Later in was silenced as the overwhelming majority of the members Vice-President lost their lives in the extermination camps. Peter Schwarcz The survivors had no occasion to re-estab- Vice-President lished sooner than in the beginning of the Roman Gajdos 1990s as the communist regime didn´t allow it. The restoration was an impulse Treasurer by Luc Ehrlich from Basel. The inaugura- Martin Schwarcz tion took place in a solemn atmosphere at the beginning of 1994. The Lodge strive to strengthen the Jewish community in Ko- sice, restore and protect the Jewish heritage and promote Jewish culture among the majority population.

Activities 99 Promotion of Jewish culture by means of exhibitions, concerts a public de- bates. 99Humanitarian aid (for instance to the needy Jews in Lvov) 99Teambuilding activities among our members 15 Focus Lodge

TOLERANCIA Bratislava, Slovakia

History Jewish community and preservation of Jewish legacy. Lodge Tolerancia has initi- Lodge Tolerancia was created after the ated regular get-together of Lodges from representatives of the Lodges from Prague Prague, Košice, Budapest and Bratislava. and Frankfurt approached respected Jews These meetings take place in turns since in Bratislava. The first President and one 2009. of the founding members was Prof. Pavel In the framework of the European Day of Traubner. Jewish Culture, Lodge Tolerancia organ- In the first years, the main focus of activ- ized the exhibition “This was Jewish Bra- ities was establishing contacts with oth- tislava” in 2016. In 2017, the exhibition er Lodges in the District 19, B´nai B´rith presented istinguished Jewish personal- Continental Europe and the effort to coun- ities of Bratislava. The exhibitions were ter expressions of antisemitism. displayed in public space and visited by The Lodge has been participating in hu- thousands of visitors. manitarian activities in support and of and assistance to Jewish communities in Direction Board Slovakia, Europe and Israel. The Lodge has initiated some of these actions itself. Honorary Life President Pavel Traubner The Lodge has been organizing regular closed and open meetings; politicians, ac- Mentor Treasurer tors, artists and other distinguished indi- Juraj Alner Ľubica Adamcová viduals were invited to give presentations President Public Affairs and ADL and answer questions of relevance to the Peter Werner Grigorij Meseznikov Jewish community in Slovakia during these meetings. In 2011, the Lodge has set Vice-President up an award – the Plaque of Understand- Katarína Lesná ing awarded to non-Jews who have con- Secretary General tributed to peaceful coexistence, mutual Anna Považanová understanding, civic dialogue with the Focus Lodge 16

AUGUSTIN KELLER Zurich, Switzerland

History Activities Augustin Keller Lodge Zürich was estab- 99providing humanitarian aid and finan- lished in 1909 and is the oldest B’nai B’rith cial support for individual persons in Lodge in Europe and active without any need interruption during both World Wars. The 99enabling holidays for those children, Lodge engages in and supports public and who cannot afford it cultural activities in the jewish communi- 99giving donations (tzedakah) for a Jew- ties but also with other NGOs. ish home for disabled persons, old age homes and Jewish schools The Lodge is traditional with only male 99supporting and closely cooperating members, but the women club, called with the “Society against racism and SASK, gathers women of Lodge brothers, antisemitism” and “Society Switzer- involved in social and cultural projects. land-Israel” 99providing financial support for school Direction Board trips to concentration camps 99supporting social, political and cultur- Mentor al events of local Jewish organizations Arthur Braunschweig and institutions President 99Monthly meetings with lectures, talks Peter Neuwirth and speeches by known personalities of Vice-President political, religious, economic, academic Ronald Wildmann and cultural life 99Yearly trip to meet other lodges (Riga, Vice-President Vilnius, Thessaloniki) Ernesto Ferro 99Hillel House: Augustin Keller Lodge is SASK President the owner of a building and is offering Hanna Neuwirth quality housing at affordable prices for 25 students as well as common premises such as kitchen, dining and living room. 17 Focus Lodge

EDMOND FLEG Lausanne, Switzerland

History Activities On June 23 1975, 34 Jews from the Canton Over the last ten years the Lodge has intro- of Vaud founded the Edmond Fleg Lodge, duced an annual gastronomico-cultural united in the desire to live and to perpetu- evening to celebrate Judaism of diaspora; ate B’nai B’rith principles of Charity, Fra- also, the Lodge has witnessed a consider- ternal Love and Harmony. able renewal with more than 60 Brothers and Sisters. Thus the Lodge Committee, Edmond Flegenheimer is a writer born in which has seen 14 Presidents, was rejuve- Geneva. He left a deep mark in 1927 with nated and feminized in the recent years. his book «Why I am Jewish» which title, both interrogative and assertive, corre- In order to celebrate positively the past sponds to the thinking and the actions of and the loyal members, the Lodge also the Founding Brothers of the Lodge, and celebrated its 20 years, its 25 years and its of those who followed them. 35 years, and intends to continue in the years to come in order to perpetuate what After more than 300 open and closed ses- brings us “from founders to successors”. sions since its creation and with about a total of 200 active members during this period, the Edmond Fleg Lodge continues its activities by expanding the areas of action.

Direction Board

Mentor & treasurer Alain Barthes

President Marc Elikan Focus Lodge 18

EVI UND SIGI FEIGEL Zurich, Switzerland

History Direction Board The lodge was created as the first mixed Mentor lodge in Zürich, on the 8th of December Madeleine De Beer 2013. The Lodge has known a great in- crease in its members and activities. President Pinchas Gotthell The B’nai B’rith Members mainly focus on charities in Switzerland and Israel, as well Vice-President as political and sciences lectures. Arthur Plotke Vice-President Schewa Mandel

Treasurer Monica Rom 19 Focus Lodge

HENRY DUNANT Geneva, Switzerland

History Direction Board The Lodge was created on the 11th Febru- Mentor ary, in 1951. Raoul Beck

Chief Rabbi Dr. Alexander Safran zl’ had President the honor to become the first President of Armand Laredo the Lodge. Treasurer B’nai B’rith Geneva has been working for Michel Benveniste 65 years to unite the Jewish people, promote the Jewish identity, defend the State of Israel and practice charity. B’nai B’rith Geneva also contributes in an eloquent way to the cultural and social life of the Jewish communities in Geneva. Focus Lodge 20

HILLEEL Amsterdam, The Netherlands

History Direction Board The Lodge was created in 1926 as the Mentor 986th Lodge according to the philosophy Karel Slager of B’nai B’rith International, «Benevo- lence, Brotherly Love and Harmony». Mentor Franklin Weisz The goals are the promotion of the spiritual, social and material develop- President ment of mankind in general, and of Jews Orlando Heijmerink in particular. Secretary General Hanny Schatz Activities Treasurer 99Organization of a holiday week in Nether- Orlando Heijmerink lands for 20 young people from children homes who have been victims of former ter- ror attacks victims. 99Lectures about Jewish subjects and the fight against anti-Semitic 99Jewish Social projects 99Participation to Jewish Heritage day 99Financial support to different projects (Jew- ish schools, Maccabi, projects for education about the Shoah) 21 Focus Lodge

HOLLANDIA Den Haag/Rotterdam, The Netherlands

History Activities Lodge Hollandia was founded on 25 March 99Biannual hosting of a group of Israeli soldiers 1923 by dr. Albert van Raalte, a famous wounded in action., see highlighted activity Dutch Jewish conductor, as the first B’nai below 99An annual end of summer ‘beach party’ B’rith Lodge in The Netherlands. It is one 99Various lectures, such as earlier this year, of two currently active Dutch Lodges a lecture on euthanasia from a Jewish per- The Lodge, similar to other B’nai B’rith spective. Lodges has as mission to promote the 99An annual Chanukah party spiritual, moral and material development of humanity in general and of Jews in particular. Direction Board

Several activities such as annual gath- Mentor erings and lectures are organized by the Mr Ralph L. Hené Lodge. As for projects, Lodge Hollandia is President giving regular support, to the: Ms Kati Furman-Hajdu Mr L E Visserhuis, the Jewish Elderly Center Vice-President and Retirement Home in The Hague; Mr Salco H. Herschberg Ziv Medical Centre, a hospital complex sit- Secretary General uated in northern Israel; Annelies van Mechelen-Kneteman Bet Hashanti open House for Youth. This is Treasurer an organisation that provides shelter for Mr Salco H. Herschberg homeless children, mainly in the Tel Aviv area. Tyler Ms Rita Lobatto Focus Lodge 22

NORGESLOSJEN Oslo, Norway

History Annual Summer party for the whole Jew- ish community as well as Chanukah party. The Norgeslosjen Lodge was created in In Nov 2017 we celebrated our 65 year an- 1952. niversary with a gala dinner, with attend- Created after WW2 as part of the rebuilding ance from our fellow Scandinavian Lodges of the Norwegian Jewish community, the and the Israeli and Canadian ambassadors Lodge’s aim are to support the local Jew- as special guests. ish community, in particular its young and old, as well as to contribute to the global fight against antisemitism. Apart from the Lodge meetings where the wider commu- Direction Board nity is invited to attend regular lectures, Mentor the Lodge arranges social gatherings such Edvard Aspelund as a Chanukah party for the members and elderly as well as an annual summer par- President ty for the entire Jewish community. The Alexander Levi Lodge regularly provides financial support Vice-President to the youth of the community, and have Jan Benjamin Rodner also in the past provided support to wider BBE projects. Secretary General Rolf Cohn

Treasurer Activities Michael Levi Regular lodge meetings usually followed Marshal by a lecture (on average 9 meetings annu- Jack London ally). The wider Oslo Jewish community is usually invited to attend the lectures. Most Secretary of Correspondence of the lectures have external presenters. Richard Dante 23 Focus Lodge

DR. EMIL DOMBERGER Leopolis, Ukraine

History Direction Board The Leopolis Lodge was established in Mentor Lvov in October, 1899. It was reconstruct- Iosif Shtatman ed in 1995 with the support of Rabbi Melchior, Joseph Domberger and Dr. Alex- President ander Schwartz, Chairman of B’nai B’rith Michael Pleskov Commission on the countries of Central Vice-President and Eastern Europe. Ludmila Schwarz

Secretary General Activities Tatyana Kotova 99Medical care: providing free medicine and Treasurer free consultations including dentistry Vadim Golembo 99Monthly food parcels and financial support to children from needy families 99Hot lunches provided daily at a canteen 99Jewish Culture and Revival: holding the Jew- ish holidays, lectures, presentations, concerts and festivals, assistance in publication of books by jewish authors 99Participation in the International Holocaust Center n. a. Dr. A. Schwarz 99Financial and material support to the jewish group of kindergarten 99Dor Khodash – the Young Jewish group within B’nai B’rith Leopolis Focus Lodge 24

B’NAI B’RITH UK

B’nai B’rith United Kingdom was founded As the past year was very important for in 1903 and gathers 12 Lodges. B’nai B’rith UK, since it was the centenary of the Balfour Declaration, almost B’nai B’rith UK has a London Bureau of all Lodges held special events to mark the International Affairs, playing a key role occasion. B’nai B’rith United Kingdom is to maintain good relations with different also very active contacting and working political figures. B’nai B’rith UK also focus- with other European Lodges, such as the es on youth and young professional, with Kiev Lodge. B’nai B’rith Young Professionals (BBYP), a very successful network. Alan Miller is the current President of B’nai B’rith UK. 25 Focus Lodge

B’NAI B’RITH FRANCE

B’nai B’rith France has been active since section of B’nai B’rith has been very active 1932, and is the most important European in leading intercultural projects regarding section of the District. It gathers 60 Lodges interfaith dialogue and fighting against all divided in five regions: Paris, South East, kind of discrimination. South West, East of France and Center of Past President include former LICRA Presi- France. The national office is located in dent (International League against Racism Paris. and Antisemitism) Jean-Pierre Bloch. B’nai B’rith France is member of CRIF, the Jewish representative council gathering Philippe Meyer is the current President of different institutions in France. The French B’nai B’rith France. Focus Lodge 26

BEN YEHOUDA Paris, France

History Direction Board Ben Yehouda Lodge was originally created Mentor in 2003 by a group of friends. The Lodge Philippe Assoulen is located in the suburbs of Paris, in the President town of St-Maur-des-Fossés, which the Marc Hassan home of 600 Jewish families. Vice-President The members of the Lodge are strongly Fabien Dana supporting Judaism and Israel, as well as Holocaust memory projects. They are Vice-President devoted to fight against mass media mis- Alain Yamin information and promoting Israeli culture Vice-President through charitable events. Ghislaine Partouche

Treasurer Activities Agnes Azoulay

99Welcoming and organizing the Israeli Secretary General Thelma Yellin orchestra concert Michel Arie 99Welcoming the students of Thelma Yel- lin for a jazz concert 99Yearly trip to Auschwitz for 100 high school students since 2005 99Trip of 3 classes to French Holocaust memorial site Oradour sur Glane 99Culture-themed conferences 27 Focus Lodge

CHALOM Cannes, France

History Direction Board Created on the 1st October 1968, the Cha- Mentor lom Lodge works towards noble humanist Claudia Shoshana aspirations. The members have been very actives in philanthropic, honorable and President patriotic activities, by supporting cultural Aviva Diana institutions as well was the most disad- Vice-President vantaged ones. Josyane Samak

Secretary General Daniel Vajda

Treasurer Anie Diana Focus Lodge 28

ELIE BLOCH Metz, France

History Direction Board The Lodge was founded in 1952 by former Mentor B’nai B’rith members, Etienne Schweitzer Solange David and Chief Rabbi Nathan Netter. The Lodge was named after Rabbi Elie Bloch, who President managed to federate Eastern and West- Patrick Hirsch ern European Jews coming to France. First Vice-President President of the Elie Bloch Lodge was Myr- Jacques Sicherman til Zachayus. Secretary General The B’nai B’rith Members are supporting Yolande Cohen cultural and religious projects, are fighting against racism and anti-Semitism, as Treasurer well as defending the State of Israel. The François Keim Members promote an inclusive Judaism, open-minded, respective and brotherly loving according to the B’nai B’rith motto.

The Lodge just celebrated its 65 year Anni- versary, with an interesting conference of famous journal Paul Amar and under the high patronage of B’nai B’rith France Pres- ident Philippe Meyer.

Activities 99Support to the State of Israel with the organization of trips to Israel and contacts with politicians 99Contribution to the Jewish Life of Metz with conferences and symbolic trips 29 Focus Lodge

EMILE ZOLA Marseille, France

History Direction Board The Lodge was created in Marseille in 1950 Mentor by Holocaust survivors to help re-building Nicole Ghez a former Jewish community, which had President terribly suffered from the Second World Francine Coen War. This initiative gathered Jews from various origins, including Greece, Turkey, Alsace or Eastern Europe and Northern Af- rican countries.

The Lodge became a melting-pot where the Jewish community of Marseille was born again.

The Lodge was named after French author Emile Zola, whose article

«J’accuse» («I accuse») helped Captain Dreyfus to clear his name from false accu- sations.

Activities 99Lectures on historical, political and cultural topics 99Conferences on social and humanitarian current events for the general public 99Twinning and meetings with other French-speaking, Eastern European and Israeli Lodges Focus Lodge 30

GRAND RABBIN JACOB KAPLAN Toulouse, France

History Direction Board The Lodge has the mission to unite the Mentor Jews of all tendencies in the respect of Henri Zana the ideals of B’nai B’rith, especially imple- menting the principles of philanthropy. President Claire Rubinstein The B’nai B’rith Members assist the widow and the orphan as well as support Culture, Vice-President Science and Arts. Perla Relkin Secretary General Activities Claude Errera 99Internal works on Spinoza and Levinas, Treasurer on the relations between Jews and Mus- Monique Elkrief lims in France to-day with some Speak- ers 99Seminar «Colloque Israël 2018, Tradi- tions et Innov-nation» 11 speakers from the cultural, scientific and economic worlds from Israel and France 99Invitation of the Great Rabbi of France for a Conference 31 Focus Lodge

JULES ISAAC Aix-en-Provence , France

History Activities The Lodge ‘Jules Isaac’ was created in B’nai B’rith’s initiatives also aim to encour- 1969, to unify the Israelites in favor of the age friendships through recreational, social highest interests of humanity, to devel- and cultural programs, to support the State op the moral and intellectual character of Israel and the Jewish people around the of the humanity, to inculcate the purest world, and to work for charities. And it is pre- principles of philanthropy, of honor and of cisely in this context, that the B’nai-B’rith of patriotism, to support the Science and the Aix-en-Provence, with the Lodge ‘Jules Isaac’ Arts, to alleviate the needs of the poor and started, nearly 10 years ago, to organise a needy, to visit and care for the sick per- Gala Evening for the Yom Haatsmaout event. sons, to help the victims of persecutions, This event, was initiated by one of its former to protect and assist the widow and the Presidents, Mr. Henri Luc Salfati, then perpet- orphan, to provide for themselves, accord- uated by the following Presidents Cathy Ben- ing to the broadest principles of humanity. fredj, Florence Kugler, and Thierry Melki. The goal of this event is to gather the neighboring communities annually, supporting the State Direction Board of Israel and developing these works for charitable purposes. In this Yom Haatsmaout 5778, Mentor there was for everyone, a symbol and an even Florence KUGLER stronger reality: We were going to celebrate President the 70th anniversary of the Independence of Thierry MELKI the State of Israel. This year, in order to develop, even more, the meetings, the friendships Vice-President / Secretary General and the fraternities between the associations, Patrick MAUGERY the B’nai-B’rith of Aix-en-Provence wished to Treasurer invite the associations of heart and neighbors, Henri-Luc SALFATI to join the animation of this event. And in particular so Bnai Brith associations of the region. This B’nai-B’rith event also had a goal of meetings and exchanges between associations, as well as the objective of supporting charities. Focus Lodge 32

MAIMONIDE Toulouse, France

History Direction Board Maimonide Lodge was created on the 17 of President & Mentor October 1967, after the Six-Day War in Isra- Jean-Claude Nabet el and after the great moments of emotion and worrying caused by the conflict. At its Vice-President creation, the founding members were all Albert Ankri involved in the Jewish community life, ei- Secretary General ther culturally or religiously. Roseline Marques

After an only-male policy, the Lodge grew Treasurer and became open to members both fe- Max Marques male and male. Nowadays, the members are still very involved in the Jewish com- Secretary Deputee munity life of Toulouse, as Presidents and Michel Szternberg members of various non-profit associa- Treasurer Deputee tions. André Layani

Activities 99Conferences on political and Jewish-related topics, including the future of UNESCO and hate speech online 99Meetings and letters with officials regarding anti-Israeli votes in International organizations 99Cultural activities provided to a retiring home 99Providing financial support for school trips to concentration camps 99Supporting social and cultural events of local Jewish organizations 33 Focus Lodge

MARINETTE ARTMAN Boulogne-Billancourt, France

History Direction Board Within a large jewish community in the Mentor Paris suburb, Lison Nadjar and Bernard Monique Touati Cohen-Hadria took up the task of creating President a B’nai B’rith Lodge, with the help of the Lisette Hazan President of the community, Robert Ejnes, who allowed the Lodge to use the large Vice-President community center and their communica- Michel Danon tion network. Secretary General The Lodge was named after a renowned Annie Boccara B’nai B’rith member, Marinette Art- man, who was during her whole life an active militant, and especially known for the creation and the leadership of a youth holiday camp that she managed for over twenty years.

Activities 99Conference on the meaning and reach of the Church’s recent thoughts on Jew- ish Faith 99Philharmonic concert with the young musicians of the Thelma Yellin Israeli Art School 99Lodge Trips to cultural key places Focus Lodge 34

MOSHÉ DAYAN Nice, France

History Direction Board Moshé Dayan Lodge was created in 1986 Mentor to unite Jews of the same age and sharing Gisèle Assous similar values. The Loge deeply respects President the principles of B’nai B’rith of Benevo- Simon Benchimon lence, Brotherly love and Harmony. Vice-President As the current President Simon Benchimol Denis Sibony is in charge of the fight against BDS, The Lodge strongly supports the state of Israel Vice-President and the fight against anti-Semitism Jacquelne Ananou Treasurer Activities Bernar Uzan 99Bi-annual «Les Menoras d’or» award- Secretary General ing ceremony to honor people fighting Corinne Harfi against anti-Semitism and supporting the State of Israel 99Yearly trip to Auschwitz for 100 high school students since 2005 99Trip of school classes to French Holo- caust memorial site Oradour sur Glane 99Culture-themed conferences 35 Focus Lodge

POLIAKOV Val de Marne, France

History Direction Board The Poliakov Lodge was created in June Mentor 2015. SIMON MIDAL

The Lodge organized a trip to Strasbourg President with the Lodge Members. DANIEL MOENS

Members are committed to promote phil- Vice-President osophical and artistic activities in a part- PHILIPPE WAINTRAUB nership with the “Café des Psaumes” in Treasurer Paris. ALICE MIDAL

Secretary General JEAN CLAUDE LUMBROSO Focus Lodge 36

SHALOM ALEIKHEM Paris, France

History Direction Board The Shalom Aleikhem Lodge was created Mentor in 2014 with the openness to others as a Albert Lipkowicz guideline for its actions. The Lodges works President closely with the National Commission Flora Lipkowicz Fleury Europe on the European politics and the fight against anti-Semitism. Vice-President Dorothée Anis One of the projects the Shalom Aleikhem Lodge contributed to was the «White pa- Vice-President per on citizenship and against anti-Semi- Martine Nataf tism». The Lodge also works on Christian Secretary General and Jewish dialogue with an inter-reli- Emilie Thuaude gious committee. Treasurer Hélène Lys Activities 99Yearly Lodge Trips (Rome, Odessa, Bu- charest, Amsterdam) 99Twinning with the Bucharest Lodge 99Partnership with the Lviv Lodge EVENTS 99Interfaith Dialogue HIGHLIGHTS 37 Events Highlights

EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS Events Highlights 38

B’NAI B’RITH EUROPE HUMAN RIGHTS PRIZE by B’nai B’rith Europe and B’nai B’rith France

The Prizes Award Ceremony 2018 of B'nai B′rith, organized by B′nai B′rith Europe and B′nai B′rith France, took place on Thursday, the 26th of April 2018, at the Shoah Memorial in Paris. The goal of the event was to honour figures who act with a re- markable commitment for the defense of fundamental values. Katharina von Schn- urbein, European Commission Coordinator on combating antisemitism, and Gilles Clavreul, former Interministerial Delegate for the fight against racism and antisemitism (DILCRA) were awarded.

The ceremony was held in presence of Katharina von Schnurbein was moved by prominent personalities, including CRIF′s this honor and reminded the initiatives of President Francis Kalifat, Vice-Presidents the European Commission to fight against Yonathan Arfi and Gerard Unger, Direc- hate speech online and to better the edu- tor-General Robert Ejnes, Their Excellen- cation about Holocaust, antisemitism and cies Croatian Ambassador Filip Vučak, Jewish life. She stated that «our final goal Permanent Observer of the Holy See to for the Jewish community in Europe is UNESCO Francesco Folle, Serbian Am- normality. Jewish citizens should be able bassador to UNESCO Darko Tanaskovic, make the same lifestyle choices like any- Minister Counsellor for cultural affairs to one else [...]. Today, we are far from this the Germany Embassy Andreas Klassen, goal, but if we do not seek the maximum, Minister Plenipotentiary to the Israeli Em- we will not reach the minimum». bassy Marc Attali, Members of B′nai B′rith, representatives of Jewish organizations, Members of the European Commission and the European Parliament.

President of B′nai B′rith Europe Serge Da- han reminded the current rose of antisemitism in Europe and urged the European governments to fight this new antisemitism by adopting the definition of the In- ternational Holocaust Remembrance Al- liance (IHRA). Serge Dahan presented the Human Rights Prize of B′nai B′rith Europe to Katharina von Schnurbein. Katharina von Schnurbein and B’nai B’rith Europe President Serge Dahan 39 Events Highlights

B’NAI B’RITH EUROPE MEETING AND DIALOGUE AT THE POLIN MUSEUM IN WARSAW By B’nai B’rith Europe and The Polin Lodge in Warsaw, Poland

The meeting of B′nai B′rith Europe Lodges and the Jewish community of Poland, jointly organised by B′nai B′rith Europe President and Polin Lodge President, was held in Warsaw, on the 14th of May, 2018. Guests included Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Member of the Eu- ropean Parliament (EPP) Róża Thun, Member of the Polish Parliament Marcin Swiecicki, Chairman of the Museum Mar- ian Turski, President of B′nai B′rith Europe Serge Dahan, President of the Polin Lodge Sergiusz Kowalski, President of the Jewish community of Warsaw Anna Chipczyns- ka, representatives of the Jewish Polish community, B′nai B′rith Poland, Denmark, Ukraine, France and Belgium, and interna- Mayor of Warsaw Ms. Gronkiewicz-Waltz tional organizations, as well as members of the European Commission and Parlia- This event highlighted the contribution of ment. the Jewish community to the Polish cul- Professor Bilewicz, member of B′nai B′rith ture. Poland and Director of the Research A guided tour of the museum concluded Center on Prejudice at the Warsaw Univer- the meeting. sity, analyzed the striking differences and common points of antisemitism in Eastern With a program composed of permanent and Western Europe. and temporary expositions, as well as ed- ucative and cultural activities, the POLIN Deputy coordinator on combating anti- museum is a place for Polish citizen of all semitism of the European Commission ages and foreign visitors to better under- Johannes Börmann, introduced the ac- stand the Jewish contribution to Europe. tions of the European institutions in order to support the Jewish community and the free expression of its identity. Events Highlights 40

19TH EDITION OF EUROPEAN DAYS OF JEWISH CULTURE By Lodges in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Nether- lands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom…

European Days of Jewish Culture were celebrated from 2th September until mid-Oc- tober 2018 with the support of B’nai B’rith Lodges throughout Europe. The fundamental objective of this European collaboration is to highlight the diversity and richness of Judaism, with the intention of promoting dialogue, mutual recognition and exchange through conferences, concerts, performances, guided tours and other activities.

B’nai B’rith Europe as a main actor of in the field of culture, which, for the first AEPJ (European Association for the Pres- time, places citizens, communities and ervation and Promotion of Jewish Culture territory at the forefront while using cul- and Heritage) supports the preservation, tural heritage as an agent for sustainable appreciation and promotion of Jewish local development. Important aspects of culture and Jewish heritage in Europe. heritage, in terms of human rights and Through this association B’nai B’rith Eu- democracy, stand at its center and align rope encourages Jewish sites to present with the values of the Faro Convention, a Judaism to the wide public with its ed- framework established by the Council of ucational, social and cultural programs. Europe. This goal is notably achieved through its This year’s theme is Storytelling. Nowa- leading program - the European Days of days, Storytelling is a cutting-edge tool in Jewish Culture and heritage. the dissemination of historical heritage, On Jewish Culture and Heritage Days, se- turning this year’s edition into a great lected synagogues and Jewish historic opportunity to explore different areas of sites are open to the general public and tangible and intangible European Jewish related events including guided walks, heritage. lectures and exhibitions take place.

The European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC) is the reflection of a true revolution 41 Events Highlights

BRIDGES OF TOLERANCE 5TH EDITION By Dr. Moses Rosen Lodge of Bucharest, Romania

On May 16th and 17th, 2018, B’nai B’rith Forum “Dr. Moses Rosen” Romania and the Federation of Jewish Communities from Romania - Mosaic Cult (FJCR) organized the 5th edition of the “Bridges of Tolerance” project, under the high patronage of the President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis.

“Bridges of Tolerance” is a transnational The aim of the 2018 edition “Contribution project for Central and Eastern Europe of national minorities in Romania to the initiated by B’nai B’rith Europe, aimed diversity and vitality of European culture” at combating discrimination, racism and was to strengthen tolerance through in- anti-Semitism, promoting mutual under- ter-ethnic dialogue. This year was also the standing and respect as well as European opportunity to celebrate the Centenary of values. the Great Union.

Jose Iacobescu, Serge Dahan, Sergiu Nistor, Patriarch Daniel, Aurel Vainer, Aurel Pop and Ion Lefter Events Highlights 42

CONFERENCE AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY By B’nai B’rith Europe

On the 8th of March 2018 B’nai B’rith Europe co-organised with the European Jew- ish Community Center a conference at the European Parliament in honor of the International Women’s Day. The conference was entitled “Double-glass ceiling ? Ex- periences of Christian, Jewish, Muslim & Buddhist Women. Challenges facing women in patriarchal and secular societies”. After the introduction of the theme by porter for the blog Ecofeminism and Ines Members of the European Parliament Wa- Wouters, co-founder of Bodhicharya and jid Khan (S&D) and Roberta Metsola (EPP), specialised lawyer in religious discrimina- Hanna Kalmenson, Managing Director of tions. The speakers expressed their per- B’nai B’rith Europe emphasized the im- spectives as woman of different faiths. portance of equity in the workplace, which The conference allowed to illustrate the puts in place optimal conditions for work- opportunity gaps between secular and ers to fully contribute to the success of the religious women with concrete examples, company they work for and establishes underlined the communication challenge bridges between communities. between people from different cultural The dialogue between the different speak- backgrounds and highlighted what needs ers was moderated by Alfiaz Vaiya, Euro- to be done to end discriminations in the pean Parliament’s coordinator for the an- workplace. Member of the European Par- ti-racism and diversity intergroup (ARDI), liament Wajid Khan reminded that wom- who successively gave the floor to Yael en’s rights must be protected, “not only Leibovitz, secular Israeli, Chain Zisman, Is- today, but also every single day of the raeli Jewish observant, Manel Mselmi, re- year”. 43 Events Highlights

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF SPARTA by B’nai B’rith Philon Lodge, Greece

An international conference titled “Sparta-Israel: Renewing an Ancient Friendship” has successfully taken place in Sparta, Greece, on September 2 & 3 2018. The conference was organised by the Municipality of Sparta, B’nai B’rith Philon Lodge and the Greek-Israeli Cooperation Institute. In a broader sense, the Sparta-Israel Con- ference aimed at a deeper acquaintance and mutual understanding between Greeks and Israelis, following the historically recorded friendship between ancient Sparta and the People of Israel.

Lambropoulou, Director, Institute for His- torical Studies, National Institute for Re- search, Dr E. Lianos-Liantis, Special Sec- retariat for Cultural Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Professor Noah Hacham from Hebrew University, and Professor Pa- nagiotis Liargovas from the University of Peloponnese.

From left to right: Angelos Kolokouris, Theolog- The Army Chief of General Staff, Lieuten- os Symenonidis, Evangelos Valiotis,Alkiviadis ant General Alkiviadis Stefanis, honored Stefanis, Adamantia Tzanetea, Stavros Argitakos, with his presence the conference. Dan Mariaschin, Victor Batis Conference sponsors were the Hellenic Distinguished speakers included the May- Post, the Greek National Tourism Organ- or of Sparta Mr. Evangelos Valiotis, the isation, and the Municipality of Pelopon- Deputy Regional Governor and one of nese. Communication Sponsors were the conference sponsors Mrs Adamantia ERT2, ERT World, ERT3, First Program, the Tzanetea, Executive Vice President and Voice of Greece, and ERT Tripoli. CEO B’nai B’rith International Mr. Dan Mariaschin, Former Chief of the Greek Air Force ret. General Theologos Symeonid- is, CEO of the AI Initiative and President of the Greek-Israeli Cooperation Institute Dr. Angelos Kolokouris, Professor Sophia Zyga from the University of Peloponnese, George Zisimatos, Managing Director of the Directorate for the Hellenic Armed Meeting with the Mayor and the Members of the Forces Real Estate Development, Dr. Anna municipality planting the seeds of the project Events Highlights 44

PODIUM DISCUSSION ABOUT THE INNOVATIVE ISRAELI ECONOMY by the Franz-Rosenzweig Lodge of Dusseldörf, Germany

In February 2018 the Franz Rosenzweig Lodge organized in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation a podium discussion about the innovative Israeli economy and the potential for German-Israeli cooperation.

Roy Naor, an associate at the international law firm DWF, gave an overview about legal and procedural aspects in the bi- lateral economic relations. He especially elaborated on the area of Cybersecurity as one of the most important and interesting fields for German firms, since most of the technologies in this area come from Israel and the USA.

Four Experts presented different aspects Dr. Philipp Raidt, Head of Portfolio at Axel of the topic: Springer Digital Classifieds in Berlin, pre- Doron Abrahami, the Israeli attaché for sented the experiences of his enterprise Economy and Commerce at the Em- bas- having so far invested in 3 firms in Israel. sy of the State of Israel in Berlin, gave an He described the typical atmosphere in overview about Israeli innovations, cur- the country and the typical mentality of rent trends of international investments Israelis, hinting at helpful approaches in in Israel as well as large-scale research & order to gain from it. development activities of global players in About 120 guests came to the event, the country. which took place at the Business Club of Dr. Markus Gick, Senior Project manager Düsseldorf (“Wirtschaftsclub”), among at the Bertelsmann Foundation, reported them representatives of politics, economy about a study he did about German-Israe- and the press. li economic relations and highlighted the benefits of the Israeli High-Tech Ecosys- tem for German firms. 45 Events Highlights

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARL LUTZ MEMORIAL IN TIBERIAS, ISRAEL by the Augustin Keller Lodge of Zurich, Switzerland

Brothers and members of the Swiss Lodges in Geneva, Lausanne and the ESFL Lodge in Zürich raised funds in order to honor Carl Lutz, the former Swiss vice-consul in Budapest.

He saved during the Second World War In a very dignified ceremony in presence the life of about 60 000 Hungarian Jews of the Swiss ambassador in Israel, the ma- and prevented their deportation to the jor of Tiberias, officials of Keren Kayemet concentration camps by issuing protec- LeIsrael, Carl Lutz’s daughter, rescued tion passes. He exceeded his competen- holocaust survivors, brothers and sisters cies and neglected the instructions of the of Swiss Lodges and other visitors the Me- Swiss government and his heroic act was morial dedicated to Carl Lutz has been re- for many decades not appreciated in Swit- vealed on November 23rd 2017. zerland.

YOM HA’ATZMAOUT GALA by Jules Isaac Lodge of Aix-en-Provence, France

Jules Isaac Lodge has several initiatives, one of them is to encourage friendships through recreational, social and cultural programs, to support the State of Israel and the Jewish people around the world, and help charitable work.

It is precisely in this context, that the B’nai- The goal of this event is to gather the B’rith of Aix-en-Provence started, nearly neighboring communities annually, sup- 10 years ago, to organize a Gala Evening porting the State of Israel and develop- for Yom Ha’atzmaout. This event was ini- ing these works for charitable purposes. tiated by one of its former Presidents, Mr. This year, in order to develop, even more, Henri Luc Salfati, then perpetuated by the meetings, friendship and fraternity be- following Presidents Cathy Benfredj, Flor- tween the associations, the B’nai-B’rith of ence Kugler, and Thierry Melki. Aix-en-Provence wished to invite the associations of heart and neighbors, to join the animation of this event. Events Highlights 46

EXHIBITION OF JEWISH PERSONALITIES OF BRATISLAVA by Tolerancia Lodge of Bratislava, Slovakia

The highlight of the activities in 2017 was the exhibition of “Jewish Personalities of Bratislava”. The exhibition built on the work of Brother Tomáš Stern who has been collecting and documenting information about Jewish monuments, about Jews, their roots as well as their lives and destiny for more than 25 years. The exhibition presented the life of 15 most important Jews who lived in Bratislava from the 17th until the 20th centuries.

The exhibition was displayed on the wall took part in the discussion about curbing of the mediaeval fortification in public antisemitism in the region. The Ambas- space and the entrance was free. Thus, sador of the State of Israel attended the it could achieve its main objective which opening ceremony. was to make it easy accessible to most of the visitors of Bratislava, to introduce and re-discover those persons who made a significant contribution to the commer- cial, economic, cultural, scientific and societal life not only of Bratislava, but to previous Austro-Hungarian Empire and Czechoslovakia but also of Europe and the US.

Participants visited the Jewish Commu- nity Museum of Bratislava, the Memorial of world-famous Rabbi Chatam Sofer and 47 Events Highlights

SUPPORTING THE KINDERGARTEN by Leopolis Lodge of Ukraine, Kadima Maimonide Lodge (France), Hebraika Menorah Lodge (Germany), the Leopolis - Humanitarian Help to Ukraine Charity Fund (Germany)

In November, 2017, the Lviv Lodge carried out the full repairs in the premises of the Jewish Kindergarten’s toilets and washrooms, and their interior was complete- ly changed; the game room was renovated as well. It became possible due to the sponsorship of the Kadima Maimonide Lodge (France) and the Hebraika Menorah Lodge (Germany), as well as the Leopolis - Humanitarian Help to Ukraine Charity Fund (Germany).

65 YEARS ANNIVERSARY by the Henry Dunant Lodge of Geneva

On the 17th March, 2016, the 65 years of the Lodge were celebrated. An information brochure was designed and edited for the occasion. The history of the Lodge and the names of the former Presidents, with a short description of their term, were included.

The Lodge added the history of Jews in One additional achievement is Kesh- Geneva as well as a list of Jewish figures er Day.“Kesher” is the Hebrew work for who lived in Switzerland. This project in- “link”. Created in 2013, Kesher Day gathers spired the Jewish community as there was all the Jewish communities of Geneva and a great number of scholars, sportsmen, is an opportunity to unite, meet, discover, philanthropists and rabbis who had a last- share and respect. ing impact on the local community and the city of Geneva. Events Highlights 48

50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY by the Franz-Rosenzweig Lodge of Dusseldörf, Germany

On December 2nd 2017, the Franz-Rosenzweig-Lodge has been celebrating its 50 An- niversary with a festive Dinner in one of the city’s hotels.

On the occasion, the Lodge has inaugu- A hundred guests came to the event, rated the “Franz-Rosenzweig Prize”, which which followed the traditional festive im- has been given for the first time. It has plementation of a new board of the Lodge. been bestowed upon Julian Reichelt, the Dr. Michael Naor has been installed for a chief of the board of the BILD, Europe’s second period as President, a number of largest newspaper. With this prize, the younger members were installed into the Lodge honored Reichelt`s brave and con- various functions within the Lodge. The sequent pro-Israel attitudes and articles. ceremony was directed by the Honorary The Laudation on Julian Reichelt was held President of B’nai B’rith Europe, Br. Re- by Prof. Michael Wolffsohn, a renowned inold Simon. Historian and publicist. A publication of B’nai B’rith Europe Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

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