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*REQUIRED INFORMATIOM II111111111111111iiiiiiiiiiililllill B'nai B'rith International 1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW. Washington, D.C. 20036 and many backgrounds, uniting them to pro- BI'naimote B'rith Jewish brings continuity, together to Jewsassure of Jewishmany lands defense, to enhance Jewish culture, and to advance the contributions of the Jewish people to all humanity.

Since its founding in 1843 by twelve young Jewish men in New York, B'nai B'rith has evolved into the world's largest Jewish mem- bership organization. It welcomes men and women, adults and youth, in a common com- mitment to principles of service, study and benevolence.

As the President of B'nai B'rith International, I am privileged to serve as spokesman for our organization in meetings with world leaders and in a wide variety of public forums. To defend our people, to promote our ideals, I rely upon the strength and support of each and every individual member of B'nai B'rith.

I am proud that you have joined B'nai B'rith. This book-telling B'nai B'rith's story-shows D President's why you should be proud too. Message This is

Revised Edition

The History-Past and Present T The Program-A Look in Depth a Serving Jews Around The World Serving Young People 2 Serving Adults 911 Serving The Community 9 Serving The Member 77 B'nai B'rith Women T9 Supporting The Programs 9 Structured to Serve 9

Revised 1979 Printed in the United States of America NOTES

This booklet is a basic "bible" of B'nai B'rith. Its text documents our development since 1843 into the oldest, largest and most representative mass membership movement in Jewish life. To illustrate, in quick digest, what we are doing . .. what the major thrusts of our operation are . . . we are presenting here a kaleidoscope of our present activities. This is B'nai B'rith in action. This is B'nai B'rith geared to answering the needs of our times. This is B'nai B'rith uniting Jews throughout the world in the essential quest for the renewal of our people and the implementation of the contract established so D Preface many thousands of years ago to strive for peace, decency and justice for all the world's inhabitants. This is our program- contemporary, timely, involved-and dependent upon your support and commitment for its success.

Dr. Daniel Thursz Executive Vice-President NOTES The .History Sinsheimer Cafe (right), where -Past and Present B'nai B'rith was conceived in 1843.

I Looking back, it seems perfectly natural that B'nai B'rith should have been born in New York City. This was the gateway to the New World. The excitement of the teeming metropolis was animated by a sense of a new society under construction, an atmosphere that stimulated social fellowship. In this environment, where unlimited freedom of thought and expression flourished and where there was opportunity for 14j1 intellectual advancement unparalleled elsewhere in America, it was understandable that twelve Jewish idealists should dream of establishing a nationwide organization with the highest altruistic and intellectual objectives. Where but in New York could be found a Sinsheimer Cafe, the glow of its gaslit interior ~-~---~ x welcoming those who liked talk of Jewish affairs accompanied by bountiful Jewish cuisine? Where else could a foreign-born group burst successfully out of the ghetto and, within a relatively short time, be found parading up Fifth Avenue in horse-drawn carriages before the admiring throngs in the bright Sunday afternoon sunshine, en route to a convention which would be conducted before an audience of 10,000 in the Jones Wood Coliseum? The Times and the People Judaism, but would be free in its deliberations When B'nai B'rith was born on October13,1843, in from everything dogmatic and doctrinaire, able that old East Side cafe, the American Jewish to unite all Jews in a common purpose. Such a community numbered some 25,000 people, most society, he was convinced, would develop of whom were recent immigrants from Germany, mutual understanding and respect among the Poland, Bohemia, and Austria.The "aristocrats" various segments of American Jewry, create were the very small number of Sephardic Jews, harmony in Jewish life, and contribute to the descendants of early settlers. They were well intellectual and moral advancement of the integrated into American life, prosperous and Jewish community. 6.You secure, and not at all pleased about the influx of On October 13, 1843 he gathered around him Ashkenazic Jews, which was impelled by poor 11 like-minded men and established the B'nai economic and political conditions in Europe early B'rith with the mission of "uniting Israelites in the in the nineteenth century. The newcomers were work of promoting their highest interests and This has been a comprehensive overview of discrimination and bigotry. The dignity of man. mostly poor, spoke German, and were not yet those of humanity." Jones' associates were B'nai B'rith from its beginning. Greater awareness of our heritage. Doing things adjusted to life in America. Isaac Rosenbourg, William Renau, Reuben Its story is one of growth, change and together, as Jews, for ourselves, and for all Organized Jewish life centered around the Rodacher, Henry Kling, Henry Anspacher, Isaac maturity. From twelve men, it has grown into a people. Contributing to our community. Giving synagogue. Except for burial societies, Dittenhoefer, Jonas Hecht, Michael Schwab, Jewish mass membership movement, the young people a greater sense of their direction American Jewry had no philanthropic agencies Hirsch Heineman, Valentine Koon and Samuel largest in the world, spanning every continent, and background. Living at peace with our independent of the synagogue. There were Schaefer. representing every viewpoint in Jewish life, neighbors. Living at peace. really no provisions for integrating the Because all of the founders came from uniquely of service to every age group and The most important part of this program is immigrants in the American culture. While Germany, they selected a German name at first, every component of our population. you. material assistance and cultural guidance were "Bundes-Brueder" (League of Brothers), but The strength of B'nai B'rith is its membership. You make the difference between a lodge that greatly needed, the Jewish community was too they also had the foresight to have an alternate People. You. B'nai B'rith mirrors our society, but is weak and a lodge that is vital and alive. You weak and too divided to offer either in any choice, "The Independent Order of B'nai B'rith" also strives for something more. Giving new make the difference between an active interest effective measure. Although K/al Yisroel, unity in (Sons of the Covenant). purpose to older values. Perpetuating tradition in your community and a passive acceptance of Israel, should have prevailed, the various while reflecting new generations and new ideas. come-what-may. You are the mover, the doer, groups of Jews actually had as little as possible The Age of Philanthropy Changing to fit new times and answering the the person on whom B'nai B'rith depends in to do with each other. The spirit of the age was one of philanthropy; needs of its own age. another century of service. Portuguese and Germans, Poles, Bohemians but if these men had limited themselves to Our purpose is steadfast. Greater Jewish The burden is not heavy. Share it with us and and Austrians simply could not or would not charity, nobody would be writing about them identity. Human rights. A world free of get others to share it with you. "get along" together. So fierce and passionate today and the organization they founded was the disunity that in some Jewish families a probably would not have survived. The Jews of marriage between a German Jew and a Polish 1843 were so divided and mutually hostile that Jew was considered akin to "intermarriage," they did not dream of pooling their resources to and rarely occurred. help those less fortunate than themselves. They The 34 synagogues may have fulfilled their lacked community consciousness, and that is religious purposes, but the times called for a what the infant B'nai B'rith set out to teach them. new type of organization. Some of the younger The founders began with personal example. educated newcomers decided to do something They put aside half the money they collected about it. during the first three months of the Recognizing the difficulty of uniting the organization's existence for a widows and congregations, Henry Jones, himself a orphans fund. The first lodge was not actually synagogue leader, proposed to found a society formed until a few weeks later. Meanwhile, on which would be based on the teachings of October 21, they met again and by that time 4 93 Henry Anspacher Isaac Dittenhoeter Jonas Hecht

Hirsch Heineman B'NAI B'RITH VOLUNTEER STRUCTURE had worked out their statement of moral Puritans "Abroad" Who Found a Home principles. The original Preamble to the B'nai The Constitution set up a central power known B'rith Constitution, with only slight changes, is as the Constitution Grand Lodge to perform still the Preamble today: such functions as issuing charters to new lodges and enforcing the rules of the Order. All "B'nai B'rith has taken upon itself the mission of this took place at a time when the twelve uniting Israelites in the work of promoting their founders were the only members of B'nai B'rith! highest interests and those of humanity; of The first ritual they adopted deliberately developing and elevating the mental and moral sought to capture the imagination of initiates, an character of the people of our faith; of approach that is specifically renounced inculcating the purest principles of philanthropy, in honor, and patriotism; of supporting science and present-day initiation ceremonies. In those days art; of alleviating the wants of the victims of all societies had mysterious and flamboyant persecution; providing for, protecting and practices, and the infant B'nai B'rith followed the assisting the widow and orphan on the broadest fashion. There were colorful regalias, impressive principles of humanity." degrees, secret passwords, and the like. Given contemporary tastes, the organization would have died otherwise. The B'nai B'rith The Early Weeks motto-Benevolence, Brotherly Love, and Harmony-adopted at the founding of the Order Weeks of furious activity preceded the founding continues to this day. Secrecy was not officially of the first lodge on November 12, 1843. Each abandoned in B'nai B'rith until 1920, although of the twelve founders had a task; committees sentiment against it had existed for some years. planned for drew up a constitution and by-laws, No applicant for membership was rejected future initiation of still uncontacted prospects, because of poverty, but some were rejected for and scouted around for a meeting place. The moral reasons or for reasons of character, Room at the corner of Oliver and Henry Masonic personality or physical disability. Telling lies was Streets was rented for two dollars a night and at another reason for rejection. 8 p.m. on November 12 the first meeting of the By 1855, B'nai B'rith had twenty lodges with first lodge of B'nai B'rith was called to order, 2,218 members and was a going concern, with Henry Jones as temporary chairman. It was dedicated to assisting and uniting Israelites and the birth of New York Lodge No. 1, which humanity wherever possible. functions to this day. In the early 1850's, B'nai B'rith opened Henry Jones was the founder of Although Covenant Hall in New York, the first Jewish B'nai B'rith, he was not its first president. He community center, and also established there modestly accepted the post of secretary. Isaac the first Jewish library in America. In 1861, Dittenhoefer was elected president; R. M. Chicago's Ramah Lodge recruited and Rodacher, vice president; Samuel Schaefer, equipped a company of Jewish soldiers in treasurer; William Renau, first chaplain, and response to Abraham Lincoln's appeal for Isaac Rosenbourg, second chaplain. volunteers, thus beginning the distinguished It soon became clear that the spirit of B'nai B'nai B'rith war service record. In 1865, B'nai B'rith was truly to be found in the covenant that B'rith sent funds to Moses Montefiore for the God made with Abraham. The name direct relief of victims of a plague in Palestine, "Bundes-Brueder" was quickly discarded in the first of the organization's many acts for favor of B'nai B'rith. foreign relief. 6 NORTH AMERICAN DISTRICTS Everything B'nai B'rith undertook was in express condition that the civil and political response to need. This policy led to the first rights of the Jews were recognized. truly ambitious philanthropic undertaking of the During the first 25 years-1843 to organization: the founding in 1868 by District 1868-B'nai B'rith came of age, growing from a Grand Lodge No. 2 of the Cleveland Jewish dozen men in one lodge to many thousands in Orphan Home to take care of Civil War orphans. more than a hundred lodges. At the general Later, Districts No. 6 and 7 joined in its convention of 1868 in New York, the Hebrew sponsorship until B'nai B'rith nationally titles of Grand Nasi Abh, Grand Saar, and the undertook the responsibility for many years. rest were abandoned in favor of generally used English terms such as president and secretary. Intervention Abroad Some of the old machinery was outdated, but Structured As early as 1851 B'nai B'rith became conscious the ideals remained unchanged. of its responsibility as a representative voice of To Serve the Jewish people. At that time, certain cantons New Needs in the 1880's in Switzerland (not the country as a whole) The 1880's brought the first of millions of Jewish forbade Jewish residence. A pending treaty immigrants into the United States from Eastern Structure is never an end in itself. It is a means between Switzerland and the United States Europe. B'nai B'rith raised funds for their relief, by which we achieve greater efficiency and would have excluded American Jews from its but the scope of the problem was too large for effectiveness. benefits. The young B'nai B'rith, for the first time, any one organization, so it took the initiative in The structure of B'nai B'rith is designed to raised its voice in protest as the champion of its forming local relief committees and in calling a serve the member and is as streamlined as is people. Letters of protest were sent to Secretary national conference for relief of Russian possible in dealing with the complexities of an of State Daniel Webster and other government immigrants. Chicago lodges opened the first leaders, including Senator Henry Clay, who employment bureau for newcomers in 1883, organization with multiple districts, councils, commissions, cabinets, committees, agreed to take action against the outrage. and then provided them with an evening school. and functions. After horrible barbarities against the Jews in Other Americanization programs, including departments B'nai B'rith is a volunteer organization, Rumania in the late 1860's, Simon Wolf night schools, publication of Americanism proposed to his good friend President Grant leaflets and more material help were also dependent upon its membership to keep it active, viable and successful. Whatever its that Benjamin F. Peixotto, a former Grand Saar undertaken by B'nai B'rith. structure, it depends (President) of B'nai B'rith, should be named U.S. As early as 1855, B'nai B'rith recognized the upon the local lodge, the commitment of its leadership, the support of its consul in Bucharest, mainly to attempt to end need to publish a magazine. In 1886 it found the membership and the teamwork of its staff to abuses against Rumanian Jews. Grant agreed, resources to do so. Today, The National Jewish achieve its basic purposes. and Peixotto was named consul in 1870. Monthly has one of the largest circulations in the During Peixotto's five years in Rumania-on Jewish field. an assignment that carried with it no In 1882 the first lodge abroad was founded in government compensation but did allow for Berlin. Today lodges flourish in over 40 financial aid from B'nai B'rith-his official reports countries. B'nai B'rith made its greatest led to intervention by other American diplomats overseas progress in Germany where there in Europe. These diplomats invited various were scores of lodges totaling 14,000 members governments to which they were accredited to by 1933 and a network of outstanding Jewish cooperate in halting persecutions of Jews in philanthropic, religious, and cultural institutions Rumania. Indirect consequence of the activities and activities. of Peixotto, the great powers represented at the The last important action taken by B'nai B'rith Congress of Berlin in 1878 gave Rumania the during the nineteenth century was the founding status of an independent kingdom only upon the of the National Jewish Hospital at Denver in 1899. 8 89 of sophisticated giving methods, including At the Turn of the Century endowments, a variety of trust and insurance As brilliant as its record was during the arrangements, and philanthropic funds which nineteenth century, the organization's real* provide important tax benefits through the scope and influence developed during the transfer of the assets of a private foundation to twentieth. In 1900 B'nai B'rith sent $25,000 to & the B'nai B'rith Foundation. the poverty-stricken victims of pogroms in While B'nai B'rith youth services rely strongly Galicia and Russia, contributed $26,000 to on the success of local B'nai B'rith fund raising sufferers of the Galveston flood, and taxed its efforts, the organization has also turned to local members to support the National Jewish federations and welfare funds for allocations to Hospital. meet financial responsibilities. B'nai B'rith youth Leo N. Levi spearheaded development in agencies are direct recipients of funds raised 1901 of the gigantic Removal Project in which through local federation and welfare fund B'nai B'rith played a unique role in settling campaigns. thousands of immigrants, who otherwise would Additional funds for the B'nai B'rith Youth have huddled in the New York ghetto, in towns Services programs are also provided by the all over the country. Local B'nai B'rith lodges B'nai B'rith Insurance Program; B'nai B'rith met the newcomers and helped them become Women, who allocate well over 50% of their self-sustaining. The project was eventually fund raising dollars to Youth Services; and from enlarged to induce not only new arrivals but special events dinners, which bring vital support also some of the immigrants long settled in Adolf Kraus, president of B'nai B'rith, 1905 -25. from community, business and industry leaders. overcrowded New York to move west. In addition to the general operating fund and B'nai B'rith opened a manual training high the youth services fund, B'nai B'rith also school in New Orleans the following year. In rapid that in 1907 B'nai B'rith established a maintains a building fund, the Henry Monsky 1903, the year of the Kishinev pogroms, Washington office with Simon Wolf in charge. Foundation which is the only source of revenue President Theodore Roosevelt met with the B'nai That office functioned until 1938, when for the building expenses of the newly B'rith Executive Committee to discuss the permanent headquarters were established in completed B'nai B'rith International Center in tragedy. A protest prepared by B'nai B'rith was the nation's capital. Washington, D.C. submitted to Secretary of State John Hay for The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, transmission to Russia. By 1905, Jewish The Needs of the Hour with an annual budget of over eight million suffering under the Czar had become so During the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, B'nai B'rith dollars, maintains an independent fund raising widespread that B'nai B'rith's President Adolf took prompt action in probing cases of campaign. One of the most important sources of Kraus called a conference of American Jewish maltreatment of the Jewish population and funds for this campaign is the Society of leaders and Russian statesmen in this country. urged the American government to intervene on Fellows. Individuals who are members of the B'nai B'rith sponsored a joint appeal for relief behalf of the victims. In response to an appeal Society at various giving levels-Guardian of funds for Russian Jewry, contributing $5,000 from B'nai B'rith, President Taft ordered an the Charter, Regent, Fellow and Associate itself. inquiry into anti-Jewish outrages in Salonica in Fellow-not only generously support the The following year $24,000 was raised for the 1912. Equal rights for the Jews of the Balkan important programs of ADL, but also inspire relief of victims of the San Francisco States were also assured after the wars when, others to give and sponsor special events. earthquake, and in 1904 a fund was created for upon the representations of B'nai B'rith, the needy Jews in Rumania. The next year, when United States presented a note to the Bucharest Jews in Jaffa, Palestine, were attacked B'nai Peace Conference of 1913 suggesting B'rith took up the matter with the State incorporation into the peace treaty of a clause to Department and later the Turkish governorwas guarantee equal rights to all inhabitants removed. International developments were so regardless of creed. 9 person-to-person approach, was introduced in 1958, and it has proven to be an effective means of helping to meet the needs of B'nai B'rith programs. Direct solicitation requires little expense to raise each dollar, particularly on the Special Givers levels, where annual gifts are automatically repeated. B'nai B'rith's National B'nai B'rith International's special gifts clubs, Executive Committee the President's, Covenant, meets with President and Century Clubs, Taft (center) at White support Hillel, BBYO and the Career and House. At Taft's im - Counseling Services. mediate right is Adolf Club members make Kraus, then B'naiB'rith annual gifts over and above their Service Fund president, and at Taft's obligation. These extra dollars help make it left is Simon Wolf, B'nai B'rith president possible for B'nai B'rith to maintain its youth in 1904 -05. programs at a viable level. Members of the President's Club support the livJ 11 i worldwide B'nai B'rith youth effort through gifts V ranging from the silver level at $500 or more to the double diamond level of $5000 and over. The Century Club, the fastest growing fund raising concept in B'nai B'rith, offers individuals During the administration of President Taft, War and Peace an opportunity for significant participation on a the abrogation of a commercial treaty between The United States declared war on Germany on giving level of $100 to $249 annually. The the United States and Russia became an issue April 6, 1917. Recognizing the ability of an Covenant Club honors those who contribute because of the persistent refusal of Russia to organization like B'nai B'rith to be of great value $250 to $449 annually. issue visas to visiting Americans of Jewish faith. in war service, the Executive Committee on July Another important means of support for B'nai Public sentiment against this discrimination 30 created an American Soldiers and Sailors B'rith Youth Services is the Legacy and grew so strong that the treaty was abrogated in Welfare League of B'nai B'rith, which later Deferred Giving Program of the B'nai B'rith 1911. merged with the Jewish Welfare Board. Foundation. The mainstay of this effort is the In 1912, B'nai B'rith participated in the In 1918 B'nai B'rith participated in the historic testamentary bequest, a gift to the B'nai B'rith Brussels Conference on Balkan relief work; American Jewish Congress to formulate Foundation through a will. Testamentary gifts lodged a protest with President Taft against demands to be presented to the Peace become a part of the Foundation's endowment, anti-Semitic riots in Greece; took action against Conference. President Adolf Kraus was chosen where the money remains in perpetuity for proposed immigration restrictions that would one of nine American Jews to serve on the investment. Only the income is used to support have shut out thousands of helpless immigrants; Committee of Jewish Delegations at Versailles. B'nai B'rith youth programs. and opened the Home for Orphans at Erie, In the early 1920's B'nai B'rith undertook two The Heritage Annunity Trust, a charitable remainder trust, guarantees the donor an annual The Gold Medallion, awarded for "distinguished Pennsylvania. In 1914, the Order sent the vast gigantic activities that saved the lives of communal service" by B'nai B'rith. sum of $102,000 for the direct relief of Jews thousands of Jews. At a cost of $250,000, income for life and, if he desires, for the lifetime victimized by the wars in Eastern Europe and lodges "adopted" 600 European war orphans, of a loved one. The donor transfers money Palestine. The same year B'nai B'rith founded undertaking the support of these children until and/or property in trust to the B'nai B'rith the Leo N. Levi Memorial Hospital for arthritic they reached the age of 16 or self-support. The Foundation with the understanding that the and kindred diseases at Hot Springs, Arkansas. second activity was the establishment of a B'nai foundation will receive the remaining portion of In 1914, B'nai B'rith organized the Emergency B'rith Mexican Bureau. In 1920, the U.S. the trust's assets after his death. Relief Fund and a social service department. immigration laws began to close the gates of The Deferred Giving Program utilizes a variety 87 10 Ellis Island. Thousands of hapless war sufferers established at the University of Illinois. Aleph from Europe seeking escape from the horrors of Zadik Aleph (AZA) for teenage boys was reaction and anti-Semitism were shut out. About organized in 1924 by Sam Beber. The first local 10,000 Jews were able to enter Mexico, but they groups of the B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG) began in were almost without exception penniless, 1927. The B'nai B'rith Youth Organization would friendless and unable to speak Spanish. Early in be created in 1949 with AZA and BBG as its 1923, B'nai B'rith established its service bureau major components. The B'nai B'rith Vocational 4. Supporting in Mexico City for them, raising and Service Bureau, now the Career and Counseling appropriating a quarter of a million dollars. Services, opened in 1938. These B'nai B'rith agencies are discussed in separate chapters. The Programs A New Era To raise funds to support its youth services, In 1890 the establishment of women's lodges B'nai B'rith embarked in 1926 upon its Wider was proposed, but the motion was defeated. Scope Campaign, now the National Youth The real beginning of the B'nai B'rith Women Services Appeal. Henry Monsky was the first dated from 1897 when women's groups began chairman. to function as B'nai B'rith "auxiliaries" in various In 1929, after Dr. Bogen's sudden heart As an international service organization, B'nai districts. Today B'nai B'rith Women have a attack, President Cohen appointed as secretary B'rith runs on heart. It also runs on money. In dynamic nationwide program of their own with Dr. Isaac M. Rubinow, a distinguished social 1977, more than $25 million was needed to some 950 chapters in North America and 200 worker and social insurance pioneer. support vital programs of the B'nai B'rith family. associated women's groups overseas, the If we are to respond to even a measure of the majority in Israel. Contact With Government appeals for help that we receive, our After what the world saw in Germany during With the advent of the Nazi regime in Germany organization must be a multi-million dollar the 1930's and 1940's, the anti-Semitism in the in 1933, B'nai B'rith's efforts on behalf of victims operation. And we must become experts at a United States of 60 years ago seems almost of oppression abroad became increasingly variety of sophisticated fund raising techniques. mild. Nevertheless, it loomed large in those important. In 1934 a mass petition against the comparatively simple days. The late Sigmund brutality of the Nazi government was drawn up Livingston, then a young lawyer in Bloomington, by B'nai B'rith and submitted to the White House B'nai B'rith introduced the Service Fund Illinois had enough vision to realize that a whole by President Alfred M. Cohen and Dr. Rubinow. concept in the 1950's. Before that, every B'nai generation of Americans would be reared on A year later, Speaker of the House Joseph B'rith agency had to approach lodges anti-Semitism unless something were done. He Byrns denounced European persecution and individually and available funds were often brought the matter to the attention of the vigorously attacked Nazi cruelties in the unevenly distributed. Traditionally, Service Fund organization and in 1913 the B'nai B'rith principal address at the 1935 International monies have been raised through lodge Anti-Defamation League was founded. Convention in Washington. projects such as raffles, dances, theater parties Dr. Boris D. Bogen, a noted Jewish social The German crisis also stimulated a series of and the like. While revenue from dues goes into worker, became secretary of B'nai B'rith and the visits by President Cohen to U.S. Secretary of the General Fund to help provide operating Anti-Defamation League in 1925. State Cordell Hull on behalf of Jews abroad. capital for both districts and B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith in the 1920's was characterized by When Germany dissolved the B'nai B'rith lodges International, Service Fund revenue goes this new era of service. Without abandoning in 1937, confiscated their property, and entirely to the support of B'nai B'rith agencies philanthropy and fraternalism, emphasis shifted incarcerated many of their officers, President and philanthropies, the major portion for youth to B'nai B'rith participation in the construction of Cohen met with Hull, who agreed to do services. a more positive, vital and creative American everything possible to relieve the suffering As costs spiraled, traditional methods of Jewish community. The organization's great caused by the Nazi government. raising money for the Service Fund proved youth movements began in this period. In 1923 President Cohen also discussed with Hull the inadequate. Direct solicitation, the the first B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation was anti-Semitic laws introduced by the Goga-Cuza 11 cabinet in Rumania. Familiar with the historic District Grand Lodge and discussed the plight record of mistreatment of Jews in Rumania, Hull of refugees stranded on the Polish-German informed President Cohen that the State frontier. Department and the American minister at The election of Henry Monsky as president of Bucharest conferred frequently about Jewish B'nai B'rith in 1938 represented a significant suffering in Rumania, and that the envoy had change for the organization. He was the first informally sought to impress Rumanian officials "Russian Jew" to head B'nai B'rith. All his with the deep concern of the United States. predecessors had been "German Jews." When the Secretary of State, with the Although Alfred M. Cohen, Leo N. Levi and concurrence of President Roosevelt, called on Benjamin F. Peixotto had been born in the 33 European and American nations in 1938 to United States, they were still regarded as open their gates to political refugees from "German Jews" psychologically. During Mr. Germany and Austria, within the limits of Monsky's three terms of office, B'nai B'rith shed existing quotas, there was further significant most of the vestiges of its nineteenth-century communication between B'nai B'rith and the practices. State Department, this time on methods of That same year B'nai B'rith moved its helping to effectuate Secretary Hull's proposals. headquarters from Cincinnati to Washington That same year B'nai B'rith representatives (they had been in New York from 1843 to 1905 conveyed to government officials in Washington and in Chicago from 1905 to 1925). who were friendly to the Bulgarian minister the Conferences and contacts with the government news of imminent legislation for the expulsion of became not only more frequent but even more foreign Jews from Bulgaria. Similarly, the Polish urgent because of the developing world crisis. ambassador was visited by B'nai B'rith officials The value of immediate access to information who protested the dissolution of the Polish and to officials quickly became clear.

Throughout the Hitler era in Germany, B'naiB'rith showed concern for Europe's Jews. In 1933, President Alfred M. Cohen (second from left) and Secretary 1.M. Rubinow attended a conference in London on the fate of refu - gees from the Nazis. At right is M. Gordon LPefman. B'nai B'rith leader in Britain. Woman is unidentified. Philanthropies near Mount Herzl, overlooking the Judean Hills, B'nai B'rith Women chapters have contributed the modern cottage-type home was built, extensively to B'nai B'rith institutions which care equipped, and continues to be maintained for the sick, needy, orphaned and aged. They through the efforts of B'nai B'rith Women. served during the establishment of the State of Highly endorsed by the Israel Ministries of Israel, by securing clothing, collecting food, Health and Child Welfare, the work of the home buying ambulances and medical equipment has elicited the highest praise for the gentle, loving and skilled care the children receive. During World War II, and supplies and demonstrating special B'naiB'rith was concern for children. They also aid in the sale of A BBW-Hillel human relations-education strongly represented program sends teams of Jewish and Arab in the armed forces Israel Bonds and in many instances are and several members spearheading the total community effort. B'nai university students into Arab villages and cities were military chap - B'rith Women was responsible for planting to conduct social service projects. The program lains. thousands of trees in the B'nai B'rith Martyrs' is designed to strengthen feeling among Arabs Forest in Israel. that they belong in Israel by right and should share in its development on equal terms with the Home at The B'nai B'rith Women's Children's Jew. Bait Vegan, Jersualem, is specifically a B'nai B'rith Women's project. Women Overseas Children with deep-seated emotional There are more than 200 women's chapters problems, who are referred to the home by overseas; the majority in Israel. They are also Australia, Europe, and appropriate Israeli agencies, receive located in Latin America, Early in 1938, a committee of B'nai B'rith problems concerning pan-American affairs and A cooperative relationship is individualized psychological treatment in a South Africa. leaders, including Rabbi Abram Simon of refugee resettlement in the Western on warm, family atmosphere. The physical maintained with these chapters which carry Washington, Congressman Emanuel Celler, and Hemisphere. programs of social surroundings are designed to contribute to a in their own communities Secretary Maurice Bisgyer, met with President In October 1939, a month after the German child's sense of belonging. Situated on a hilltop service adapted to their local needs. Roosevelt on the plight of oppressed Jews invasion of Poland, B'nai B'rith came forward abroad. Soon afterward, B'nai B'rith began its with one of the first large gifts to the Red Cross program of refugee aid. Affidavits of support for Polish war relief. Given without any condition were secured from friends and kin of about the race or creed of the beneficiaries, this unfortunate members abroad who had B'nai B'rith contribution created a deep previously appealed to B'nai B'rith in the United impression on Red Cross officials, particularly States for assistance. This refugee aid service since it preceded aRed Cross announcement enabled many people to escape Germany and that it would provide no relief in Nazi-occupied other countries under Nazi domination. Poland unless all recipients of Red Cross aid The needs of children have always were treated equally regardless of race or been a top priority of BBW. World War II religion. Red Cross persistence in this attitude From the very beginning of World War II B'nai finally proved successful. B'rith prepared to cooperate with President B'nai B'rith Women's groups amassed Roosevelt's pleas for national unity by blankets and cash totaling $10,000 to be vigorously maintaining the effort to preserve and shipped to Polish refugees by the Red Cross. defend democracy. The organization worked B'nai B'rith contributed $25,000 to the Red closely with all government agencies engaged Cross' $10 million war relief appeal, thus in combatting subversive activities. B'nai B'rith initiating efforts which resulted in gifts and representatives in Washington took part in equipment of $250,000 from B'nai B'rith to the conferences with government spokesmen on Red Cross. 13 Defense Preparations They asked the President to warn the Nazis B'nai B'rith also played a part in the nation's once again "that they will be held to strict far-flung defense efforts. In July 1940 officials of accountability for their crimes" and "to employ the U.S. Department of Justice conferred with every available means to bring solemn protest representatives of a number of large national and warning to the peoples of the Axis countries organizations to develop plans for mutual so that they may be deterred from acting as the cooperation in carrying out the Alien instruments of the monstrous designs of their 0 / Registration Act without hardship to loyal mad leaders." They also urged that an Voluntary service at hospitals and non-citizens. B'nai B'rith's contribution was the Dolls for Democracy are two widely American Commission be appointed at once to respected BB W programs. speedy appointment of legal aid committees in receive and examine all evidence of Nazi more than 350 B'nai B'rith communities. barbarities against civilian populations, and to B'nai B'rith's Vocational Service Bureau, submit that evidence to the bar of public opinion through its founding national director, Dr. Max F. and to the conscience of the world. Baer, was the only Jewish agency represented at a national conference on defense and jobs B'nai B'rith's Second Century held in Washington on November 18, 1940 As soon as the news of the Nazi extermination under the auspices of the U.S. Office of of European Jewry became known in the early Education and the National Vocational 1940's, B'nai B'rith co-sponsored a series of Guidance Association. B'nai B'rith proposed the mass protest meetings in all major U.S. cities at national conference on employment which B'nai B'rith officials often shared the discrimination in the defense industry which was platform with prominent representatives of held in Washington November 1941. government, church, and labor organizations. B'nai B'rith was among the first of the Jewish Political Advocacy organizations to insist that a concrete program On March 19,1942, U.S. Acting Secretary of be prepared to implement statements issued by State Sumner Wells received a delegation of the Allied nations. The organization co-signed representatives of leading American Jewish the 12-point program for the rescue of Jews organizations on the question of the sinking of from Nazi-occupied Europe submitted to the the refugee ship "Struma" and the admission of Bermuda Refugee Conference by the Joint refugees to Palestine. President Monsky joined Emergency Committee for European Jewish in submitting a memorandum declaring the Affairs. policy responsible for such disasters to be Maurice Bisgyer, who had been appointed inconsistent with ideals of justice and humanity. secretary of the order in 1937, testified before It requested the State Department to use its the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the War good offices to bring about change in the Crimes Commission Bill, which stimulated an policies of the Palestine administration on the aggressive approach to the trial and admission of Jewish refugees. punishment of war criminals, and before the On December 8, 1942 a delegation of Senate Committee on Labor and Education on representatives of Jewish organizations, behalf of Fair Employment Practices legislation. including Henry Monsky, Dr. Stephen S. Wise, At the establishment of the refugee free port Maurice Wertheim, Adolph Held, and Rabbi in the United States at Fort Ontario, Oswego, Israel Rosenberg, submitted a memorandum to N.Y. in 1944, B'nai B'rith performed one of the the President of the United States calling his most dramatic examples of the service for which attention to the plight of the Jews in Europe. it has become famous. At the request of the 14 B'rith Women members who serve at the home. Chapter members also give thousands of U.S. Department of Interior, the organization the Jewish people with respect to Palestine Foundations and who open their homes to hours annually to the hospitalized veteran and fulfilled on short notice an assignment to should be strictly safeguarded. The American students during holidays, inviting them as members of the armed forces. provide complete recreational and religious Jewish Conference received authorization from guests to share in the holiday. "Operation Stork," launched in 1966 by BBW facilities for 982 refugees at the emergency the U.N. Relief and Rehabilitation Agency Through the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, in cooperation with the National Foundation shelter. (UNRRA) to send six workers, one designated B'nai B'rith Women has recognized the needs March of Dimes, has mushroomed into a major by B'nai B'rith, to enter the American zone in of high school youth and has given special national project. In its educational program for Citations and Conferences occupied Germany. support to the training and development of prenatal care to help prevent birth defects, BBW On December 7, 1945 Admiral Forrest P. BBYO's volunteer advisors who seek guidance volunteers work directly with medical people Sherman bestowed on B'nai B'rith the first Palestine Crisis and a sense of personal identification with the and social workers at the many "Operation citation for war service awarded to any civilian In the summer of 1946, activities of B'nai B'rith values and traditions of Judaism. Stork" clinics. organization. On February 4, 1946 General and the American Jewish Conference intensified Vocational libraries have been established by B'nai B'rith Women cooperates with major Dwight Eisenhower cited B'nai B'rith similarly. to protest British suppression of Jewish the women. They also have purchased visual governmental agencies and non-governmental The U.S. Treasury honored the B'nai B'rith immigration to Palestine. President Monsky aids and other equipment to carry on programs organizations and participates in their national Women through Mrs. Benjamin Samuels and issued a fighting statement which declared that for youth. conferences. BBW as an international Mrs. Louis Perlman. The U.S. Navy Department "Jews attempting to enter Palestine are not B'nai B'rith Women chapters initiate and non-governmental organization, has observer cited the B'nai B'rith Vocational Service Bureau 'illegal' immigrants in the eyes of international participate in a variety of activities that serve the status at the United Nations. through Leon J. Obermayer and Dr. Max Baer. law, and their peaceful admission is just in needs of their individual communities. BBW "Dolls for Democracy," a dramatic B'nai B'rith representatives attended a terms of any code of human decency." members are volunteer workers in hospitals, story-telling project with appropriately costumed citizen's conference in Washington called by the When the Grady Committee, appointed by centers for the mentally retarded and halfway dolls representing the world's great Federal Housing Administrator in response to President Truman to implement houses. In award-winning programs, they have humanitarians, brings to school children the President Truman's recommendation for a recommendations of the Anglo-American helped meet the religious and cultural needs of basic American tenets of the rights and dignity veteran's emergency housing program. Henry Inquiry Committee on Palestine, adopted Jewish prisoners in federal and state of the individual. Interfaith meetings and teas Monsky became chairman of a conference of instead the British position of "federalization" of institutions. involving other women's groups in the civic, educational and welfare leaders Palestine in contradiction of the findings of the Their concern with health care and education community are held to promote brotherhood appointed by the government in 1946 to study Inquiry Committee, President Monsky canceled is carried into the community through sight and and better understanding. increasing problems of juvenile delinquency. In a trip to the Paris Peace Conference and flew to hearing testing in schools, tutoring for children Adult Jewish education is another area where December 1946 the Citizen's Committee on Washington to meet with top government and adult drop-outs, immunization programs, B'nai B'rith Women offers opportunities to learn Displaced Persons, on which B'nai B'rith officials. He registered strong objections to the support of blood banks, prevention of child more about Jewish culture and tradition. This served, resolved to obtain passage of Grady Committee proposals and reaffirmed abuse, nutrition education, and a Tay-Sachs program is implemented through chapter study emergency legislation permitting the United support of the original recommendations of the and genetic counseling and testing program. groups, Ongai Shabbat, special holiday States to admit displaced persons. Anglo American Inquiry Committee. Mr. Monsky B'nai B'rith Women helps locate the isolated observances, and participation in B'nai B'rith also used the opportunity to discuss the status The American Jewish Conference elderly and poor and connect them with sources Institutes of Judaism. and problems of displaced persons in of assistance. Chapter programs also focus on Serving on the Veterans Administration President Monsky became chairman of the Germany. alcoholism and drug abuse, improvement of the Voluntary Service Advisory Boards at Veterans interim committee of the American Jewish juvenile courts and correction system, Administration hospitals throughout the country, Assembly, created as a temporary organization The End of the Conference improvement of services to foster children, B'nai B'rith Women continues to keep faith with in January 1943 to map aid to postwar With most of its original aims accomplished in environmental concerns and energy its pledge "not to forget" the hospitalized European Jewry. Out of the Assembly grew the the international field, the American Jewish conservation and employment of the veteran. In hundreds of veterans and military American Jewish Conference. Mr. Monsky was Conference was dissolved in February 1949. handicapped. hospitals, thousands of B'nai B'rith Women are one of the Jewish leaders who served as a Efforts had been made to extend the scope of In many cities, BBW chapters sponsor providing parties and entertainment, distributing consultant to the American delegation at the the conference to the American scene and set activities to welcome new citizens at the time of cigarettes and magazines, paying for founding of the United Nations at San Francisco up a permanent organization, but the necessary their naturalization and to help Jewish people recordings of the veterans for their families, and in 1945. These leaders participated in a united support of all major Jewish organizations was from the U.S.S.R. to become settled in their new undertaking many other personal services. effort to convince U.N. leaders that the rights of not achieved. B'nai B'rith nevertheless 82 15 Origin of B'nai B'rith Women the Children's Home in Israel as a permanent When a handful of Jewish women in San project. Francisco met on August 18, 1897 "to promote The year 1953 saw the long battle for a vote sociability for B'nai B'rith members and their as well as a voice in the traditionally male B'nai families," no one imagined they were sowing the B'rith achieve success as women delegates seeds for an international Jewish women's voted at the Supreme Lodge convention for the first time. In 1957, B'nai B'rith leaders service organization that would grow to 150,000 headquarters were moved meet with President members. from Chicago to the new B'nai B'rith Building in Truman in the White House Oval Office to Thirty-four wives, mothers, sisters and Washington. The official name of the discuss veterans' daughters of B'nai B'rith lodge members later organization became B'nai B'rith Women. problems. Seated is Throughout the years, BBW B'nai B'rith President accepted an invitation to attend a regular has maintained a Henry Monsky; stand - meeting of B'nai B'rith Columbia Lodge 127 on deep commitment to Jewish youth, providing ing from left are A.B. steadily increasing support to the B'nai B'rith Kapplin, director of March 9, 1909. That invitation resulted in the the Postwar Service first official meeting of the first chapter of B'nai Youth Organization and the Hillel Foundations. Committee, Sidney G. BBW also continued to fight anti-Semitism Kusworm, chairman of B'rith Women, the Ladies Auxiliary of Columbia the American Com - Lodge, now known as San Francisco Chapter through its support of the Anti-Defamation mittee, Lt. Col. Elliott League. A. Niles, chairman of No. 1, the oldest BBW chapter. B'nai B'rith Women also participates the National Veterans As time passed, Advisory Committee, the nature of the organization cooperatively with B'nai B'rith International in the and Maurice Bisgyer, changed. These women saw their role as a Adult Jewish Education program, Career and ' national secretary. special sacred covenant. Their aim was to Counseling Service, Community Volunteer perpetuate the culture of Judaism, to enrich Services, and in many programs and projects in their communities and ensure the religious Israel. survival of their sons and daughters. The activities of BBW chapters and individual As the membership grew and chapters members in the 1970's reflect a continuing developed, it became increasingly clear that commitment to the ideals and principles of nothing could stem the organizing zeal of B'nai Jewish womanhood and the relevance of the continued efforts to work for genuine unity in the organization also grew impressively. On B'rith Women. Their programs were reaching Jewish way of life. American Jewish Community and, even after the January 1, 1947 the government of the into hospitals, children's centers and to the dissolution of the conference, adopted a policy Netherlands honored B'nai B'rith for its efforts to needy and refugees from persecution-ridden Youth Services of consultation with other agencies. feed and clothe the Dutch poor. Europe. Accepting its full share of the financial The International Convention of 1947, held in On October 21, 1940, representatives of six responsibility for the three B'nai B'rith Youth 1947: A Turning Point Washington a week after Mr. Monsky's death, Women's districts met in Washington, D.C. and Services-B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations, B'nai The sudden and untimely death of B'nai B'rith created the B'nai B'rith Henry Monsky formally organized the Women's Supreme B'rith Youth Organization and the B'nai B'rith President Henry Monsky on May 2, 1947 Foundation as a memorial to the outstanding Council as a national coordinating body for the Career and Counseling Service-B'nai B'rith occurred during a period of important growth leader. A decision to set up a B'nai B'rith office districts and the ever-growing chain of chapters Women has contributed generously to help and activity for which he provided great in Europe and expand worldwide membership throughout the country. carry on the all-important youth services leadership. During Mr. Monsky's three terms of was also made at that memorable convention. In 1948, when the State of Israel was programs. office, B'nai B'rith membership had increased Frank Goldman of Lowell, Massachusetts was established, B'nai B'rith Women was in the The joy and comfort a new student from about 60,000 to 190,000 members. From a elected Mr. Monsky's successor. forefront, and in the next decade, emphasis was experiences when he finds a Jewish handful of women's chapters, B'nai B'rith The convention was addressed by Attorney placed on aiding the victims of the Nazi environment away from home and a warm Women had developed 450 chapters with General Tom C. Clark. Secretary of State Holocaust and supporting the new Jewish state. welcome from other Jewish students at Hillel 103,000 members. The Hillel Foundations grew George C. Marshall, Associate Justice Robert That same year, the Women's Supreme Council Foundations cannot be measured. It is just as from 12 units to 180. The prestige of the H. Jackson, of the United States Supreme assumed responsibility for the maintenance of elusive to try to measure the services of B'nai 16 81 Court, and Secretary of War Robert Patterson B'nai B'rith played an integral role in efforts of received citations. world Jewry to negotiate and distribute reparations from Germany for the staggering Operations Abroad material losses inflicted upon European Jewry B'nai B'rith took part in many consultative by the Hitler regime. In 1951 Colonel Bernard B'nai B'rith sessions in Paris. These led to the adoption by Bernstein represented the organization at the the United Nations of the Universal Declaration first Conference on Jewish Material Claims B'nai B'rith Women are deeply committed to the struggle for women's rights as of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, and Against Germany in New York and B'nai B'rith well as other contemporary humanitarian remained active through the years in the Claims and public service causes. the approval of the international convention against genocide, the first international legal Conference and the Memorial Foundation for 3.Women instrument condemning destruction of any Jewish Culture. human group-racial, ethnic, religious or national-by any means. Consultant to United Nations ECOSOC Women today face a new world of opportunities and Secretary Maurice Bisgyer was one of 12 In the spring of 1949, B'nai B'rith joined with the 60c possibilities. Horizons of the "women's world" have organizational representatives invited by Board of Deputies of British Jews and the South been expanded so that women can develop greater General Lucius Clay, military governor of African Board of Jewish Deputies in the awareness of their potential to affect and influence Germany, to confer in Germany in 1948 with Coordinating Board of Jewish Organizations their society as individuals and in groups. For B'nai officials, generals, educators and leaders. Mr. (CBJO), a non-governmental body which B'rith Women, this has meant new scope to act, to Bisgyer's articles attacking the renascent Nazi gained consultative status with the United speak out on issues, and to serve. Dedication to the spirit were published widely. Nations Economic and Social Council improvement of the quality of Jewish life through After a conference of European B'nai B'rith (ECOSOC). voluntary service has continued as the watchword of lodges, which eventually developed into the Representatives of CBJO attended a i B'nai B'rith Women. B'nai B'rith European Committee, the European conference of non-governmental organizations At their convention in 1976, B'nai B'rith Women Office of B'nai B'rith was opened in Paris in in April 1949, at Lake Success, New York to endorsed a new program of regionalization which January 1949, with Rabbi William F. Rosenblum exchange views and make recommendations would weld together various elements of the representing the Supreme Lodge. helpful to U.N. objectives. The delegates were a organization. The goal was to provide greater service on the local level and, in turn, channel the talent potential within the chapters into BBW leadership.

Since the inception of the United Nations, B'nai B'rith has strived to promote human rights, the security of Israel, and the concept of democracy before the world body. Yoset Tekoah (seated at upper left of horseshoe table as Israel's ambassa - dor) is an alumnus of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organiza - tion.

L'~ moving force in recommending an annual Germany throughout this period, tournaments, help build our membership Human Rights Day on December 10 and in representations were made by B'nai B'rith to strength and contribute substantially to our requesting the United Nations Educational, appropriate authorities. original B'nai B'rith building fund. Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) During the administration of President All bowlers are members of B'nai B'rith. to eliminate the indoctrination of hatred based Goldman, efforts were made to reclaim the Beyond bowling, many are active in the lodges on race or religion. German property of B'nai B'rith. In November through which they channel their activities of The Coordinating Board recommended 1949 reports reached the United States of service. development of procedures for individual serious anti-Jewish persecution in Iraq. petitions on the infringement of human rights, President Goldman, acting as spokesman for a pending the eventual adoption of the Covenant Jewish delegation to the State Department, said on Human Rights. Under this measure, Iraqi laws under which Jews had been arrested individuals as well as organizations would be were in violation of the United Nations charter able to bring violations of human rights and fundamental human rights. In 1952 anywhere in the world before the United President Goldman appealed to U.N. Secretary Nations. General Trygve Lie to use his good offices to President Goldman, for the Coordinating persuade Iraq to suspend the execution of two Board, submitted a memorandum to the Human Jewish youths. Rights Commission recommending that each At its annual meeting in February 1952, the member of the United Nations immediately set National Executive Committee (now the Board of up a "watchdog" commission to protect human Governors) formulated a five-point program of rights within its territory, and the U.N. Human action against communist persecution of Jews Rights Commission be kept fully informed of the behind the Iron Curtain. This program urged activities of these national commissions and Congress, the President and the State also conduct surveys of the observance of Department to express abhorrence of human rights. anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union and to take appropriate action to dissuade governments Interventions for Human Rights from further persecution. It also asked the In July 1948 B'nai B'rith requested that the State United Nations to adopt measures toward the Department intercede with the Egyptian same end and called upon communist government for proper redress in the tragic governments to permit emigration of all Jewish incident of Stephen H. Hassa, active leader of citizens who wanted to leave. B'nai B'rith in Philadelphia, who was stoned to Late in 1954, the national chairman of the death by an Egyptian mob. Intervention by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith U.S. government followed. appeared before the House Committee on On August 4, 1949, twelve Jews were killed Communist Aggression to expose the facts and nineteen others injured in the bombing of a concerning the Russian government's policy synagogue in Damascus, Syria. President toward its Jewish citizens. Goldman immediately wired Secretary of State Acheson urging the United States to intervene Public Functions and Recognition for the sake of justice. Assistant Secretary of In February 1948 the American Red Cross cited State George C. McGhee sent assurances that B'nai B'rith for "its exceptional service on behalf United States representations would be made to of humanity." prevent further acts of violence. The Anti-Defamation League in April 1949 When anti-Semitic incidents occurred in presented to President Truman, through Justice 18 With offices based in New York and Los of Jewish interest. Meier Steinbrink, a citation for his Civil Rights Goldman wired President Truman, calling Angeles, the department is responsible for Articles cover the entire sphere of Jewish Program. Justice Steinbrink, a member of the attention to the eviction from their homes of planning, designing, promoting and interests. All the way from an investigative New York Supreme Court, had been elected many who still remain in Hungary, and to the implementing a nationwide tour program report on "Israel's Secret Weapon" to some- National Chairman of ADL in October 1946 after new wave of terror which was initiated during conducted under its auspices. The department thing as esoteric as using Zeyde's love letters the death of Sigmund Livingston, who had led the previous two months. Nine days later arranges "package trips" which may be as an "index to soul." There are nostalgic the League since its establishment in 1913. President Truman denounced the "brutal acts" sponsored by individual B'nai B'rith groups and recollections of the immigrant experience in In the same month, the U.S. Treasury of the communist government in Hungary and reviews contemplated tour programs initiated by America, hard-edged personal reporting on the Department cited the Women's Supreme asserted that the United States would take all B'nai B'rith groups to ensure that they meet Holocaust, light and humorous articles and Council at its annual meeting for the sale of U.S. appropriate steps to expose the situation to established criteria. fiction, rabbinical exegesis and poetry. Savings Bonds. "public view and render the Hungarian MEMBERS' INSURANCE As the main source of communication be- B'nai B'rith was represented at a presidential government accountable before the world for its commission to plan United Nations Day on infamous conduct.' Over the years, our commitment to serving our tween B'nai B'rith and its members, The October 24, 1949 and was also elected at this members has been our first concern. The National Jewish Monthly also keeps tabs on A memorable occasion occurred in October time to membership in the U.S. National Members' Insurance Program is part of that worldwide B'nai B'rith. An entire issue is de- 1951 when the Beverly Hills Lodge awarded to Commission for UNESCO. tradition. voted to each intemational convention. Inside President Miguel Aleman of Mexico a B'nai That year marked the 25th anniversary of AZA Numerous programs and options for B'nai B'rith, a magazine within the magazine, B'rith Man of the Year citation, the first award of coverage make the B'nai B'rith Members' includes stories such as photo reports on the and the B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations. its kind to be bestowed by B'nai B'rith upon the Conspicuous Insurance Program one of the most complete B'nai B'rith Klutznick Museum and firsthand among the various tributes from head of any state outside the United States. prominent government officials was that of and comprehensive in the country today. Our essays on Hillel summer institutes or BBYO President Truman, who saluted Philip M. Klutznick Elected President continuing goal is to keep your coverage leadership conferences. Monthly features in- the "foresight and wisdom" of Sam Beber, the founder of AZA. up-to-date and responsive to current needs and clude "People and Projects," which focuses on At the 1953 Supreme Lodge Convention in The 1950 Triennial Convention of the requirements. exciting B'nai B'rith activities and recent Washington, Philip M. Kultznick was Supreme Lodge was highlighted by an address Equally important is the economy the plans achievements by B'nai B'rith members, a unanimously elected president of B'nai B'rith. by U.N. Secretary-General Trygve Lie, in which He was 45 at the time, the first B'nai B'rith represent. The mass buying power of the column by the president, and a showcase of he outlined his "Twenty-Year Program for president born in the twentieth century, and the membership of B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith new dimensions in programming and service. Achieving Peace Through the United Nations." first alumnus of AZA to head the organization. Women, plus the nature of group insurance and The National Jewish Monthly is the link The convention was also marked by the The convention made several structural its administration, help keep premiums for the but it is between B'nai B'rith and its members presentation of the B'nai B'rith Citation for changes in B'nai B'rith, creating a Board of programs low. the members of B'nai also the link between Service to Eddie Jacobson of Kansas City, a Governors to replace the Executive Committee The insurance plans include term life and the Jewish world. B'rith member of B'nai B'rith and a close friend of and renaming the Central Administrative Board insurance, long-term disability income, B'NAl B'RITH BOWLING President Truman, who was influential in as the Administrative Committee, with increased accidental death and dismemberment, excess obtaining recognition of Israel by the United power. The convention also authorized a major medical, in-hospital indemnity, women's Many of our members bowl under the banner of States. . standing B'nai B'rith Israel Committee "for the disability protection, and a senior security B'nai B'rith, either as individual leagues or under During 1950 and 1951, B'nai B'rith continued purpose of initiating, directing, supervising and others. the auspices of the International B'nai B'rith supplement program-among its efforts at the United Nations in promotion of coordinating programs, projects and activities Income derived from the insurance program Bowling Association (IBBBA). world harmony and universal brotherhood, of the Order pertaining to Israel." is used in support of the youth service agencies Where lodges have chosen to affiliate with the reaffirming the organization's basic policies in Shortly after his election, President Klutznick, of B'nai B'rith. B'nai IBBBA, they are part of an international body B'rith is concerned for you, support of the advancement of human rights. in a trip unprecedented in the annals of B'nai your family and your protection. that has been actively contributing to the The outrages to which the Hungarian Jewish B'rith, traveled throughout the country to meet NATIONAL JEWISH MONTHLY strength and well-being of B'nai B'rith since 1936, when it was first organized. population were subjected during 1950 and with rank and file leaders of scores of lodges The National Jewish Monthly is B'nai B'rith's There are 175 leagues and 2,100 teams, 1951 were also a matter of vital concern to B'nai and chapters, and to discuss their problems connection with the world. Every B'nai B'rith representing over 10,000 members. They B'rith, which was the first of the Jewish with them. This effort fired new enthusiasm for member receives a subscription to the maga- handle youth scholarship tournaments, organizations to intervene on behalf of the Jews the work of B'nai B'rith in all areas. zine, one of the most widely read publications contribute to BBYO and Hillel, sponsor bowling of Hungary. On July 19, 1951 President In 1954 Camp B'nai B'rith (now known as 78 19 1. B'nai B'rith at birth of the State of Israel. With President Truman are Eddie Jacob - son, Truman's former business partner and a member of the organization; Secre - tary Maurice Bisgyer, and President SERVING THE MEMBER B'NAI B'RITH TOURS Frank Goldman. You are a member of B'nai B'rith because of The world is a smaller place today. Distant 2. Three B'nai B'rith presidents confer. what you can give-to From left are Frank Goldman, president young people, to your places are commonplace for many of us today. 1947-53, Label A. Katz, 1959 -65 and community, to those in need, to Jews throughout There is something special about sharing new Philip M. Klutznick, 1953 -59. the world. In return, you receive a greater sense experiences and re-visiting 3. old sites and sights Sam Beber, founder of AZA. of identity, a special feeling of togetherness, a with others who are part of your B'nai B'rith 4. Float in Eisenhower inaugural parade in 1953 indicates B nai B rith s history wider circle of friendship, an awareness of your family. and purpose. heritage and history, a vehicle through which The program is designed to provide a -..- - U 1 you can express your commitment to Jewish and personal service to the membership of B'nai democratic values. Beyond these, there are B'rith and B'nai Brith Women which not only other tangible ways in which you are served as offers an opportunity to participate in an you are serving others. Insurance coverage for educational, inspirational and meaningful B'nai B'nai B'rith members only. An extensive travel B'rith experience, but also to travel at fair prices and tour program. The National Jewish Monthly based on the advantage of group fares. The with the widest circulation of any magazine of National Tour Program was also initiated to Jewish content and interest. Bowling. Sociability. provide additional revenue for the support of the Friendship. B'nai B'rith National Youth Services.

hh, After the Vietnamese War, again B'nai B'rith established in 1957. Originally a small exhibit B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp) was established on In September 1957 B'nai B'rith moved into its lodges came to the forefront, providing hall, the museum was expanded in 1977 to a 300-acre site in the Poconos at Starlight, Pa. new headquarters building, a $1.6 million necessary services and helping settle refugees include four galleries, a public theatre, a gift The camp, operated by the B'nai B'rith Youth structure honored for its architectural design. into the American lifestyle. shop and a book store. Organization, includes a 15-acre spring fed lake The national staffs of B'nai B'rith Women and the As a continuing project, B'nai B'rith lodges The museum houses one of the largest and a six-acre Sam Beber Leadership Village, programmatic agencies of B'nai B'rith, except have provided a large degree of support in collections of Jewish ceremonial and folk art in named for the founder of AZA. The village, that of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai settling Soviet Jewish immigrants and making North America. Composed of more than 1,000 which includes an auditorium, classrooms, a B'rith, which remained in New York, were them feel a part of the Jewish community. For objects dating from antiquity to the 19th century, library and dormitories, is the summer site of housed there. Vice President Richard Nixon and B'nai B'rith, community service means meeting this collection is displayed on a continuing basis BBYO leadership training programs and the Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at the dedication human needs wherever they exist. in both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Hillel Summer Institute. The camp inaugurated a ceremonies. Works by contemporary artists are also on Bernard Ehrenreich Youth Village in 1977. B'NAI B'RITH KLUTZNICK MUSEUM display. In the early 1950's, a series of floods and The B'nai B'rith Klutznick Museum is unique in A gallery devoted to the history and current tornadoes devastated many areas in the the capital of the United States. It is the only service projects of B'nai B'rith is a permanent country. B'nai B'rith allocated special museum devoted to the Jewish contribution to feature of the new museum. Items on exhibit in appropriations for relief and rehabilitation in democracy and the world located in the heart of this gallery are selected from a 20,000-volume Worcester, Mass.; Waco, Tex.; Flint, Mich., and Washington. An attraction for tourists, a magnet archives on B'nai B'rith history, which also forms Toronto, Canada. for visitors of all faiths from all continents, it has part of the museum facilities. Disasters of larger magnitude struck become a focal point of Jewish .expression, To the thousands of people who visit the B'nai overseas. When in 1953 the worst European history and artifacts. B'rith headquarters each year, the museum floods in five centuries devasted large sections Named in honor of Philip M. and Ethel offers a continuous series of tours, lectures, of The Netherlands, Belgium and Great Britain, Klutznick, the B'nai B'rith Klutznick Museum was films and exhibits on Jewish art and culture. B'nai B'rith extended grants to stricken inhabitants. It also appropriated $5,000 to a fund established by Mayor Ernst Reuter of Berlin to aid refugees from Iron Curtain countries. President Klutznick was reelected to a second term at the 1956 convention in Washington. During the convention, the cornerstone was laid for the B'nai B'rith headquarters building. Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver and Senator Herbert H. Lehman delivered the dedicatory addresses. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles was principal speaker at the convention banquet. The convention amended B'nai B'rith's constitution to establish B'nai B'rith Women as a national organization under the authority of the Supreme Lodge, but with direct jurisdiction over Women's districts and chapters. The B'nai B'rith International Council was created in 1956 to coordinate efforts of the many B'nai B'rith districts which had developed outside North America, as well as aid in the creation of other new B'nai B'rith groups. In April 1958 Congress enacted the first civil confiscated by Nazis in 1937. rights bill in 80 years and ADL, which for years Equally dramatic was the announcement that had been in the forefront of the Civil rights B'nai B'rith would resume in West Germany with struggle, presented its America's Democratic the chartering of a lodge in West Berlin. This Legacy Award to the entire 85th Congress at a marked the reappearance of B'nai B'rith in "Dinner with Congress". Germany after 22 years.

Convention in Israel International Activities In May 1959 B'nai B'rith held a precedent- During Label Katz's incumbency, B'nai B'rith continued to maintain a constant alert to political setting triennial convention in Israel. Label A. B'nai B'rith has supported Katz was elected president. He had been active and social events affecting Jewish life philanthropic projects for throughout the world. Deeply concerned over nearly 140 years. The Leo N. in the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization since Levi Memorial Hospital in boyhood and had served as chairman of the the status of the Jewish communities of the Arkansas is a leading Soviet Union and other Eastern European research and treatment Youth Commission. At the time of his election he center of arthritic and was 40, even younger than Philip Klutznick nations, B'nai B'rith sought every available rheumatic diseases. when he became president. means of persuading the Soviet government to The relationship between the Jews of Israel ease its religious and cultural restrictions and Jews of the Diaspora was the theme of the against its Jewish citizens. president's message delivered by Mr. Klutznick In 1948 B'nai B'rith Women established its at the opening session held in Jerusalem's Children's Home in Israel. Millions of dollars imposing "Binyanei Ha'ooma," the Hall of have since been raised for the maintenance of Nations. By holding its convention in Israel, this complex designed for emotionally disturbed B'nai B'rith demonstrated that the Jewish state children, the only institution of its kind in Israel. was a focal point and a source of unity for Jews In the late 1950's and '60s, B'nai B'rith made everywhere. This first B'nai B'rith convention presentations before United Nations outside the continental limits of the United subcommissions charged with safeguarding States also pointed up the international religious rights and protecting minorities. It also The B'nai B'rith Center at the Mayo Clinic, Europe) was construction of a children's home character of the organization. Speaking before exposed various forms of anti-Jewish material Rochester, Minn. B'nai B'rith supports a in Old Jaffa for youngsters in need of remedial the first large convention of any organization published in the Soviet Union. B'nai B'rith was chaplaincy service to provide comfort to education. It will be jointly operated by the ever to come to Israel, more than 1,000 one of the organizers of the American Jewish patients in this world-famous medical center. municipality of Tel Aviv and District 14 (Israel). delegates and participants, Mr. Klutznick called Conference on Soviet Jewry which convened in In addition to these national projects, local A continuing B'nai B'rith tradition is for the B'nai B'rith to become more truly an Washington in April 1964 to pool Jewish lodges, districts, and other B'nai B'rith units emergency aid to disaster victims. The listing international movement "in spirit, in act and in organizational resources into a common effort support local philanthropies at an estimated includes the Chicago Fire in 1871, the deed." on behalf of Soviet Jews. annual expenditure of over $500,000. These Johnstown Flood in 1889, the Great San Addressing the convention were such Israel President Katz devoted much of his include summer camps for underprivileged Francisco Earthquake in 1906, Hurricane Agnes notables as Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, administration's efforts and energies to alerting children, free milk and lunch stations, in 1972, earthquakes in Rumania in 1977, and President Itzhak Ben-Zvi and Foreign Minister the free world to the plight of Soviet Jews. In the playgrounds, scholarship and loan fund for many more. From 1933 until 1946, B'nai B'rith Moshe Sharett. summer of 1961 he, together with a B'nai B'rith needy children, and equipment for hospitals. In contributed more than one-and-a-half million On the eve of the convention, Mr. Klutznick delegation, visited the Soviet Union to meet with addition, the lodges also provide support for dollars in direct aid to refugees from the Hitler announced that B'nai B'rith had concluded a synagogue leaders, to see scores of Jews and local BBYO chapters, Hillel Foundations, and terror. After VJ Day, a nationwide drive collected restitution agreement with the government of to hold private conferences on the problem with other B'nai B'rith services. tons of clothing for Europe and China. This was West Germany. Under its terms, the Bonn Soviet officials, including the deputy minister of B'nai B'rith districts overseas are also active followed by an Adopt-A-Family project through government would pay 10 million Deutsche culture. in philanthropic projects locally and in Israel. A which thousands of families overseas were Mark (about $2,400,000) for properties B'nai B'rith similarly came forward with notable achievement of District 19 (continental regularly sent food and clothing packages. 22 75 ADL develops methods and materials for cross-section of Americans of every race, creed counsel and assistance wherever Jews needed helping teachers discover and correct their own and religion. help-in Latin America, North Africa, the Middle negative attitudes as well as those of their Today, the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai East. students. The agency consults and cooperates B'rith, one of the nation's oldest human relations In 1963 the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai with administrators and school systems, sets up agencies, is a recognized leader in its field. B'rith celebrated its 50th anniversary with President William Wexler and Israel's and participates in workshops for teacher Dedicated in purpose and program to President Kennedy as guest of honor. On Oct. Prime Minister David.Ben -Gurion. groups and education associations and translating this country's heritage of democratic 13th of that year, the Supreme Lodge began a national, state and regional conferences on ideals into a way of life for all Americans, its year-long celebration of its 120th anniversary, human relations education. It provides history is an inspiring record of participation in honoring four of its distinguished counseling to educators at all school democratic progress in the United States by a members-former President Philip M. Klutznick, levels-kindergarten through college. Jewish organization which knew from the very Supreme Court Justice Arthur Goldberg, beginning that the security of all minority groups entertainer Jack Benny and Senator Herbert H. I -A Extremism is intertwined with the security of democracy Lehman. American extremist groups-on the radical right itself. In 1963 B'nai B'rith purchased the American and the radical left-their bids for political Red Cross building in Manhattan and power and the respectable sources of some of B'NAI B'RITH PHILANTHROPIC remodeled it for use by ADL, B'nai B'rith District PROJECTS No. 1 headquarters and the organization's New i their support, are of continuing ADL concern. 11 il*l The existence of such extremists not only For many decades, the emphasis in the B'nai York regional offices. In 1965 the imperils the democratic fabric of the nation but B'rith definition of service had been on Supreme Lodge convention was a poses a potential threat of increased establishing orphanages, homes for the aged held again in Israel. Dr. William A. Wexler of anti-Semitism. and hospitals. Now defunct, owing to changing Savannah, Ga., a longtime member of B'nai ADL's research and counteraction efforts social conditions, are the New Orleans Widows' B'rith who had held major leadership posts in include exposing extremist groups and and Orphans' Home, founded in 1855; the several phases of its activities, was elected individuals-their actions, strength, backing and Hebrew Orphans' Asylum, Atlanta, Ga., 1889; president. Rabbi Jay Kaufman became goals-and positive educational programs to and the Pacific Hebrew Orphan Asylum, San Executive Vice-President of B'nai B'rith following prevent their machinations from taking hold. Francisco, 1872. The assets of the B'nai B'rith the retirement of Maurice Bisgyer who had Home for Children in Erie, Pa., founded in 1912, served in that post for nearly 27 years. Civil Rights were transferred to the B'nai B'rith Henry At a pre-convention ceremony, a B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith is proud of ADL's history of Monsky Foundation and enabled B'nai B'rith to Library was dedicated at the University of leadership in the civil rights struggle and establish its first camp in Starlight, Pa., in 1954. Negev at Sde Boker, near the kibbutz home of remains deeply committed to the unfinished However, B'nai B'rith still helps to support, former Israel Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. task of securing equal rights for all in an wholly or in part, a number of philanthropies: The doughty Israeli leader warmly greeted the integrated society. Bellefaire, Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1868 delegates and thanked B'nai B'rith for erecting League skills and experience are utilized by as a home for Jewish children. Now it serves as the building which contains his personal religious and educational institutions, a non-sectarian center for mentally disturbed papers. community groups, and countless cities seeking boys. Delegates also saw for the first time the B'nai measures to enforce civil rights and improve The National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Col. B'rith building in Tel Aviv, the construction of intergroup relations. Founded in 1899, the hospital was dedicated to which had been voted at the 1959 Triennial These programs together with those serving patients with respiratory diseases. Convention. The building's auditorium was specifically involving employment, housing and Leo N. Levi Memorial Hospital, Hot Springs, dedicated to the memory of Eddie Jacobson. education, enable ADL to continue its vigorous Ark. Founded in 1914, the hospital is one of the At another session, delegates marked role in the pursuit of equal opportunity, winning leading centers for treatment of arthritic and completion of the 500,000-tree B'nai B'rith support for its program among a broad rheumatic diseases. section of the Martyrs' Forest, a memorial to members of B'nai B'rith who had died during the 74 Nazi Holocaust. A second 500,000-tree project quickly at a time of crisis was dramatically was inaugurated later. demonstrated in the late spring and early the United Nations and its agencies-all in to institutionalize real interreligious Among the notables who addressed the summer of 1967 when political tensions in the addition to the remnants of a hate-mongering understanding. convention were former Prime Minister Levi Middle East reached a breaking point, erupting apparatus which has plagued the United States Today, with the full cooperation of church Eshkol, Deputy Prime Minister Abba Eban, into the Six-Day War. B'nai B'rith's leadership since the early 1920's. leaders and educators, ADL works toward Foreign Minister Golda Meir, Supreme Court role was expressed in many forms in the eliminating anti-Semitic references and nuances Justice Arthur Goldberg and Mr. Ben-Gurion. political efforts of the Conference of Presidents Israel from sermons, texts and other church literature, of Major American Jewish Organizations (a Because it believes that the destruction of Israel and incorporating accurate information on Jews Expansion and Growth consultative coalition of more than a score of would be the ultimate anti-Semitism, ADL for and Judaism into college and seminary B'nai B'rith continued to expand, in both Jewish groups that had been established during many years has conducted a major campaign curricula through textbooks, audio-visual aids membership and programmatic activities, the administration of Philip Klutznick, in good to ensure a positive image of the Jewish state and other educational materials at every level of during the 1960's. The number of Hillel part on his initiative); in the mass participation of and to counter misrepresentations by its Christian instruction and training. Foundations increased to more than 280 while B'nai B'rith members in scores of enemies. Discrimination the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization achieved demonstrations of solidarity with Israel (more As Israel's search for peace within secure new highs in membership, serving almost than 5,000 journeyed from all parts of the United borders enters a new and decisive phase, the A pioneer in the struggle against discrimination, 50,000 Jewish teenagers. Innovative adult States to join in a national mobilization held in Arabs, financed by their petro-dollar profits and ADL's record of achievement in outlawing Jewish education programs were introduced, Washington's Lafayette Park, opposite the White aided by the Soviet Union and other allies, have religious and racial discrimination in attracting family-style participation in "Living House); in the record sale of $13 million in Israel stepped up their propaganda campaign. employment, in education, in housing and Room Learning" sessions, adult study institutes Bonds by individual B'nai B'rith lodges and "Anti-Zionism" has become a euphemism for public accommodations is unparalleled. The and the like. chapters; in the number of Jewish college anti-Semitism. The United Nations has become work to implement anti-discrimination laws To probe the interests of B'nai B'rith students who sought, through their local Hillel a forum for bigotry as the Arabs' money weapon continues. members, strengthen the organization's Foundations, to enlist as volunteers for some is used to blackmail nation after nation into Committed to the merit concept, ADL activities and plan for the challenges of the form of service in Israel. acceptance of outrageous charges against opposes "reverse discrimination"-efforts to 1970's, Dr. Wexler appointed 30 task forces to Israel and its people. establish quotas or preferential treatment based The stunning military victory achieved by study the wide range of Jewish concerns and To combat these trends and maintain on race, religion, national origin or sex. The Israel had a profound influence on Jewish life their effect on metropolitan, suburban and American perspective is a Herculean task which League monitors, documents and makes public throughout the world, and by extension on the small-town Jewish communities. Their findings, must be done. ADL uses its own skills and such violations of local, state and federal laws, programs of B'nai B'rith. This was reflected evaluated by a team of specialized researchers, experience-and those of special volunteer task acts as consultant to government officials to particularly in a heightened interest in political became the guidelines for long-range planning forces made up of individuals in the effect change, and, where necessary, files issues affecting Jewish life. Concern for Israel's B'rith. The process led to the communications fields-to keep the American amicus curiae briefs in discrimination cases by B'nai security was demonstrated in firm support of her establishment of a National Planning and people informed about the truth of the Mideast before local, state and federal courts, as well as call for face-to-face negotiations with the Arab Research Committee with responsibility for situation, America's stake in the area, and the the U.S. Supreme Court. states as the most workable means of arriving at recommending new projects, evaluating global importance of a viable peace. A major concern is to improve access to aidurable Middle East peace. Another indication ones, proposing priorities and The goal is a secure and just peace in the higher education and college staff employment existing was the growth of a B'nai B'rith tours program, a otherwise acting to increase coordination Middle East, one that will reduce world tension for minorities and women without resorting to development concomitant with a constant among the multiple departments and activities. and permit Israel to survive and prosper as a unconstitutional and artificial means. growth in Israel tourism. Still another indication Similarly, a Program Department was nation having normal relationships with its Arab was the persistent public action to help alleviate and disseminate new neighbors. School Curricula established to devise the situation of Jews in the Soviet Union. programs and a Department of Leadership How are minority groups, their history and their Development and Training was organized to The Soviet regime, stung by the massive Interreligious Understanding contributions to American society treated in our recruit and train leadership at all levels. defeat of its Arab clients in the Six-Day War, What began some 30 years ago as simple nation's schools? Once they were ignored, or introduced a new harshness in its policies brotherhood meetings where Jews and stereotyped, or made the victims of perfunctory The Six-Day War toward the Soviet Jewish community. What had Christians talked about "tolerance" and stayed statements that did more to mislead than to The ability of a mass movement such as B'nai previously been largely a policy of suppressing to have coffee and cake together, has enlighten. Today, there are important advances B'rith to mobilize its manpower and resources Jewish cultural and communal rights took on a advanced into a strong and growing movement being made. 24 73 members goose-stepped on American streets of Jewish religious and cultural life. and secretly took orders from Nazi Germany. ADL seeks to deepen an~d enrich the Jewish There were the successful efforts to pass experience of opportunity and freedom under legislation against discrimination in housing and American democracy. It believes in a pluralistic employment; the successful campaigns to society under which different group cultures can crack-the-quotas which limited the number of live in harmony. Jewish and other minority students in colleges To achieve its goals, ADL employs the basic and universities. tools available to voluntary associations of There was the League's active and proud citizens. These include education, community President Johnson leadership role in the passage of the 1960's civil action, the media of communications and the addresses a B'nai B'rith audience. rights laws-and the agency's ongoing efforts to law of the land. Although much has been Vice President see that they are enforced. achieved, much remains to be done. Humphrey is at far There was-and is-ADL public exposure of ADL priorities are expressions of the purpose left front. radical right and radical left political extremists for which the League was founded and of the who repudiate democratic concepts and have current concerns of B'nai B'rith International and an affinity for anti-Semitism. the Jewish community it serves. ADL played a key role in exposing cooperation by certain American business Anti-Semitism enterprises with the Arab boycott of Israel. In ADL's prime objective is to counter the 1977, ADL was a prime mover in influencing the defamation of Jews and assaults on their status U.S. government to enact legislation barring and rights. Although overt anti-Semitism has future cooperation by American concerns with diminished in America with each passing new aspect: a rising tide of anti-Jewish sessions on the same day. Still another session the boycott, a notable victory in B'nai B'rith's decade, its roots are deep and far from dead. propaganda in state-owned media and open featured Yigal Allon, the Deputy Prime Minister campaign to halt illegal compliance with Arab ADL's own monitoring of changing conditions, threats of pogrom-like violence. B'nai B'rith was of Israel. As the climax, President Johnson demands. part of what its founders called "vigilance work," a leading constituent organization of the addressed the concluding banquet, delivering a Today, the League's four major reveals that the memory and impact of the Nazi National Conference on Soviet Jewry in that major speech on U.S. foreign policy in the divisions-Civil Rights, Communications, Holocaust has faded. As Jews are thought to be group's successful drive for a Middle East. Community Service and Program-combine more and more a part of the "Establishment," 1,000,000-signature petition to the United The convention was a prelude to a series of dealing with immediate concerns and there is a disturbing insensitivity and Nations calling for international censure of the commemorative celebrations throughout the long-range planning. They faithfully observe the indifference to their well-being and concerns. U.S.S.R. United States marking the 125th anniversary of objectives of ADL's founders, but with a flexible According to the findings of an ADL study, The B'nai B'rith. The largest of these was held in B'nai B'rith program evolved through New Anti-Semitism, the major difference President Johnson at '68 Convention December 1968 in New York City's Madison experience and the changing nature of between anti-Semitism today and the traditional The 1968 convention, which reelected Dr. Square Garden before an audience of 13,000. American society. kind is that the current variety, the calloused Wexler to a second term as president, was one ADL seeks Jewish participation in the total indifference, is more often expressed by of the most notable in B'nai B'rith history in the Growth Brings Change responsibilities and privileges of American respected individuals here and abroad who character of the distinguished political Constant expansion in B'nai B'rith's youth society and, through written and audio-visual would be shocked to think themselves, or have personalities who participated in the program. programs led to the growth of multiple materials on Jewish participation in American others think them, anti-Semites. Convened in Washington in the early fall, the fundraising programs. At the inception of its history and contemporary times, to enhance the The new anti-Semitism is linked to various convention coincided with the opening of the youth activities, B'nai B'rith had financed these Jewish image. But the League does not confuse American domestic issues and the Middle East U.S. Presidential campaign. The two major largely by "Service Fund" campaigns in integration, the acceptance of the Jew as an conflict. It is compounded by anti-Jewish candidates-former Vice President Nixon, the individual lodges and by allocations from local American and as an equal, with assimilation, the hostility from pro-Arab elements, extremist Republican Party nominee, and then-Vice Jewish federations and welfare funds. In 1958 a loss of Jewish identity. It is concerned with movements here and abroad, the Soviet Union, President Humphrey, the Democratic Party new dimension was added by the establishment maintaining the basic and traditional elements and Arab nations and Third World blocs within nominee-addressed the delegates at separate of the B'nai B'rith Foundation, which 72 25 inaugurated direct appeals to individuals. This day-in and day-out, the on-going activities took process, growing appreciably over the years in on a wide variety of forms: from frequent visits to metropolitan areas, became the nucleus of a hospitalized servicemen and veterans and the stronger fund raising structure. Subsequently, proliferation of Israel investment clubs to the three new elements were added: a "President's expansion of members' insurance programs Club" that enlisted regular annual contributors and the development of drug counseling projects. of $500 or more, a "Covenant Club" for regular After the untimely death of Rabbi Kaufman in annual contributions of at least $250 annually, 1971 Rabbi Benjamin M. Kahn was appointed and a "Century Club" of persons pledged to Executive Vice President. He had formerly contribute at least $100 each year. served as National Director of the B'nai B'rith In the late 1960's B'nai B'rith undertook a new Hillel Foundations. venture-the construction and operation of low-rent housing developments for senior David Blumberg Becomes President citizens whose moderate retirement incomes In October 1971 the International Convention in limited their opportunities for decent living Philadelphia elected David M. Blumberg of accommodations in an era of housing Knoxville, Ienn., as B'nai B'rith's 19th president. shortages. Supervised by a B'nai B'rith Senior Like his contemporary predecessors, he took Citizens Housing Committee and financed by office with a long record of activity and low interest, government-guaranteed mortgage leadership in B'nai B'rith. loans, the program-non-profit and Recognizing a national trend toward opening non-sectarian-moved from the planning stages greater opportunities for participation by young to reality with the completion in August 1971 of people, as well as B'nai B'rith's historic a $3 million, 173-unit development in commitment to serve the young, the 1971 Wilkes-Barre, Pa. It has been fully-occupied convention extended membership privileges to (and has had large waiting lists). additional young people by lowering the age This housing development-and others in requirement from 21 to 18. To involve the young various communities throughout the more intimately in the parent organization, country-involves the direct sponsorship by a representation for AZA and BBG at future local B'nai B'rith lodge (conforming to Federal conventions also was arranged. requirements that ownership be vested with a A pilot program was adopted to form local non-profit institution). Each is experimental co-ed units for single persons, architecturally designed with special features young marrieds, industries, and small for elderly and handicapped persons: guard communities. The first group was chartered in rails, ramps, in-house medical facilities, central Cleveland. alarm system connecting each apartment with To emphasize expanded counseling services, the resident manager's office, and the like. Each the name of the B'nai B'rith Vocational Service project also caters to the interests of elderly was changed to B'nai B'rith Career and persons, with lounge areas, TV rooms, arts and Counseling Services. crafts centers, community halls and garden Maurice Bisgyer, chief administrative officer of B'nai B'rith from 1937 to 1964, died in August areas. "Help me to have my husband tree," Natalia Shcharansky urges America as she breaks down during her Continuing challenges to the security of Israel 1973 at the age of 75. President Blumberg, in description of her husband's plight in the Soviet Union. ADL honored dissidents Anatoly Shcharansky and his eulogy, said "Maurice Bisgyer had a Andrei Sakharov with the Joseph Prize for Human Rights. At left are ADL Chairman Burton Joseph and Vice and to the well-being of Jewish communities in President Walter Mondale. the Soviet Union and in Arab states were close-up seat to Jewish history-in-the-making, dominant concerns during the late 1960's. But history which he helped make." 26 71 Political Advocacy in the Seventies proclamations and legislative resolutions to The Leningrad trials of December 1970 demonstrate the breadth of concern for the stimulated intensification of worldwide efforts to plight of Soviet Jews. aid Soviet Jewry. In 1971 B'nai B'rith was one of The following March, he led a B'nai B'rith the co-sponsors of the first landmark Brussels high-level delegation to West Germany, Israel Conference on Soviet Jewry at which Jewish and Rome. The group met with Chancellor Willy communities of the world united to map strategy Brandt of West Germany to discuss his plan to for future action. In December 1971 President "normalize" relations with the U.S.S.R. and the Blumberg launched B'nai B'rith's "Fifty States Arab world. In Israel President Blumberg for Soviet Jewry" campaign, seeking governors' dedicated the B'nai B'rith Scroll of Fire on Mount

B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith Women protest attacks on Zionism.

President Carter, after signing the first federal anti -boycott law, congratulates ADL officials for their role in forming a liaison with The Business Roundtable to draft the guidelines on which the law was based. began operating under the direction of the boards which adapt national policy to local outstanding B'nai B'rith leader, Richard E. issues, problems and needs. Gutstadt. In its more than six decades of existence, The organizers of the League decided on ADL activities have been governed by the three areas of operation to achieve their goals: urgencies of the time and the priorities of B'nai education, legislation, and what they called B'rith. "vigilance work." There were the organized hate groups. The This was the beginning of what is today a vast Ku Klux Klan had a membership in the millions national agency with headquarters in New York until legislation, the model for which was drafted City and 26 regional offices staffed with by ADL, forced it to unmask and drastically professional personnel in the fields of diminished its power to peddle hate and education, law, civil rights, religion, urban terrorism against blacks, Jews and Catholics. affairs, research, counteraction, There were the professional bigots and fascist communications and social science. organizations whose activities and backers Leaders of the American Jewish community, were exposed by the League-men like Gerald of whom the majority are representatives of L. K. Smith, Joseph Kamp, Merwin Hart, Upton B'nai B'rith, sit on ADL's National Commission, Close, Father Coughlin, Conde McGinley; the agency's governing body, and on regional groups like the German-American Bund, whose 70

'44 One priority area is the fight for the dignity of field of citizenship, civic affairs, community the elderly population. In addition to sponsoring service and social action in their local housing projects for the needy aged, B'nai B'rith communities. Each district or region selects the groups organize a multitude of programs to winning lodge and chapter. From these the relieve the loneliness of senior citizens, to Sidney G. Kusworm Award winner is selected. advise them of benefits to which they are The Colonel Elliot A. Niles Award is presented to entitled, and to aid them with meals, the most distinguished Ben B'rith and B'nai transportation and other needs. B'rith Women volunteers of the year. B'nai B'rith actively supports establishment of B'nai B'rith publishes an extensive list of a national health plan and a private, non-profit booklets, pamphlets and newsletters on aspects National Center for Health Education. B'nai of community volunteer services designed to B'rith's work in the health field began with educate members and the public-at-large in specifics such as drug abuse and venereal areas of concern. Many are guides for B'nai disease, but has developed into concern for B'rith units in setting up projects in all priority total health care, including alcoholism, Jewish fields. x genetic diseases, blood donor programs and many other areas. ADL: DEFENDER OF RIGHTS Recognizing that the energy crisis will The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith was continue as a principal issue for the foreseeable founded in 1913 with a handful of stationery, two future, B'nai B'rith has published a guide to desks in a Chicago law office, and a group of energy programs for its membership. This determined volunteers who set as its goal "to provides up-to-date information on the energy stop the defamation of the Jewish people.. . to situation and recommends action programs for secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens Kasalon, a monument to the martyrs of the The Academic Committee also protested Soviet conservation and legislation. alike." Holocaust which also celebrates the redemption education and exit taxes imposed on emigrating Continuing its interest in disaster relief efforts, Overt and unabashed anti-Semitism was the of Israel. Later, he consulted with Prime Minister Jews, which were eventually withdrawn. B'nai B'rith has contributed to national and order of the day. The infamous trial by prejudice Golda Meir. Throughout the seventies B'nai B'rith international relief efforts for victims. The of Leo Frank, publicly described as a "Yankee In a private audience with Pope Paul in the unwaveringly supported the Congressional organization has also actively supported Jew" and accused of rape and murder in Vatican, President Blumberg spoke of the living Jackson-Vanik Amendment requiring Soviet legislation to enact federal disaster insurance Atlanta, in a court where spectators clamored bonds between the Jews of the world and compliance with human rights measures before and has encouraged formation of local B'nai for his lynching, fanned the flames of hatred. Israel. Thanking B'nai B'rith for its gift to the the granting of most favored nation trading B'rith disaster relief committees. Resorts advertised "No dogs! No Jews!" pontiff of a 3,500-year-old bowl from the Holy status with the United States. B'nai B'rith also Other areas of concern include crime Magazines featured caricatures of Jews. There Land, the Vatican Secretary of State spoke of published several influential studies prevention, child abuse, prisoner rehabilitation, were crude stereotypes on stage and screen the gift as "a symbol of our common spiritual documenting anti-Semitism and persecution of world hunger, refugees and new immigrants, and massive circulation of such anti-Semitic heritage.. . a stimulus to closer collaboration, in Jews in the U.S.S.R. After the Vladivostok and disabled citizens. documents as the fraudulent "Protocols of the mutual respect, between Jews and Christians." summit meeting in 1974, B'nai B'rith marshalled B'nai B'rith cooperates with other Elders of Zion." The Academic Committee on Soviet Jewry, a statements of solidarity with Soviet Jewry from organizations to achieve goals in its areas of ADL's founder, Chicago lawyer Sigmund organization of college and 5,000-member mayors across the United States. Jewish and public concern. Livingston, had spent the last five years university professors which is funded and directing a B'nai B'rith publicity committee staffed by B'nai B'rith, published a full page B'nai B'rith in Britain, Canada, France and Community Service Awards and charged with combatting this virulent advertisement in The New York Times on May elsewhere held demonstrations for Soviet Jewry Publications anti-Semitism. However, he soon learned that 18, 1972 calling on President Nixon to speak for and engaged in person-to-person activities to B'nai B'rith annually honors lodges and the committee was too limited to cope with the Soviet Jewry at his upcoming Kremlin meetings. bolster the morale of Soviet Jews awaiting exit chapters and individual men and women who growing multi-sided problem and he was Signatories included several Nobel laureates. visas. have done the most outstanding work in the granted authority to organize an agency which 28 69 Worldwide Concerns French Association of B'nai B'rith Lodges and Aware of the tenuous position of many Jewish CBJO representative at the U.N., led the fight to communities in Latin America, B'nai B'rith defeat a Soviet-sponsored UNESCO resolution intervened on behalf of individuals who were equating Zionism and racism in 1972. arrested, detained or mistreated by changing During periodic reviews of consultative status regimes in Latin America. While encouraging at the U.N., CBJO was regularly attacked by the aliyah to Israel by interested persons, B'nai Arab-Soviet bloc. Soviet publications such as B'rith also worked to strengthen stability in Izvestia and the Novosti news service testified Jewish communities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile to the effectiveness of B'nai B'rith in international and elsewhere, chiefly through educational .forums by labeling it "the central apparatus of services. the largest United States Zionist organization." In consultations with Polish government B'nai B'rith Women was called "an active officials in July 1973, President Blumberg raised anti-Soviet organization." the question of establishing relations with Israel. The B'nai B'rith delegation was the first Jewish Action Against Terrorism group invited to meet with Polish leaders since The tragic slaughter of 26 persons at Lod the 1968 anti-Semitic purges in Poland. Airport in 1972 by pro-Palestinian terrorists Although Rumania was the only Eastern prompted President Blumberg to recommend European country to maintain diplomatic ties action against international terrorism. He with Israel through the seventies, and was advocated U.N. sanctions against governments therefore of strategic importance to the Jewish which encouraged or harbored terrorists, a state, B'nai B'rith continued to challenge boycott by the Airlines Pilots Association of Rumanian abridgement of the right of Jewish airfields where terrorists were received, and a citizens to emigrate to Israel. tightening of security at air terminals. The organization appealed to the U.S. Fred Worms, president of B'nai B'rith in government, the United Nations and other Britain, protested the opening of a Palestinian friendly nations to intercede for Jews trapped in Liberation Organization office in London, Arab countries, particularly Syria and Iraq, enlisting prominent political personalities and which refused to allow emigration and members of Parliament to urge Britain to persecuted their Jewish populations. strengthen its stand on terrorism. The world recoiled in horror at the brutal Human Rights slaughter of 11 Israeli athletes at the Summer The Coordinating Board of Jewish Olympic Games in Munich in 1972 by the Black Organizations, B'nai B'rith's voice at the United September group of Palestinian terrorists. Nations, continued its struggle for enactment of Memorials for the victims were established by humanitarian proposals such as the Uppsala B'nai B'rith units around the world and the Declaration on the right of anyone to leave his struggle against international tolerance of country and the ratification of the Genocide terrorism was pursued with increased vigor. Convention. CBJO faced an increasingly hostile Immediately after a meeting with President climate at the U.N. Even before an infamous Blumberg, U.N. Secretary-General Kurt resolution of 1975 equating Zionism and racism, Waldheim issued a rare personal statement Soviet and Arab use of the word "Zionism" as a advocating U.N. action on the issue on codeword for everything Jewish they disliked international terrorism. was evident. Sam Hoffenberg, president of the After a 1973 Arab terrorist attack on Soviet 29 B'nai B'rith serves hospitalized war veterans of all faiths throughout the country.

armed forces, their families, and veterans. In 1974, the Community Volunteer Services Millions of hours of volunteer service have been Commission was created from the Commission logged since the very founding of the on Community and Veterans Services. Its new organization. name reflected the evolving of B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith's distinguished record in time of volunteer commitment from service mainly to war earned it numerous citations and awards. A veterans into the more comprehensive field of sampling of activities has included provision of community service and action. financial aid for soldiers and their farlilies, The list of community service and action operation of recreation centers, food drives projects in which B'nai B'rith is involved is during Chanukah and Passover, furnishing staggering. CVS establishes each year a series Torah scrolls for servicemen, helping veterans of clusters of concern, urging the B'nai B'rith in their readjustment to civilian life, and aiding at family to become involved in those they V.A. hospitals. consider most vital and needed in today's society. 67 SERVING THE COMMUNITY B'NAI B'RITH COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER Jewish emigrants at a transit center in Shonau, B'rith urged its 2,300 local units to promote SERVICES COMMISSION Austria, President Blumberg conferred with conservation efforts, which were dramatically Austrian Chancellor Bruno Kreisky about new up during the Arab oil embargo. The "It is not incumbent upon thee to finish the People, giving freely of themselves to help stepped create an atmosphere of compassion and arrangements for receiving Jewish refugees. Board of Governors urged the rapid work, neither art thou free to desist from it." understanding, are the most valuable resource Later Mr. Kreisky enlisted B'nai B'rith help in development of U.S. energy independence. Ethics of the Fathers of B'nai B'rith. The world's needs are enormous resettling Soviet Jews who returned from Israel B'nai B'rith retaliated against the British and B'nai B'rith seeks to set an example for all and were living in a slum tenement in Vienna. government's pro-Arab policies during the 1973 Above all else, B'nai B'rith is service to the people. Whether providing for the poor, caring war by canceling London as the site of its 1974 community. Whether the elderly woman in need for the aged, visiting the sick or the The Yom Kippur War and its Aftermath convention and moving it to Israel. The $2 of low-cost housing, the student denied entrance * incarcerated, supporting science and art, At the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War in million operation would have brought 2,000 to a university because he is a Jew, or the programming for youth, assisting victims of October 1973, B'nai B'rith condemned the delegates and observers to Great Britain. paraplegic veteran who longs for someone to natural disaster, making sure Israel lives, or perfidious concerted attack on Israel by Egypt talk with. .. this is B'nai B'rith in action. elevating the mental and moral character of our and Syria on the holiest day of the Jewish year. 1974 Convention in Israel B'nai B'rith's arm of community service people, B'nai B'rith is a living experience whose As a ceasefire was achieved, President The 27th General Convention, convened in extends across organizational, generational and primary resource is people. Blumberg called for real peace negotiations Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, was addressed by structural bonds. It can be seen in the local The true genesis of the Community Volunteer rather than a mere halting of hostilities. He former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, who lodge visiting a veterans' hospital every Services Commission can be found in the praised President Nixon for supplying expressed hope that "someday there will be Wednesday, in the AZA chapter reciting kiddush preamble to the B'nai B'rith Constitution written armaments to Israel in its hour of need. peace in this area and Jewish solidarity and with the residents of a senior citizens' home in 1943. Words like "humanity," "philanthropy," B'nai B'rith mobilized its units around the independence (will be) ... accepted as every Shabbat, and in the president of B'nai "patriotism," "poor," "needy," "aged," "widow" world to give moral encouragement and something natural in this world." B'rith meeting with the President of the United and "orphan" seem to leap out and call for financial aid to Israel. In Israel, B'nai B'rith youth Conflicts facing world Jewry claimed the States or the Secretary-General of the United action. The role of CVS is the answer in the (Noar Lenoar) filled in for essential civilian attention of the convention delegates, who Nations to discuss vital issues. Each of these in words of Abraham, "Here am I!" workers called to the front. In Latin America, passed resolutions on the plight of Nazi victims its own way represents B'nai B'rith in the CVS touches all parts of the B'nai B'rith family: B'nai B'rith worked to win government and in East Germany, the Falashas in Ethiopia, Latin community. men's lodges, B'nai B'rith Women's chapters, public support for Israel. Hillel House in England American Jews, Soviet Jews, Israeli security The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith combined units and youth groups. To guide its became a center for volunteers going to Israel and Arab oil power. (ADL) is dedicated to a platform of ending program of volunteerism, each group needs to and the B'nai B'rith in Britain worked to convince The organization celebrated the 60th "unfair and unjust defamation of the Jewish ask two questions: What are the major issues of Parliament to supply Israel with military anniversary of ADL and the 50th anniversary of people ... to secure justice and fair treatment Jewish and general life in our community? Is our replacement parts. AZA in 1974. In celebrating the AZA for all citizens alike." ADL leads B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith unit a viable force for doing In continental Europe, B'nai B'rith appealed to anniversary, Mrs. Louis Perlman, chairman of all people of conscience in the struggle against something about those issues? governments to condemn Arab aggression. the B'nai B'rith Youth Commission, said "Jewish the undemocratic and the extremist and works Specific areas of priority for action are Pro-Israel posters in France protested French youth represent the organization's commitment daily to translate the promise of democracy into established through the resources and services delivery of arms to Arabs. Canadian B'nai B'rith to its most cherished asset. B'nai B'rith relies on the reality of daily living. of the CVS Commission. The local CVS secured statements of support for Israel from its youth activities to perpetuate and strengthen For B'nai B'rith's Community Volunteer committee translates these priorities into labor, religious and political leaders. In its concepts of service that underlie its Services Commission (CVS), service is the programs directed both at the member and to Australia, public meetings, information services existence as an international force for good." word. It is involved in fighting drug abuse, the community. B'nai B'rith is involved in issues and emergency fund-raising campaigns were To reinforce B'nai B'rith's image as a developing community blood drives, working on as well as services. The B'nai B'rith volunteer conducted. worldwide service organization, a constitutional progressive social legislation, and coordinating commitment embraces social action, political The B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation postponed amendment was adopted at the convention, B'nai B'rith response to disasters, aiding action, community action and advocacy. an official celebration ceremony of its 50th changing the name of the Supreme Lodge to veterans, and providing general service to the anniversary at Northwestern University in order B'nai B'rith International. An Israel Commission, community. History and Development to take part in a day of worshipping, fasting and replacing the Cabinet on Israel Affairs, was Wherever the need exists, that is where you Since the Civil War, B'nai B'rith has had a long memorials to Mideast war dead. established. The Commission on Community will find B'nai B'rith. and proud tradition of service to members of the Alerted to the impending energy crisis, B'nai and Veterans' Services became the Community 66 31 But by mid-1979, the organization had 14 low- architects and builders from 23 communities rent housing projects in the U. S. completed met with government officials and and in operation. In 1979, B'nai B'rith applied representatives of other organizations serving to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban the aged. This landmark event brought local Development for funding of four more low-rent leaders up to date on the housing situation, projects. If funding was received for these enabled them to consult with experts on future projects B'nai B'rith would then have a total of activities, and helped create good will for B'nai about 2,250 units. B'rith and its housing program. The organization was asked to establish the conference on a Outside the United States, B'nai B'rith in permanent basis. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and As new beginnings are made in each New Zealand moved ahead with apartment community, B'nai B'rith's senior citizens housing projects, and additional possibilities were being program moves ahead. The future depends evaluated in Israel. upon members of the local B'nai B'rith family At the first National B'nai B'rith Conference on joining in this important labor of love. Housing for the Elderly in Washington in April 1976, B'nai B'rith sponsors, consultants, who are able to interpret the actions of their part of B'nai B'rith's structure in 1974. A Volunteer Services Commission. acceleration of Jewish emigration to Israel from constituents and also help in the implementation volunteer body appointed by the President for a Efforts for Israel were expanded after the Yom Rumania during a long private session with of decisions reached. biennial period, the Committee's work is Kippur War. A longtime commitment to Aliyah Rumanian President Nicolae Ceausescu in 1975 Responsibility for the ongoing training of ongoing and its staff is encouraged to provide was strengthened, a record goal of $50 million and again in 1977. volunteers and professionals rests with the B'nai input on a continuing basis. was adopted for B'nai B'rith's Israel Bonds B'rith Leadership Cabinet, established to Two fundamental questions underlie the campaign, and the number of Israel Investment International Terrorism enhance the effectiveness of our leadership. Committee's evaluations of all facets of B'nai Clubs was increased. A "Soldiers' Memorial" in Attacks on Kiryat Shemona and Ma'alot added The first priority for the Leadership Cabinet is B'rith programming: Is "x" activity of B'nai B'rith the B'nai B'rith Martyrs' Forest was established more innocent victims to the list of those the implementation of a Lodge Leadership a Jewish priority and, if so, is it a B'nai B'rith as a tribute to the 2,500 Israelis who gave their martyred by Arab terrorism. President Blumberg Development (LLD) program. The program priority? As the answers emerge, the Committee lives in the October War. appealed to U.N. Secretary-General Waldheim includes a series of slide tape presentations, seeks ways to move the Organization toward to "act decisively" against those who foster discussion exercises and individual study creative change. It was the Committee on terrorism and B'nai B'rith around the world The Fight for Soviet Jewry focusing on an understanding of the lodge, Planning and Research which recommended rallied to press for action by world governments. leadership skills and membership involvement. that all lodge presidents should be invited to be The release of dancers Valery and Galina Panov Once again, no U.N. action was taken. Israel's Those who implement the LLD program are then delegates to the International Convention, a in 1975 by the Soviet Union after a bitter and stunning rescue of victims of a Palestinian able to move within lodges to another major major organizational change to promote further protracted struggle reinforced B'nai B'rith's hijacking of an Air France airliner at Entebbe, activity of Leadership Development, The Lodge democratization of the organization. commitment to help Soviet Jews emigrate to Uganda gave new spirit to B'nai B'rith and other Advisor Program (LAP), which is designed to Israel or the West. The Jewish world verified its organizations in the struggle to achieve provide each lodge with trained volunteer HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS belief that sustained pressure from world public international measures against terrorism. guidance. On December 12, 1971, doors to the first B'nai opinion would influence the Soviets to yield. The The Cabinet also coordinates a young B'rith apartments for senior citizens of limited campaign for the Panovs, in which B'nai B'rith Combatting the Arab Boycott leadership program organized to create a income were opened in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. played a key role, typified the action program of A report of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai climate encouraging young people to assume Similar projects in Harrisburg, Pa., St. Louis, the campaign for Soviet Jewry. President B'rith helped focus attention on inroads made leadership positions. Albany, and Baltimore were completed over the Blumberg was the first major Jewish leader to by the Arab economic boycott of Israel in the The Cabinet, in addition, has organization next five years. Each building was quickly filled demand that no Soviet dance company be United States after Arab petro-dollars provided responsibility for staff training and orientation at to capacity and a vibrant, exciting lifestyle for welcomed in America until the Panovs were new impetus for efforts to isolate Israel all levels through continuing leadership residents soon developed, as did long waiting freed. B'nai B'rith inspired a full page economically. In 1975 ADL revealed that certain institutes and development programs. lists. advertisement in the New York Times, which major U.S. companies were cooperating with It publishes a series of handbooks for lodge Recognizing that decent housing and was signed by many famous theater people. the boycott in violation of American law. ADL officers and committee members to help them in opportunities for companionship rank among President Blumberg, particularly through the was instrumental in achieving state legislation the performance of those tasks to which they the foremost needs of the elderly, B'nai B'rith Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish against cooperation with the boycott and have been elected or assigned. joined the federal government in a unique Organizations, continued in frequent continued to work for federal measures. In 1977 partnership to help build subsidized apartments communication with President Nixon, urging him ADL hammered out a compromise with the PLANNING AND RESEARCH for aged persons of limited income. Buildings to raise the Soviet Jewry issue at meetings with Business Roundtable which formed the basis of To grow and to thrive, we must think and plan were open to all regardless of race, religion, or the Soviets. a federal anti-boycott law. ADL was in beyond today. Our programs must evolve from ethnic and national background, but the B'nai The Academic Committee on Soviet Jewry, attendance as President Carter signed the community needs, awareness of new directions B'rith philosophy was the basis for in-house sponsored by B'nai B'rith, established contacts historic federal legislation barring American and new lifestyles. B'nai B'rith keeps one eye on management, regulations and ambiance. Each with Soviet scientists and intellectuals to businesses from cooperating with the boycott, a the future, analyzing existing programs, program relied for success on a dedicated, - sensitize them to the plight of Jewish triumphal moment in a hardfought campaign. projecting the concerns of tomorrow's non-profit local group of B'nai B'rith and B'nai colleagues. Worldwide B'nai B'rith units helped In Great Britain, B'nai B'rith played an generation, and reflecting new trends in Jewish B'rith Women, plus community representatives. bolster morale among Soviet Jews waiting to important role in influencing Parliament to enact life. Expansion of this exciting B'nai B'rith venture emigrate through correspondence, telephone measures halting cooperation with the Arab The Committee on Planning and Research was delayed by a three-year building calls, and gifts. boycott. B'nai B'rith in France reacted quickly to was created in 1968 and became an organic moratorium imposed by the federal government. In a related matter, President Blumberg urged protest the blocking of Jewish banks from 64 33 participation in financial affairs in subserviance program was reinstated after Mexico agreed not to Arab boycott demands. B'nai B'rith also to align itself further against Israel. protested an executive directive of the French B'nai B'rith decided to retain its consultative government which suspended application of an status with UNESCO (the U.N. Educational, B'nai B'rith's leadership and anti-boycott law when trade with Arab states Scientific and Cultural Organization) after an education programs include was involved. Arab-led move to bar Israel's effective Family -Teach -Family Shab - batons, intergenerational participation in the organization. In 1977, after a dialogues, conferences and B'nai B'rith at the United Nations two-year battle in which B'nai B'rith and other teach -ins. The U.N. and its constituent organizations Jewish organizations were joined by prominent passed resolutions condemning Israel on a intellectuals and sympathetic governments, variety of outlandish charges ranging from Israel was permitted to join the Western aggression to health, human rights, and cultural European group at UNESCO. violations during the late sixties and the Ever vigilant against Arab efforts to isolate seventies. At the same time, U.N. bodies Israel, President Blumberg spoke out whenever refused to consider the plight of Jews in the Israel was barred from international conferences Soviet Union and Arab lands, or to tackle the or sports events. issue of international terrorism. B'nai B'rith made In refreshing contrast to anti-Israel frantic but unsuccessful efforts to persuade irrationalities in other branches of the U.N. representatives from friendly countries to defeat system, UNICEF (the U.N. Children's Fund) a proposal recognizing the Palestinian which has fiercely resisted politicization, Liberation Organization. When the PLO leader, sponsored an exhibition at the B'nai B'rith Yasser Arafat, was invited to address the U.N. International Convention in Washington, D.C. General Assembly, B'nai B'rith mobilized its in 1976. members to take part in massive protest In 1978, B'nai B'rith representatives at the demonstrations. U.N. exposed a covert link between a special World Jewry was outraged by a 1975 U.N. unit of the U.N. and the Palestine Liberation General Assembly resolution equating Zionism Organization. Nationwide media coverage of and racism, and B'nai B'rith units throughout the the information B'nai B'rith provided to world protested. A letter from Swedish B'nai Congress and the Administration helped B'rith to U.N. Secretary-General Waldheim prevent the showing of a blatantly biased PLO called the U.N. declaration "unmistakably racist propaganda film, which had in spirit" and asserted that "faith in the U.N. as been intended as an instrument for peace and justice ... has the centerpiece of the U.N.'s "Solidarity Day" been sadly betrayed." Even in countries where with the Palestinians. political activism is not easy, B'nai B'rith made Worldwide Concerns its disapproval known to governments which America, voted for the resolution. During a District 25 once solidly pro-Israel, began to feel convention in Brasilia, it was agreed that the influence of injections of Arab economic President Blumberg, who was present, would power and propaganda. B'nai B'rith and other issue a statement criticizing Brazil's vote for the organizations worked in each country to prevail U.N. resolution. upon governments to maintain a friendly posture toward Israel. In 1976, Latin American B'nai B'nai B'rith suspended its tour program to B'rith leadership and the B'nai B'rith for the Mexican Mexico in retaliation International Council urged Third World government's vote against Israel. The tour 34 * Living Room Learning Groups-a vast Shabbaton, an intergenerational dialogue and network of informal home study groups an introduction to lifecycle programming which meeting biweekly or monthly to discuss is intended to assist individuals to cope with Jewish texts or issues of Jewish concern, and crises or turning points in their lives as they utilizing group members as discussants and move through the normal aging processes. moderators. Many of these groups were In 1973, the program theme was "Small Town begun by alumni of institutes after they had Jewry," with emphasis on regional small town returned to their home communities in an conferences and circuit-riding lecturers. effort to continue the excitement and "Holocaust Programming: A Town and Gown stimulation generated at the institutes. Project" in 1974 involved both college students * B'nai B'rith Great Books and Jewish Heritage and the adult community in ten campus Classics-two separate series of communities. books-were commissioned and published The 1976 conference, "The Unfinished for use by B'nai B'rith's Living Room Learning Agenda for American Jewry," was a national Groups as well as by synagogue and other conference for B'nai B'rith and B'nai B'rith study-discussion groups in the Jewish Women leaders in Princeton, New Jersey. In the community. U.S. bicentennial year, discussions focused on future directions for B'nai B'rith in America's * B'nai B'rith Lecture Bureau sends Jewish third century. scholars, teachers, and personalities to local The Princeton II Conference in 1977 communities throughout the country; a related, presented outstanding speakers on the theme annual Visiting Lecture program from abroad of "What the Modern Jew Needs to Know." has also been instituted. The program has kept itself open to new * Book Services make available, on a mail technology for teaching adults. For example, order basis, books, especially paperbacks, considerable experimentation has been done for personal and group study. with formats, patterns of learning, etc. A modest * Cultural-Educational Programs are available grant was received from the federal government for local B'nai B'rith meetings, regional and in 1966 for a project entitled "Teaching Adults district conventions, etc. These include Time Via Telecture-Electrowriter." Two grants were for Torah (ten-minute presentations), received from the Institute for Jewish Life of the membership participation programs, study Council of Jewish Federation and Welfare Funds guides, etc. in 1974 for the development of a Family-Teach-Family project involving "host" Some Unique Aspects families teaching "learner" families how to In recent years, to respond to the changing experience directly the Sabbath and other needs and interests of its members, B'nai Jewish festivals. B'rith's Commission on Adult Jewish Education (made up of lay leaders and scholars, and directed by a small staff) has sponsored LEADERSHIP national conferences attended by B'nai B'rith There are many levels of leadership within B'nai delegates (including teens, college students, B'rith, ranging from the local lodge to the and adults). International Board of Governors. The Districts, The conference on family programming in Commissions, Cabinets and Committees of 1972 was highlighted by a Family-Teach-Family B'nai B'rith are all in need of skillful volunteers 62 oil during the Arab oil embargo in 1973. B'nai SERVING ADULTS Wildacres Institute as the model for what was to B'rith in Vienna convinced Australian Chancellor become an international self help movement in Bruno Kreisky to order an extensive study of By its very nature, B'nai Brith encompasses the continued education for adults. anti-Semitism in Austria. In response to a B'nai totality of Jewish life, catering to varieties of In 1954, six years after the first Wildacres B'rith appeal, Greek authorities agreed to interests and geared to the broadest cross Institute, B'nai B'rith formed a National undertake an investigation of anti-Semitic letters section of Jewish people. We provide a forum Department of Adult Jewish Education. From the addressed to American citizens in Greece. and an outlet for the young executive, the man original institute in Wildacres, which is still held B'nai B'rith kept close watch on growing who owns a shop on Main Street, the annually, similar retreats developed throughout tensions in southern Africa, alert to possibilities professional, the teacher, the working man and the United States and Canada, and eventually in of aiding individual Jews and Jewish the technician. Necessarily, each is attracted to Israel, Latin America and Europe. To this day, communities in that troubled area. those aspects of our program to which he is the program has retained its grassroots most attuned. They all have in common the character and is planned and administered Transition desire for Jewish identity and survival. B'nai primarily by lay leaders. B'rith provides them with a way to pursue their Label A. Katz, president of B'nai B'rith in the Wide Ranging Program Development early sixties, died in April 1975. He had led the individual tastes and talents. first protest campaign for Soviet Jewry. B'nai B'rith provides, for many, a focus for With the Institutes of Judaism-a highly social activities, a circle of friends, successful adult pattern combining fellowship Granddaughters of Sam Beber place Sam Beber, founder of Aleph Zadik Aleph, mezuzah on doortrame at opening of died in August 1976 at age 75. A gift a year companionship at bowling. For others, it is the and learning-as hub activity, B'nai B'rith B'rith Beber Camp in Wisconsin. B'nai earlier by Mr. Beber enabled B'nai B'rith to opportunity to contribute to their community, ultimately developed a total, well-rounded establish a second summer youth camp, this learn about their heritage, support worthwhile program of informal study that grew organically programs and projects, be an advisor to young but of the demonstrated needs and interests of governments to support Israel at a Lima, Peru one in southern Wisconsin. In 1977 it was its multiple constituencies. These "something for conference of non-aligned nations where named B'nai B'rith Beber Camp. In 1975 B'nai people, serve on volunteer boards, work for everyone" patterns include: Israel's seat at the U.N. was to be challenged. A B'rith's camp in Starlight, Pennsylvania, had Israel, become involved in the issues facing plan to press for Israel's ouster was defeated. been renamed B'nai B'rith Perman Camp in Jews today. B'nai B'rith continued to intervene honor of Louis and Anita Perlman. in cases of B'NAI B'RITH ADULT JEWISH Under the auspices of the Adult Jewish Education individual Jews caught up in the circumstances EDUCATION PROGRAM Commission. B'nai B'rith members reinforce their of Latin American instability. religious and cultural traditions at summer institutes. young Charlotte, N.C., lawyer named Maurice In Australia, B'nai B'rith cooperated with other A Weinstein inaugurated B'nai B'rith's Adult Jewish organizations to combat inroads made Education program in 1948. With the by Arab propaganda and money, especially on The 1976 Convention Jewish the university help of his wife and a handful of volunteers, he campuses. Efforts to combat a Both President Gerald Ford and then Gov. worrisome increase in neo-fascist propaganda organized the first Institute of Judaism, at Jimmy Carter addressed B'nai B'rith's first were also undertaken. B'nai B'rith International Wildacres, an imaginative approach to adult biennial International Convention, in Washing- contributed $1,000 to Darwin disaster relief in self-help which offered lectures on Judaism by Australia. Contributions were also made to ton, in September 1976, America's bicenten- scholars and teachers in an informal setting. Guatemala ($20,000) and Rumania ($1,000) nial year. More than 1,700 delegates and Freewheeling discussion and fellowship were after earthquakes devastated areas in those guests at B'nai B'rith's largest convention stimulated and Jewish customs and ceremonies countries. ever heard both candidates affirm historic were directly experienced by participants. B'nai B'rith units in Western Europe continued American ties to Israel, strong opposition to 4 Working from his home, Maurice Weinstein to fight against anti-Semitism and mobilized international terrorism, and commitment to staffed and organized dozens of institutes public opinion on behalf of Israel. British B'nai human rights. annually. By inviting B'nai B'rith leaders from B'rith honored the Dutch government which, Presidents of eight B'nai B'rith districts, other areas to come and experience Wildacres, alone in Western Europe, refused to bow to representing 40 countries, signed a resolution he captured the attention of the B'nai B'rith Arab demands for political support in return for commemorating the United States Bicentennial Board of Governors. They soon adopted the 36 B'nai B'rith's president frequently confers with world leaders. Top: Jack J. widows, divorcees, etc.; job seeking skills and Career and Counseling Spitzer with U. S. President Jimmy Carter; below: President Blumberg shows value clarification workshops. Individual and Services offices maintain President Jerry Ford award presented to him at 1976 convention. libraries to help youth group counseling services are offered, and adults on planning including psychological testing. first, second, even third careers. BBCCS provides a unique service to the community as the only national Jewish agency engaged in education and occupational To help youngsters choose the right college research. Many of these fact-finding studies and profession, Career have been published in book or career brief and Counseling Services stage college fairs form. These include "Eight Years Later: in around the country. cooperation with B'nai B'rith Women"; "Seven Steps to A Job"; "Careers in Jewish Communal Service" and "College Guide for Jewish Youth," which has been extensively revised over the years. Libraries in every state of the nation and in many foreign countries as well-including some behind the Iron Curtain-contain B'nai B'rith Career and Counseling publications. These BBCCS publications have been reviewed favorably and are widely used in schools and other counseling services. BBCCS Today In recent years BBCCS has involved many thousands of B'nai B'rith men and women as career advisors. They supplement and complement the work of the professional education, including information about private counselor by allowing BBCCS clients to spend schools and alternate ways of gaining further time with them on their jobs. Seeing people who training and education. have succeeded in their chosen careers gives a new dimension to young people and adults Professional Staff exploring various careers. In many areas, public BBCCS professional personnel are members of. school systems have used BBCCS advisors in the American Personnel and Guidance college or career days in their areas. Association and/or the American Psychological Association, and have a minimum of two degrees. Many have their doctorates. They are BBCCS Libraries not only active in their local communities, but in The BBCCS maintains some of the best national activities as well. educational and vocational libraries in the In today's economy and changing, country. These libraries are open to the entire challenging times, professional career community. They contain the latest information counseling does make a difference to the on a wide variety of careers, as well as the latest thousands of youth and adults who are touched information available on post-secondary by the services offered by BBCCS. 60 and recorded appreciation "for the justice, Hillel Foundation in a single year. CAREER AND COUNSELING SERVICES compassion, humanity, leadership and statesmanship which the United States of They Mingle The world in which job seekers live is a America has always demonstrated to the The promotion of good interfaith relations is an constantly changing one. No longer does a countries of the world." integral part of Hillel work. Although the primary college education guarantee any kind of job; This was the first convent.... to which task on the campus is the communication of fields which offered good career prospects only delegates from every B'nai B'rith lodge had Jewish heritage to Jewish students, Hillel also a few years ago now offer a bleak future. been invited, and more than 300 lodges were serves as spokesman and interpreter of Complex career problems affect nearly represented. Replacing small, select business Judaism ana inter-group activities. Not as everyone looking at his or her future. For Jewish committees were issues committees, designed apologists, but as participants in an intelligent youth and adults, the problems are often even to give all delegates an opportunity to hear and dignified program designed to advance the more acute. expert testimony on pertinent B'nai B'rith discussion and understanding of these issues They must frequently cope with subtle matters as well as the broader concerns of so as to contribute to the development of discrimination quotas and various hurdles that world Jewry. The convention instituted, as a democratic attitudes on the campus. are placed in the way of the self-actualization of permanent option, units for single men and To meet expanding needs of mem - a Jew who is sincerely interested in maintaining women as well as bers, a new wing was added to the married couples in headquarters building in 1976. Hillel Today his or her heritage and identity. As a means of communities of fewer than 250 couples. Other Hillel has had a remarkable growth since 1923, coping with this, the B'nai B'rith Vocational mixed units for married couples and specific when there was only one Foundation giving International Center is especially significant Service, now called B'nai B'rith Career and industry groupings were limited to five percent service to 500 Jewish because it is the only major Jewish students at the University Counseling Services, was established in 1938. of the existing lodges in each district. of Illinois. Since then, hundreds of thousands of The Service has expanded over the years to President Blumberg was unanimously organizational headquarters in the nation's capital. Jewish university students and faculty in the meet the needs of the entire Jewish family from reelected for a third term. Dr. Daniel Thursz, United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, childhood through young adult to pre-and Dean of the University of Maryland School of Colombia, Great Britain, Holland, Israel, Italy, post-retirement counseling. Social Work and Community Planning, who had Sweden, Switzerland, and Venezuela have a longtime association with BBYO and had led No Blind Date With Destiny Terror at B'nai B'rith participated in Hillel's unique program of its Kallah, International Leadership Training religious, cultural and counseling activities. The National BBCCS Office, in Washington, B'nai B'rith, always a forceful voice in the Conference and Israel Summer Institute In each country, the Hillel program takes on a provides professional and administrative struggle against terrorism, earned even more programs, was elected Executive Vice distinctive flavor as programs are designed to supervision to 20 Field Offices spanning the authority to speak for victims of such attacks President. He succeeded Rabbi Benjamin M. meet the special character of the student United States from the east to the west coast. when a band of seven Hanafi Muslims, armed Kahn, who retired after a 36-year career with population. In the United Kingdom, Australia In 13 of these communities, the BBCCS with rifles, pistols, machetes, swords and B'nai B'rith. and New Zealand, for example, there are Hillel program is operated exclusively by B'nai B'rith. knives, took over the International Center on groups for young men and Hillette groups for In seven other communities, the BBCCS March 9, 1977. young women. Some Hillel houses offer program is sponsored jointly by B'nai B'rith and For 39 harrowing hours, the terrorists held 123 residential and food services abroad while a Jewish vocational service or other Jewish hostages on the eighth floor of the building, Dedication of the International Center others concentrate on cultural, religious and agency. President Blumberg dedicated the B'nai B'rith symbol of the Jewish people in downtown educational services. In an average year, approximately 40,000 International Center in Washington at the 1976 Washington. Despite his virulent anti-Semitism, In many communities in the United States, people receive group and individual counseling of the Hanafis, International Convention. The new building Hamas Abdul Khaalis, leader Hillel Foundations are now funded jointly by services in the various BBCCS offices. This also doubled the space of B'nai B'rith headquarters, made no demands of B'nai B'rith, but sought B'nai B'rith and local Jewish federations and includes specialized workshops in Scholarship providing room for expanding program revenge for the murder of his family by welfare funds. Selection; a Speakers' Bureau; BBCCS activities. Of special interest were B'nai B'rith's Philadelphia Black Muslims. The Hanafis The name of Hillel now stands as a Outreach Services; Education and Career enlarged and refurbished B'nai B'rith Klutznick wounded two members of the B'nai B'rith staff recognized and valued instrument in higher Libraries; Masters and Doctoral Internships for Museum, expanded library and research and severely pistol-whipped and degraded all education for disseminating spiritual value on graduate students in counseling; second career facilities, and a conference center The of their prisoners; they also damaged portions the campus. counseling for specialized groups, such as 38 59 local autonomy in conducting the wide-ranging which may be taken for college credit. In and diversified program of the Hillel calendar. addition, Hillel sponsors classes and discussion Students, in consultation with the Hillel Director, groups, forums and seminars, on an choose and set the direction of the activities. extracurricular basis. They include classes, lectures and seminars, To deepen their understanding of Jewish religious services and holiday observances in thought and life, the Hillel Foundations have the various traditions as well as original creative issued a number of Hillel Little Books. These Worship, free universities of Jewish studies, include "What Is This Jewish Heritage?" by intercollegiate Shabbatonim, leadership Ludwig Lewisohn; "The Bible: A Modern Jewish training, international, national, and regional Approach" by Bernard Bamberger; and others. student institutes, political action and social service projects, struggle for Jewish freedom in They Worship the Soviet Union and Arab lands, and support In the light of Hillel's task to serve the distinctive for the State of Israel. needs of Jewish students, the most important function of the Hillel Foundation is its religious Professional Direction program. Primary emphasis is placed on those Aware of the inadequacy of earlier voluntary distinctive religious, cultural, and personal areas efforts in the field of Jewish student work, Hillel which distinguish the Jew and make specialized established professional direction for each of its institutions desirable. units. Every Hillel Foundation operates under Hillel provides for the religious life of the the guidance of a Hillel Director, often a rabbi, or Jewish students by organizing weekly worship joint inter-Hillel Counselorships-Hillel's services in the Hillel Foundation, planning high extension service units-are served by either a holy day services, and by sponsoring rabbi in a community near the campus, an discussions in which the values of the Jewish educator or group worker, or a Hillel director heritage are applied to issues of the day such from a nearby foundation. as "The Prophetic Tradition and Academic The B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation program is Freedom" or "Personal Freedom and Moral divided into six major categories: cultural, Responsibility." religious, fellowship, community service, personal guidance and interfaith activities. They Play Where appropriate, and in keeping with The symbolic importance of B'nai They Learn holidays, social activities are often intertwined B'rith was dramatized in 1977 when a band of heavily armed Hanafi Muslims The cultural activities of Hillel are based on the with holiday observances. Special gatherings seized the organization's headquarters are arranged after services and, frequently, and more than 120 staff members recognition that Jewish life and activities on the and others in the building, terrorizing college level must be geared to the intellectual students of other faiths are entertained at the 0 them for 39 hours before surrendering house at special lectures and other to police. Release of the hostages interests and needs of the students and the Hillel brought unrestrained joy to the academic community. The Hillel program is, programs. nation's capital. therefore, designed to bridge the gap that a frequently exists when childhood notions of They Give Jewish life and identity are shattered by the Through Hillel, students have contributed from intellectual challenges of the university. Most their own personal funds to American Jewish universities sponsor Hillel chairs of Judaic communities and to Jewish causes abroad. As studies as well as individual courses in modern much as a quarter of a million dollars has been Hebrew, Jewish history, literature, etc., many of contributed through efforts centralized in the 58 of the building and much equipment and In his final State of the Order address, Presi- furniture. They simultaneously occupied the dent Blumberg proposed a structural overhaul Islamic Center and the District Building in that would allow men and women members the Washington, killing a young reporter, paralyzing option of exclusivity or integration, with equal a city employee and wounding a city representation within all governing bodies for councilman and several other persons. lodges, chapters and units. A special commit- After the intervention of diplomats from three tee of B'nai B'rith International and B'nai B'rith Muslim countries, the Hanafis eventually Women was established to study areas of surrendered to police. The Hanafis were duly mutual concern. The convention voted to per- tried, convicted and sentenced to long terms in mit men or women from combined units to prison. Messages of sympathy and support serve for the first time as delegates to future poured into B'nai B'rith headquarters from conventions. It also voted to establish an Inter- around the world. In response to the attack, national Israel Lodge which all B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith determined to-rebuild the members outside Israel are eligible to join. International Center and continue, with renewed Among other actions taken by the convention determination, its fight against terrorism. body were resolutions calling on the United States to seek out and prosecute nazi war criminals residing in the U.S. and to recognize THE 1978 CONVENTION Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and urging ratification of a binding international coopera- Seattle banker Jack J. Spitzer was elected the tive agreement on dealing with terrorism. 20th president of B'nai B'rith at the September completed the planting of two 1978 biennial International Convention in New As B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith Martyrs' Forest Orleans. Spitzer, who started his climb to the million trees in the leadership of B'nai B'rith International as pres- on Mount Kessalon above Jerusalem, work ident of AZA 40 years earlier, was declared the began on a new forest of a half million trees winner by acclamation in the closest presiden- in the Galilee. The "Forest of Peace" tial election in B'nai B'rith history. He suc- commemorates the peace treaty between ceeded David Blumberg, who had held the Israel and Egypt. post for seven years. A new B'nai B'rith presence in the Jewish In honor of Israel's 30th anniversary, the state became a reality in 1979 with the 1,100 delegates-the biggest delegate group dedication of the B'nai B'rith Liberty Bell ever to attend a B'nai B'rith convention-had Garden in the center of Jerusalem, facing expected Simcha Dinitz, Israel's ambassador the walls of the Old City. to the United States, to address the opening last session. Dinitz was forced to cancel at the A NEW ERA DAWNS ON MIDEAST minute when that evening session coincided with the conclusion of talks between Presi- The B'nai B'rith President's Leadership Mission The Center of Jewish Life on Campus dents Carter and Sadat and Prime Minister in the spring of 1979 became the first Jewish Hillel is an institution that speaks with relevance Begin at Camp David. Via a specially-arranged group received officially in Egypt after the and meaning on current issues in its role as hook-up in the convention hall, delegates and signing of the peace treaty with Israel. Before The Hillel Foundations provide educational, cul - interpreter of Jewish tradition and the Jewish tural, religious and social activities for Jewish stu-heritage. guests heard remarks by the three heads of visiting Cairo, the group of top B'nai B'rith dents and faculty on some 340 campuses around As the center of Jewish community on state from the White House where they signed leaders received special briefings and toured the world. campus, Hillel serves all Jewish students the historic "Framework for Peace." Israel. Sessions held with Prime Minister without regard to institutional affiliation or background. Its federated structure allows for 40 57 ' make BBYO special. It's no wonder that well young rabbi were gravely disturbed by the Menachem Begin, in Jerusalem, and with over 600,000 young men and women have aimlessness of the growing Jewish student President Anwar Sadat, in Cairo, provided participated in BBYO's unique blend of body at the University of Illinois. Dr. Edward important background information on the Judaism, sports, community service and social Chauncey Baldwin, a professor of Biblical peace process. activities, and have gone forward to leave an Literature at the university, was concerned indelible mark on the Jewish world. because his Jewish students seemed to know so little about the Bible which their own people Summer Camps had created. Young Ben Frankel began to visit Another aspect of service to youth is the B'nai the nearby Jewish community as his bi-weekly B'rith summer camps for boys and girls ages congregational assignment in 1921 while still a 8-16, B'nai B'rith Beber Camp and B'nai B'rith student at the Hebrew Union College. He saw at Perlman Camp. Both operated by BBYO, firsthand how a whole generation of young they aim to make every child's experience at people on the campus was moving out of camp stimulating, rewarding and fun. We want Jewish life at a terrifying rate. Their ties and the campers to be proud of their heritage, loyalty to the Jewish people were weakening from a lack of knowledge and direction. learn more about their Judaism, and meaning- fully practice the rituals of their religious heritage. Campers leam how to participate in Hillel is Born a group living, as they mature socially and The deep concern of these two men led to the physically. establishment of the first Hillel Foundation at the Sports of all kinds play a major role in the University of Illinois in 1924. These pioneer camps' program, in addition to a variety of efforts were supported by Isaac Kuhn of BBYO and B'nai B'rith activities, which include Champaign, Illinois, and Rabbi Louis L. Mann of leadership training conferences, the AZA and Chicago. Rabbi Frankel became its first BBG International Conventions, and adult Insti- director. In launching the student program they tutes of Judaism. Beber Camp additionally realized the importance of linking it with a name offers horseback riding, water skiing and that would symbolize the best traditions in sailing. Jewish life. They thought that no name would The 350-acre B'nai B'rith Beber Camp, known carry greater significance than that of Hillel, the for its crystal-clear water and excellent gentle sage of two thousand years ago who was beaches, is located on a beautiful 8-mile-long one of the outstanding scholars and teachers in lake in Mukwonago, Wis., 27 miles from Jewish history. Today the B'nai B'rith Hillel Milwaukee airport. Foundations, which are established in his name, The 300-acre B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp is extend from Maine to California, from Canada to located high in the pollen-free hills of Wayne Florida and across the seas to Britain and Israel. County at Starlight, Pa., 150 miles from New They carry on their work of teaching, counseling York City. There is a private, 15-acre, spring-fed and providing for-the religious needs of Jewish lake and the woods are scented of pine and students on over 300 college campuses. They maple. have undertaken the task of making Jewish religious and cultural values vital and relevant to HILLEL FOUNDATIONS the college generation. Twenty-seven-year-old Rabbi Frankel won the B'nai B'rith on Campus backing of B'nai B'rith after a stirring speech at In the early 1920's a Christian professor and a its 1925 convention. The great work of 56 Strong Jewish Roots over 5,000 members have an opportunity to The The B'nai B'rith Youth Organization is deeply participate in similar activities designed to help committed to stimulating and preserving Jewish them understand themselves, their Jewish values and to building a strengthened heritage, and develop leadership skills needed commitment to the State of Israel. to help them direct their chapters. Because BBYO does not stress one Through participation, with their chapters, in a 2. Pnily(am interpretation of Judaism, members have a full range of activities including social events, better opportunity to understand the community service programs, religious and meaning-not simply the form-of Jewish cultural experiences, members have an -A Look In Depth religion and to make their own decisions opportunity to achieve the organization's stated SERVING JEWS regarding the direction of their own Jewish purpose: "To help Jewish young people to beliefs. achieve personal growth according to their AROUND THE WORLD Although BBYO was not established as an individual capacities so that they may lead organization with exclusively Zionist purposes, personally satisfying and socially useful lives in Although B'nai B'rith was founded in the United Israel plays a central role in the BBYO program. the Jewish community and in the larger States, its concern has always been worldwide. Annually, groups of BBYO members participate community of which they are a part." The right of our fellow Jews to live as Jews, in the Israel Summer Institute, an "audio-visual wherever they live, is a basic tenet of our creed learning laboratory" for understanding the B'nai B'rith Volunteers and program. Jews in trouble, on any continent, Jewish people in the Jewish state. Since its are the current agenda of B'nai B'rith in action. Volunteer advisors-many from B'nai B'rith beginnings in 1956, over 2,000 members have We express our concern in many ways. lodges and B'nai B'rith Women chapters-work been a part of this unique experience. At the the supervision of a professional staff of Through our B'nai B'rith International Council; under same time, groups of Israeli BBYO members our Israel programs-in Israel and for Israel; trained group workers to help the members tour North America each year, staying with the our districts and membership presence in 40 grow and develop. Other B'nai B'rith and B'nai families of AZA and BBG members and B'rith Women members serve on local and countries; our efforts on behalf of Soviet Jews; culminate their visit with participation in the international policy-making boards. and governmental channels, where we speak BBYO International Leadership Training One look at the graduates of the program out for human rights and Jewish interests. Conference and International Convention at indicates its success. From its beginning, the B'nai B'rith Perlman Camp in Pennsylvania. leaders of AZA and BBG became major This leadership training program annually luminaries in both the general and the Jewish brings together almost 200 top BBYO leaders community. Three of the last four presidents of from throughout the world and, through an B'nai B'rith International-Label A. Katz, Philip intensive training experience, helps them better M. Klutznick, and David M. Blumberg-all understand their role as leaders in BBYO and as received their training in AZA. Ambassadors to the future leaders of the world Jewish the United Nations, congressmen, senators, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Chaim community. It is a program which has been motion picture and television producers, Herzog addresses the 1976 BBIC plenary. From left: Kaygey universally hailed by observers as "the finest journalists, scientists, industrialists, lawyers, Kash, BB W president; David experience of its kind in the Jewish world." It is doctors, and others in all walks of life are alumni Blumberg, BB president; a program adapted for young people from the of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. Ricardo Holzer, BBIC chairman; 4, Dr. William Korey, BB director 10 famous model of the Brandeis Camp Institutes. BBYO has come a long way since that day in of international policy research, and Shlomo Gross, president of the early 1920's when 15 boys gathered to form Dist. 14 (Israel). Building Leaders a Jewish fraternity. Today's AZA and BBG bear Leadership training conferences and institutes little resemblance to that early group. However, of this kind have become a mainstay of the one thing is the same: the friendship, fraternity, BBYO program on. the local level and, annually, and commitment to a better Jewish community 55 B'NAI B'RITH INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL establishment of the World Zionist Organization In the 1880's B'nai B'rith began to organize by Theodore Herzl. The organization lodges and districts outside North America. contributed $4,500, a most impressive sum in Before the Hitler period, the organization had those days, to a relief fund established by Sir important lodges in Western and Central Europe Moses Montefiore for victims of a cholera as well as in the Balkans and the Middle East. epidemic then raging in Palestine. When World War II ended, North American In 1888, almost nine years before the first B'nai B'rith began to rehabilitate its surviving World Zionist Congress, B'nai B'rith chartered lodges in Europe. With the revitalization in its first lodge in Palestine. B'nai B'rith Europe came new membership growth in other Yerushalayim Lodge, the first public body in parts of the world. Palestine to conduct all its business in Hebrew, B'nai B'rith's development as an effective continues to the present day in Jerusalem. international Jewish membership organization B'nai B'rith aided the establishment of had grown so dramatically by 1956 that the Hebrew as the national language of Israel need was recognized for an organizational through its support of Dr. David Yellin, who structure to coordinate activities of districts served as President of B'nai B'rith in Palestine outside North America and help in the and visited the United States to advance the development of new units. Through the B'nai status of that language. B'rith International Council (BBIC), members Among the prominent members of B'nai B'rith around the world gained a vital link with one in Israel have been Chaim Weizmann, the first another and with B'nai B'rith International president of Israel; current President Ephraim headquarters in Washington. Katzir; former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin; The International Council, headquartered in Ambassador to the United States Simcha Dinitz; the B'nai B'rith International Center in Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren, and the Washington, maintains a global network of 15 national poet, Chaim Nachman Bialik. cooperating offices around the world in such B'nai B'rith helped create in 1892 the metropolitan centers as New York, London, Abarbanel Library, one of the cornerstones of Paris, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Johannesburg, Jewish culture, which evolved into the first Bogota, Mexico City, Toronto and Zurich. These Hebrew National Library and became the core are staffed by professional personnel recruited of the Hebrew University Library. Eliezer Ben from the fields of law, human relations, Yehudah, the Ben B'rith known as the "Father of education, religion, foreign affairs and Modern Hebrew" was the first librariancof the communications. Abarbanel. Outside North America, more than 400 men's Yerushalayim Lodge in 1894 founded Motza, lodges, women's chapters and mixed which was to become an example for other units-representing over 20,000 members-in agricultural settlements developed later in the seven overseas districts relate administratively hills of Jerusalem. Shortly afterward, B'nai B'rith and programmatically to BBIC, contributing established a $25,000 housing fund and (2 dues, serving on commissions and receiving awarded several scholarships to the new professional services. Hebrew University which opened on Mount Scopus in Jerusalem. To promote further B'NAI B'RITH IN ISRAEL cultural and scientific growth, substantial sums B'nai B'rith's links to the Yishuv of Palestine were contributed by the organization to the began in 1865, 32 years before the Weizmann Institute in Rehovoth. During the 43 B'NAI B'RITH YOUTH ORGANIZATION fortunate in having "caught the boat" at the very time that the enlarging Jewish community in Training Leaders of Tomorrow America was becoming increasingly conscious In 1924 a young graduate of Creighton Law of its Judaic background and its role as the School (himself only 22 at the time) became hope of the Jewish traditions which the almost concerned with the vast number of young wholly decimated Jewry of central and eastern Jewish men who were drifting away from their Europe could no longer aspire to pass on to Judaism, usually never to return except perhaps future generations. in formal observance of what to them were meaningless traditions. The fledgling lawyer, Girls, Too Sam Beber, conceived the idea of a youth Meanwhile, girls' groups, quite similar in organization, national in scope, the aims of organization and in objectives, had been which would be "to give the Jewish youth of developing in many parts of the country. America an understanding of Jewish history and Sponsored by B'nai B'rith Women's chapters, Judaism; to develop in him a sympathetic the first permanent group had been formed in appreciation and love of his religion and his San Francisco in 1927. By 1940, there were people; and to inspire him with a desire to help enough units to warrant a national organization, and serve his people and humanity." and Mrs. Louis Perlman of Chicago was named Omaha, Nebraska, was the cradle of the by the Women's Supreme Council as national movement. Under the guidance of Sam Beber, chairman for this program. Four years later a a small group of teenage boys, who had already national B'nai B'rith Girls organization came into joined together in a vague idealistic effort of being, having the same relationship to the their own, became the first and mother chapter parent order as the boys had long enjoyed. of the Aleph Zadik Aleph for young men. Within two months of the organizational meeting on A New Beginning May 3, 1924, other groups were functioning in When the B'nai B'rith Girls became a national Kansas City, Missouri; Lincoln, Nebraska; and organization, it was federated with AZA in the Des Moines, Iowa. By the time the chapters B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. Although AZA assembled for the first annual convention of the and BBG became part of the same AZA in Omaha on July 4 of the same year, organization, each continued to have its own Beber and his colleagues had succeeded in identity. However, the opportunities to work persuading District Grand Lodge No. 6 to together increased chances to make friends endorse the objectives of the organization. from around the world. Today, with nearly 40,000 members in almost A National Investment 1,500 chapters throughout the world, the world's When the project came before the Constitution largest Jewish youth organization provides a Grand Lodge Convention in Atlantic City in program which is unique in the field of Jewish 1925, the convention quickly grasped the youth service. In virtually every Jewish potentialities of the youth movement. AZA community of size in the free world, there is a passed from a midwestern organization and BBYO presence. Representatives of BBYO assumed national significance under a Supreme around the world come each year to take part in Advisory Council, headed first by Sam Beber the International Leadership Training and then Philip M. Klutznick, himself an AZA Conference and Conventions at B'nai B'rith pioneer. In this expansion B'nai B'rith was Perlman Camp at Starlight, Pennsylvania. 53 extended American 1920 Arab riots and the Tiberias flood in 1933, Palestine. When he later Among numerous other B'nai B'rith projects and provides equipment for workshops and to the State of Israel on B'nai B'rith contributed significantly to de jure recognition for youth are: clubs. emergency relief. January 31, 1949, three non-governmental * Establishment of the B'nai B'rith Children's Jacobson * Establishment of the Masua Nursery School in Chaim Weizmann, as a leading member of observers were present-Edward ,e Fund to help disadvantaged youth continue a disadvantaged quarter of Tel Aviv. B'nai B'rith in Britain in 1917, played a decisive and the two leaders of B'nai B'rith-and he their studies. Declaration, which awarded them the pens he used to sign the * Adoption, by Henrietta Szold Lodge, of the role in securing the Balfour * Establishment of the Immigrant Youth Center for a Jewish historic documents. children's ward at Hadassah Hospital. Lodge gave new hope to the struggle at Pardess Hannah by Ruppin Lodge. The Other individual B'nai All through the initial period of Israel's women provide toys and daily company for homeland in Palestine. center serves children of post-1948 vigorous established statehood, B'nai B'rith helped the children. B'rith members also continued immigrants, providing training in manual attempts to slow its development, Hospital for mentally advocacy of a Jewish national homeland, counter * Adoption of the Eitanim skills, tutoring, and music and sports its territory, and retard the full flowering opposing numerous schemes designed to truncate disturbed children by Moria Lodge. The instruction. thwart its realization. of Israeli-American friendship. Through its women read to the children, take them to The vast and complex B'nai B'rith As European Jews were engulfed by the Nazi persistent advocacy, B'nai B'rith helped to shows and on outings, and provide books International program to aid Israel, merely Holocaust, B'nai B'rith gave the Jewish National achieve the inclusion of Israel in American and records. sketched here, helps forge a continuous chain Fund two separate gifts of $100,000 to foreign aid programs and to secure a measure of a school for the mentally retarded * Adoption between the worldwide organization and the purchase land for agricultural settlements in of fair play for Israel in international forums. in Rishon Lexion by Bilu Lodge. The lodge people of modern Israel. To B'nai B'rith, the Palestine. Through cash gifts to Hadassah's B'nai B'rith conventions and conferences often teaching equipment for the school. purchases statehood of Israel is at once a fulfillment of the Youth Aliyah movement, the organization aided served as platforms for important American School for problem never-diminished "Yearning for Zion," and a the rescue of Jewish children and young people policy statements on Israel by leaders of the * Adoption of the Oranim Lodge supreme historic challenge to all generations to whose lives were endangered by Nazism. U.S. government and Congress. children in Jerusalem. Bat Zion arranges bar scale the heights of Jewish aspiration and B'nai B'rith efforts for the Jewish people In 1953 B'nai B'rith established a formal unit provides two meals daily, gives holiday parties, potential for the sake of Israel and the world. during this period did not stop at philanthropy. for its economic, cultural and social activities in mitzvah celebrations, Inspired by its fundamental precets, B'nai and for Israel. Under the direction of the Israel B'rith also participated fully in the campaign for Commission, B'nai B'rith has accounted for the a Jewish homeland. After World War II, when sale and purchase of more than $260 million in the full tragedy of European Jewry became Israel bonds, nearly 10 per cent of total sales in known and the political struggle for a Jewish the U.S. and Canada from 1951 to 1977. In Palestine reached its peak, B'nai B'rith became addition, B'nai B'rith has planted some two one of the pillars of the American Jewish million trees in the B'nai B'rith sections of the Conference. As part of the conference the Martyrs' Forest near Jerusalem in cooperation organization led a united American Jewish with the Jewish National Fund. BBYO in Israel, Noar over 100 Israel Lenoar, conducts community in pleading the cause before the B'nai B'rith instituted programs similar to United Nations, the Anglo-American Committee Investment Clubs, more than half the number of those of BBYO else - where. of Inquiry, and the U.S. government. such clubs in North America. By 1977, it had In the spring of 1948, when powerful officials provided high school scholarships for 1,000 in government sought to discourage disadvantaged Israeli youth. More than establishment of the State of Israel, a B'nai B'rith $500,000 was contributed to Vaad Lemaan delegation including President Goldman, Hechayal, Israel's USO. North American and Executive Secretary Bisgyer and Edward Israeli B'nai B'rith lodges cooperated in a Jacobson, a member of B'nai B'rith and a close twinning program in order to deepen mutual friend of President Truman, called upon Mr. understanding and involvement. Truman and, at a critical moment, arranged for As Israel celebrates its thirtieth year of Chaim Weizmann to see him. Mr. Truman then statehood, B'nai B'rith can boast an extensive reaffirmed American support of the partition of network of institutions and projects in Israel of 46 SERVING YOUNG PEOPLE our youth, we are helping to assure the future survival of the Jewish people. We sponsor the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization-AZA for boys, ". . . So Moses and Aaron were brought back to BBG for girls-for our high school youth and, Pharaoh and he said to. them, "Go, worship the when they go away to college, the B'nai B'rith Lord your God! Who are the ones to go?" Hillel Foundations. To help them with their Moses replied, "We will all go, young and old. career plans, we offer our B'nai B'rith Career We will go with our sons and daughters, our and Counseling Services. flocks and herds; for we must observe the Because we are committed to youth and to the Lord's pilgrimage." community, we don't limit participation in our youth programs to children of B'nai B'rith The children were mentioned first, because members ... it is our service to the Jewish they were the future of the Jewish people. So it has been throughout our history and so it will be community. for eternity. "Train up a child in the way he shall go, So it is in B'nai B'rith. Our children come first in our fund-raising efforts and in our and even when he is old commitments of manpower and womanpower. he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 We recognize that through our commitment to

A major interest in serv - ing youth is to encourage their religious education. B'nai B'rith/B'nai B'rith Women Projects in Israel Jerusalem Area * B'nai B'rith Center * Development was begun in 1979 of the newest 3-5 Rehov Keren Hayesod addition to the memorial, the Forest of Peace. It commemorates the Israel-Egypt peace treaty and * B'nai B'rith Women Children's Home symbolizes B'nai B'rith's hope for a future of Bayit Vegan peace in the Middle East. Established in 1943, the home is a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children * B'nai B'rith Liberty Bell Plaza under 14. Jerusalem * B'nai B'rith Women Group House The Liberty Bell Plaza provides a serene setting 19 Ethiopia Street for a replica of the Liberty Bell presented to the Gives boys 14-18 years of age the same people of Israel by the people of the United States interdisciplinary treatment given younger children during the American Bicentennial. The Plaza is at the Children's Home. located at the entrance to a public park in the center of Jerusalem which has an amphitheater, * B'nai B'rith Joseph Meyerhoff Hillel House playgrounds and an exhibition center. Hebrew University, Mt. Scopus Beit Hillel is a center for extracurricular activities for Israeli and non-Israeli students and other interested Visits to B'nai B'rith projects can be arranged Jerusalemites. by writing in advance.

0 * B'nai B'rith Jerusalem Library Hashomer Hospital, and other libraries at Asaf B'nai B'rith Street Baeck School and the Constructed in 1892 by Yerushalayim Lodge as the Harofe Hospital, Leo Hacarmel. The Central Abarbanel Library, this library, the oldest in special school in Tirat another B'nai Jerusalem, evolved into the first Hebrew National Library for the Blind in Natanya is Library. Eliezer Ben Yehuda, "father of modern B'rith project. Hebrew," and a Ben B'rith, was the first librarian. As part of Midrashat Sde Boker, an education complex near the home of the late David * Ir Ganim Library has constructed a Kiryat Menachem Ben-Gurion, B'nai B'rith will ultimately contain A project of David Yellin Lodge, this small library modern library which circulates books and periodicals for children and 50,000 volumes on the natural and social serves as a place for study. The library provides sciences, history, philosophy, Israel and the tutors in Hebrew in a new immigrant neighborhood. Jewish people, and a special section devoted to the Negev and arid zone research. Tel Aviv Area * B'nai B'rith Building District 14 Headquarters 10 Rehov Kaplan Serves as an international meeting and hospitality center for B'nai B'rith members. Facilities include a museum, kitchen, and the Eddie Jacobson Auditorium.

* B'nai B'rith ot aid to the Youth Center in Jaffa The Scroll of Fire, B'nai B'rith's 35Fire -foot bronzeB~ '~'started pol afteMdl lood atsol Built in 1973, this center is a joint project of Israel's memorial to Jewish martyrs of the Nazi Holo - peoeatthe M i t throughthe Hiter ere.tond tar schoos lttiraeln Henrietta Szold Lodge and B'nai B'rith European caust, stands on a Judean hilltop in the Martyrs' members sent tood and cloth - Forestoverlooking Jerusalem. The engravings ig ae sitneicue District 19. It serves as a library, free kindergarten, depict European Jewish life from pre -war days in; atrssineisludd and afternoon youth club for children from a orphans, as well as investments disadvantaged neighborhood. in businessand the government.

Haifa Area * Moshav Ramat Zvi * Beit Hillel Gilboa District 4 Givat Downes A few miles from Moledet. this small agricultural The Beit Hillel serves both Haifa University and the settlement was establisned in 1941 and named Technion. after B'nai B'rith President Henry Monsky. L7HM il-l MUD JA * B'nai B'rith Parents Home Youth Projects in Israel 20-22 Horev Street Ahuza, Mount Carmel First on any list of B'nai B'rith youth activities A model senior citizens' home. must come mention of its own Israeli youth organization, Noar Lenoar. The 5,000 members * Moshav Moledet work with young new immigrants and Gilboa District (near Afula) underprivileged Founded by B'nai B'rith in 1936 in memory of children, attend educational former President Alfred M. Cohen, Israel's first seminars, engage in activities with Druze and moshav has a children's playground, cultural Arab youth and offer community service. Noar center, industrial facilities, a dining hall, and two Lenoar youth also serve as hosts for American youth dormitories which are "home" for participants BBYO participants in the Israel Summer in the BBYO Israel Summer Institutes. Institute. 50 D--. MD LD)LQ0

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Also: Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singa- pore

P B'nai B'rith is the support and service for Being Jewish: It's some- Jewish outreach orga- our oppressed brethren. thing to celebrate, to learn nization. Almost We are international, about, to cherish, to share. everywhere there are involved, indispensable. With its 4,000 years of his- Jews, there is-or soon tory, its rich religious and will be-B'nai B'rith. Already the largest ethical traditions and And where an official Jewish service organi- values, Judaism touches B'nai B'rith "pres- zation in the world, we every stage of life. And ence" is not feasible, intend to keep on grow- being a Jew means being such as in the Soviet ing... and serving. responsible for all Jews, Union, B'nai B'rith Come share our and all mankind, and acting helps create an inter- "Covenant with on that responsibility. national community of Tomorrow." Jevwho B'nai B'rith-the * B'nai B'rith organized President to meet with Chaim world's largest and oldest J_ the first U.S. disaster relief Weizmann. Truman subse- campaign- for victims of the quently confirmed U.S. sup- Jewish service organiza- 1868 Baltimore flood. port for Palestine's partition tion -helps Jews under- * Since 1899, the Na- and formally recognized Is- stand and appreciate their tional Jewish Hospital in rael's establishment on May Judaism, and fulfill their Denver has pioneered in the 14, 1948. B'nai B'rith's presi- responsibilities as Jews. treatment and research of dent and executive vice presi- Our programs encourage tuberculosis and respiratory dent, as well as Eddie Jacob- diseases. Since 1914, the Leo son, were the only witnesses Jews to learn about them- N. Levi Hospital in Hot to the signing of the docu- selves and to reach out to Springs, Arkansas, has spe- ment. others. cialized in the treatment of * In the late 1950s, arthritis and related diseases. B'nai B'rith initiated the first B'nai B'rith also helps Both were founded by public campaign for free the Jewish people cope Soviet Jewish emigration. with crises that often * Through the Anti- confront the Jewish Defamation League of B'nai world. B'rith, we are at the forefront of the campaign to break the B'nai B'rith. Arab boycott of Israel. The * Shunned by his pro- ADL-Business Roundtable fessional peers, Sigmund coalition drafted the guide- Freud turned to his B'nai lines that were the basis in B'rith lodge in Vienna for a 1970 of the first federal anti- platform from which to pre- boycott legislation. sent his theories of psychoan- alysis. Throughout his career, Freud returned to his lodge to unveil his major discoveries. * At the request of the U.S. government, B'nai B'rith established recreational facilities at the first American free port for refugees from Nazi Europe. * Dr. Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first president and a life-long member of B'nai B'rith, helped establish B'nai B'rith in Manchester, England. * U.S. recognition of the State of Israel was in jeopardy in 1948. At the be- hest of B'nai B'rith's top leadership, Ben B'rith Ed- ward "Eddie" Jacobson, a B'nai B'rith International friend of President Harry S. headquarters is located today in Truman, arranged for the Washington, D.C. B'nai B'rith was the first in- ternational service organiza- tion founded in the United States -before the Salvation Army (1865), before the Daughters of the American Revolution (1890), before Kiwanis (1915). Here arejust afew highlights of our history. * During the Civil War, B'nai B'rith members founded what is now the Albert Einstein Medical Cen- ter because Jews serving in

B'nai B'rith was founded on the Union Army were not October 13, 1843, in New York permitted in army or other City at Sinsheimer Cafe (the hospitals in Philadelphia. three-story building shown 9 The first Jewish chap- here). As stated by its twelve am of the U.S. Army- founders in the preamble to our Rabbi Bernhand Gotthelf of constitution, B'nai B'rith had as Louisville-was appointed its purpose "the mission of unit- ing persons of the Jewish faith in during the Civil War as the the work of promoting their high- result of a successful B'nai est interest and those of B'rith campaign. humanity. U A w n Considerthe problems B'rith Youth Commission, or In Canada, the B'nai B'rith that Jews face today: on a district, regional or city League for Human Rights in- board. Other volunteers serve volves the same kinds of vol- as chapter advisors. Working unteer and professional Danger to Israel. PLO terror. with the volunteers are profes- cooperative efforts. Unrelenting propaganda war, sionals with strong Jewish financed by OPEC and pro- backgrounds and experience In all facets of B'nai B'rith moted in the United Nations. in youth work. work-whether it is working The formidable domestic and with Institutes of Judaism, economic problems of a small * B'nai B'rith volunteers are promoting our grass roots ac- nation forced to be on guan also deeply involved in direc- tion network, carrying out our against hostile neighbors. tion and support of the cam- many programs of community pus programs Endangered Jewish Com- of the B'nai service-all of these efforts B'rith Hillel Foundations. munities. The USSR. East- depend for their success on ern Europe. Iran. Ethiopia. Joining them in this work is a the involvement of thousands The Arab world. Parts of of volunteers. Latin America. Places where just being Jewish is danger- That's why we're known as ous. Are. the Jewish community's "people" Decline in Jewish Commit- organization. On the ment. Too many of this dec- professional staff of rabbis, facade of our international headquarters ade's young Jews are "turning social workers and educators. building in Washington, D. C., is an in- off" aid "tuning out" their In fact, Hillel is the largest 4,000-year legacy of Jewish single employer of rabbis in scription from the Mishnah reminding us that the very history, tradition, commit- the world. foundation ment and responsibility. of the world rests * In our fight for human on our continuing study of To- Stress to the Jewish Family. rights, the work of the Anti- rah, our reverence for God Assimilation. Cults and Defamation League of B'nai and our performance of good missionary groups. A sharply B'rith involves thousands of deeds which bring benefit to declining Jewish birthrate. volunteers around the world the world. The involvement More threats than ever to to augment the work of attor- and commitment of our B'nai Jewish family stability and neys, political scientists, edu- B'rith family-of volunteers Jewish family survival. cators, media experts, and assisted by professionals- specialists Anti-Semitism. A generation in community, continually help promote human after the Holocaust we still and public relations. these goals. confront swastikas, bombings and attacks on people because they are Jews. B'nai B'rith exists today, as it has since its inception in 1843, to meet these challenges. B'nai B'rith has always drawn its strength and spirit from the thousands of mem- ber-volunteers who devote their energies to the perform- ance of mitzvot. They form the governing structure of B'nai B'rith as well, serving on district, state association, council, conference and re- gional levels, and in leader- ship positions in B'nai B'rith's commissions, cabinets and committees.

Wdomawi39 -0 Who We

To facilitate and support members' volunteer efforts, locally, nationally and inter- nationally, B'nai B'rith has assembled a skilled profes- sional staff in offices through- out the world.

But it is the members of B'nai B'rith who set policy and programs. Members direct the activities of lodges and units. Many later assume B'nai B'rith leadership po- sitions in major cities and wider geographic areas. And at the biennial B'nai B'rith International Convention, a uniquely democratic gather- ing, lodge and unit leaders join with other B'nai B'rith B'nai B'rith's goal- After a Paris volunteer leaders to our Covenant with synagogue was vote on the policy and pro- bombed, B'nai B'rith grams that will guide B'nai . Tomorrow-is: aided victims and B'rith and govern its service To unite all Jews helped organize this to the Jewish people. To nurture Jewish learning protest. and life * Volunteers play key roles in the B'nai B'rith Youth Orga- To perform mitzvot-good nization structure. Our mem- deeds-in the highest bers determine policy, evalu- traditions of our people ate programs, raise funds and To defend Jewish and help set the direction of human rights everywhere BBYO at the international, national and local levels through service on the B'nai We welcome all Jews -men, wife Ethel, has housed one of women, youth. .. Orthodox, the world's outstanding per- Conservative, Reform, manent collections of Reconstructionist ... sec- Judaica. ularist, humanist, un- affiliated ...from every eco- Benefits to our members also nomic and social background include the availability of life ... from the political left, and health insurance through right and center. Our mem- our Members Insurance De- bership crosses international partment and numerous borders, bringing together group tours arranged by our Jews of more than 40 nations National Tour Department. on six continents -from To- ronto to Tokyo, Melbourne to B'nai B'rith Women is dedi- Montevideo, Jerusalem to cated to the improvement of I Johannesburg, Paris to Jewish life through voluntary Peoria -in the Jewish com- service and to the causes of mon cause. women's rights and other con- temporary issues. Represent- ing Jewish women from all walks of life, BBW sponsors I programs designed to foster / understanding among all groups, initiates social action within the community, pro- B'nai B'rith lodge vides Jewish educational op- members in portunities for adults and Maryland host an annual Passover youth, and supports a variety Seder for Jewish of services to Israel. patients of mental health hospitals. Our Community Volunteer B'rith's institutions and pro- * B'nai B'rith is the old- * B'nai B'rith's mem- , Services Program assists grams in Israel. B'nai B'rith's est-founded 1843-and bers make our voice strong- communities the B'nai B'rith support of the Jewish home- largest- half a million mem- and because of our special way. At Three Mile Island, land dates back to 1865: Our bers-Jewish membership system of lodges, chapters B'nai B'rith lines up emer- first contribution was aid to organization in the world, and units within district and gency housing for 2,360 victims of a cholera epidemic ) with international headquar- regional structures, all B'nai families in 48 hours ... In in Palestine. Among today's ters in Washington, D. C. A B'rith members have.a strong Nashville, B'nai B'rith forms projects: investments in Is- worldwide network of mem- voice in B'nai B'rith. a summer camp for blind rael's economy; land devel- bers, supported by adminis- * We are a democratic children ... Atlanta: B'nai opment, reclamation and re- trative, program and service family of organizations, in- B'rith helps settle emigrants forestation; encouragement of ffices, carries on our work. stitutions and people, from the Soviet Union and aliyah; education of our * B'nai B'rith is at every uniquely equipped, strate- Indochina. At Christmas, we worldwide membership about significant Jewish convoca- gically placed, committed to relieve Christian municipal, Israel's history, culture, prob- tion and national and interna- dealing with the Jewish actio hospital and other workers so lems and needs. Since 1898, tional forum of importance to agenda of the '80s. they can spend the holiday B'nai B'rith members have Jews. with their families. We con- fulfilled our mission through duct blood drives, promote the establishment of more energy conservation, educate than 300 lodges in the Land for health, volunteer at veter- of Israel. ans hospitals, get out the vote IL k at election time. If there's a Our Adult Jewish Education community need, B'nai B'rith Program pioneered in the de- volunteers are there. velopment of experimental Jewish educational programs Our Senior Citizens Housing and materials for the indi- Program has helped local vidual, the family, the com- lodges develop several munity. AJE offers classes in thousand apartment units for Torah and Jewish classics, elderly people of limited in- self study, critical issues come in the United States, forums, local and regional in- Canada, England, Australia stitutes of Judaism with out- and elsewhere. The objective: standing scholars, audio- To provide dignity for our visual programs, family-to- rapidly growing population of family Shabbat experiences, senior citizens-Jews and living-room learning and in- non-Jews alike. novative programs for Jewish Our Israel Programs singles. AJE also coordinates strengthen the ties between Is- our efforts to counter cult ac- rael and Jews around the tivities aimed at recruiting world, with special emphasis Jewish young people. on B'nai B'rith's unique vol- Our Career and Counseling unteer spirit. To demonstrate Services, operating out of our commitment to Jerusalem offices in major metropolitan as Israel's capital, we operate areas, provides individual and the B'nai B'rith World Center group counseling to young in Jerusalem. There is also people and adults on college BBYO in Israel (Noar admissions, career choices, L'noar), the B'nai B'rith job-seeking skills and pre- Women Children's Home, and post-retirement options. B'nai B'rith Hillel and scores of social welfare programs. Since 1957, the B'nai B'rith We have created the Interna- Klutznick Museum in Wash- tional Israel Lodge-a ington, D. C., named for 04- unique way for B'nai B'rith former B'nai B'rith President members to support B'nai Philip M. Klutznick and his B'nai B'rith has created pro- The Anti-Defamation grams and institutions, a League of B'nai B'rith fights partnership of volunteers and prejudice, promotes democra- professionals, ready and able tic principles and works to to cope with the everyday - improve intergroup rela- and extraordinary -issues tions. The League works Jews and others face. through the courts, the media, the classroom, the commu- nity. It is a "watchdog" for the Jewish people and a vigil- ant advocate of human rights. ADL headquarters is in New York City, with 27 regional U.S. offices, a European office in Paris, an Israeli

office in Jerusalem, a liaison kosher dining facilities, at the Vatican, human rights Shabbat celebrations and affiliates in Latin America. holiday services. Since its be- ( The B'nai B'rith League for ginning in 1923, Hillel has Human Rights has headquar- reached out to and served ters at the Canadian B'nai hundreds of thousands of B'rith national office in Jews on campus. Downsview, Ontario. Our Youth Organization From its Washington head- provides Jews in their crucial quarters our International teenage years with informal Council oversees B'nai B'rith Jewish education-learning operations outside the United with fun. Today, 35,000 States and coordinates a grass- Jewish boys and girls in roots network for informa- North America, and another N tion sharing and political ac- 5,000 in Israel and other parts tion on critical issues-such of the world, are exploring as energy, human rights and Jewish "lifestyles" through world affairs. The council AZA (Aleph Zadik Aleph for also publishes studies on crit- boys) and BBG (B'nai B'rith ical issues facing world Girls). BBYO also offers Jewry. The ICBB office in education and leadership New York maintains a consul- training programs and oper- K) tative relationship and ob- ates two summer camps for server function at the United children and teenagers-one Nations, where B'nai B'rith in Pennsylvania, one in Wis- has official status as a non- consin. Since its beginning in governmental organization. 1924, more than 650,000 Our Hillel Foundations is the young Jews have been served "Jewish address" for students by BBYO-the oldest and and faculty on some 400 col- largest international Jewish lege and university campuses youth movement in the world. throughout the world. B'nai B'rith Hillel offers formal and informal Jewish studies, counseling, social programs, SENATOR TOM HARKIN SPEECH TO B'NAI B'RITH DES MOINES OCTOBER 13, 1985

THANK YOU, LEE, FOR THAT KIND INTRODUCTION. IT'S GOOD TO BE HERE

IN DES MOINES. BUT I FEEL ESPECIALLY HONORED TO SPEAK BEFORE B'NAI

B'RITH BECAUSE I ADMIRE WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION STANDS FOR . . . YOUR

HIGH IDEALS . . . YOUR ON-GOING EFFORTS TO INCREASE WORLD UNDERSTANDING

AND TOLERANCE . . . AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE.

DES MOINES' JEWISH COMMUNITY MAY BE RELATIVELY SMALL COMPARED TO

SOME CITIES. BUT THANKS TO B'NAI B'RITH, YOU HAVE MADE YOUR PRESENCE

KNOWN IN A VERY POSITIVE WAY.

I'M ALSO GLAD TO BE HERE IN ANOTHER SENSE. MANY MEMBERS OF THIS

ORGANIZATION AND PROGRESSIVE JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY

GOT BEHIND MY CAMPAIGN EARLY -- AND GAVE ME THE SUPPORT I NEEDED TO WIN

RIGHT UP TO ELECTION DAY. WITHOUT THAT SUPPORT I MIGHT NOT BE HERE

TODAY, SPEAKING TO YOU AS A UNITED STATES SENATOR. - 2 -

LET ME TELL YOU, THOUGH: IT'S A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD IN THE

SENATE. I'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU A FEW INSIGHTS I'VE GAINED ABOUT

HOW THE SENATE OPERATES.

FIRST, IT'S MUCH EASIER FOR ONE PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON

NATIONAL POLICY. THAT MAKES SENSE: THERE'S ONLY 100 MEMBERS, INSTEAD

OF 435.

SECOND, I'VE FOUND THAT YOU DON'T GET BOGGED DOWN AS MUCH IN

PAROCHIAL POLITICS. YOU STILL LOOK OUT FOR YOUR STATE -- BUT YOU ALSO

HAVE TO LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE AND REPRESENT THE NATIONAL INTEREST.

BUT HERE'S ANOTHER THING I'VE FOUND: SENATORS SPEAK TO EACH OTHER

IN CODE AND IF YOU WANT TO GET THINGS DONE, YOU'VE GOT TO LEARN THE

CODE. IT TOOK ME AWHILE, BUT I THINK I'VE FINALLY GOT IT:

IF YOU AND ANOTHER SENATOR ARE IN COMPLETE AGREEMENT, YOU ADDRESS

YOUR COLLEAGUE AS "THE SENATOR FROM SUCH AND SUCH A STATE." - 3 -

IF YOU ARE NOT TOO SURE YOUR COLLEAGUE AGREES WITH YOU, YOU SAY:

"THE ABLE SENATOR FROM .

BUT IF YOU KNOW THERE IS VIOLENT DISAGREEMENT ON AN ISSUE, THEN

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO ADDRESS YOUR COLLEAGUE: "THE ABLE AND

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR, MY GOOD AND DEAR FRIEND FROM .

TODAY, I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS SOME OF THE

MAJOR ISSUES I SEE FACING OUR COUNTRY. I'LL MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT: I

DON'T LIKE THE DIRECTION WE'RE GOING.

THERE WAS A TIME, PERHAPS, WHEN IOWA WAS A MORE SHELTERED PLACE.

THINGS COULD BE GOING TO HELL ALL AROUND US -- BUT IT WOULDN'T AFFECT

Us. THAT DAY HAS ENDED. DES MOINES AND ALL OF IOWA ARE IN THE THICK

OF IT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IS ALSO IN THE THICK OF IT.

FIVE YEARS OF RONALD REAGAN HAVE WIDENED THE GAP IN THIS COUNTRY

BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR. THE SUPER-WEALTHY AND THE LARGE

CORPORATIONS HAVE MADE A KILLING. BUT LIFE FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF

AMERICANS HAS GOTTEN WORSE -- FAR WORSE. THREE MILLION AMERICANS HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT OF WORK. . .

THOUSANDS OF FARMERS HAVE BEEN FORCED OFF THEIR LAND . . . SMALL

BUSINESSES ARE GOING BELLY-UP FASTER THAN ANY TIME SINCE THE GREAT

DEPRESSION . . . BLACKS AND OTHER MINORITIES ARE BEING TRAPPED IN

POVERTY, WITH NO WAY UP OR OUT.

PEOPLE NEED ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS. BUT ALL THEY'RE GETTING FROM

THIS ADMINISTRATION ARE EMPTY PROMISES.

IT'S FRUSTRATING BEING IN THE SENATE, BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH WE

COULD DO -- BUT SO MANY WON'T DO IT. I GUESS I HAVE TO AGREE WITH WILL

ROGERS WHEN HE SAID, "THE TROUBLE WITH SENATORS IS THAT THE ONES THAT

OUGHT TO GET OUT, DON'T."

LAST WEEK'S VOTE ON RAISING THE DEBT CEILING IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE.

HERE WE ARE WITH A $2 TRILLION NATIONAL DEBT -- TWICE AS MUCH AS WHEN

REAGAN STARTED. THE ADMINISTRATION IS NERVOUS ABOUT RAISING THE DEBT

CEILING. SO IT DECIDES TO PUSH FOR AN AMENDMENT TO BALANCE THE BUDGET

BY 1991. FINE. GOOD IDEA. - 5 -

THE QUESTION IS HOW WE BALANCE THE BUDGET. TO ANSWER THAT, YOU'VE

GOT TO LOOK AT HOW $1 TRILLION WAS ADDED TO THE DEBT. EVERYONE AGREES

THERE ARE TWO REASONS: THE 1981 TAX CUTS TO THE BIG CORPORATIONS AND

THE WEALTHY. AND A MILITARY BUILDUP WHICH LEFT THE DEFENSE CONTRACTORS

A LOT RICHER, BUT THE NATION NO MORE SECURE.

BUT WHAT DID THE SENATE DO? IT PASSED A PLAN THAT DOES NOTHING TO

MAKE OUR TAX SYSTEM MORE FAIR AND RAISE MORE REVENUES FROM THOSE WHO

CAN AFFORD IT. AND IT SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDES THE BIG-TICKET MILITARY

ITEMS THAT ARE BUSTING THE BUDGET . . . . . WHERE ARE THE CUTS GOING

TO COME FROM? FROM MILITARY READINESS. FROM FARM PROGRAMS. FROM

EDUCATION. FROM THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET.

I VOTED AGAINST THAT PLAN AND VOTED FOR AN ALTERNATIVE WHICH WOULD

HAVE BEEN WORKABLE AND FAIR AND REQUIRED ACROSS-THE-BOARD SACRIFICES.

THE SAME GOES FOR THE FARM SITUATION. THE SITUATION IS DRASTIC.

BUT MANY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WON'T EVEN GIVE FARMERS THE RIGHT TO HAVE

A VOICE IN THEIR OWN FUTURE -- THROUGH A PRODUCER REFERENDUM ON

PRODUCTION CONTROLS. - 6 -

MANY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS JUST WON'T MAKE THE HARD CHOICES. AND

THEY'RE PERFECTLY WILLING TO LET MIDDLE-INCOME AND LOW-INCOME AMERICANS

PAY THE PRICE FOR THEIR LACK OF GUTS. I FIND IT FRUSTRATING . . . AND

I SEE THAT SAME FRUSTRATION ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. A LOT OF PEOPLE

DON'T THINK THE SYSTEM WORKS ANY MORE -- AT LEAST NOT FOR THEM.

PEOPLE ARE CONFUSED. THEY'RE ANGRY. AND THEY'RE LOOKING FOR

SOMEONE TO BLAME: BIG BANKERS. THE EASTERN ESTABLISHMENT. THE JEWS.

I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU, IT'S STARTING TO GET UGLY. FASCIST,

RACIST HATE GROUPS THAT FEED OFF FEAR AND IGNORANCE AND DESPERATION ARE

MAKING INROADS IN IOWA. GROUPS LIKE THE POSSE COMMITATUS, ARYAN

NATION, THE ORDER, CHRISTIAN IDENTITY, THE RADICAL RIGHT-WING POPULIST

PARTY AND THE KU KLUX KLAN ARE TURNING NORMAL, HARD-WORKING FARMERS

INTO ANTI-SEMITIC HATE-MONGERS.

NUMBERS ARE MISLEADING. THERE ARE PROBABLY LESS THAN A FEW

THOUSAND "HARD-CORE" RADICALS WHO ARE ACTUALLY HOARDING BOMBS AND

MACHINE GUNS. BUT THEY'VE ALREADY KILLED A JEWISH DJ IN DENVER. AND

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER THREATS OF VIOLENCE. - 7 -

THEIR IDEAS ARE EQUALLY DANGEROUS. LIKE Louis FARRAKHAN, THE

LEADER OF THE NATION OF ISLAM, THEY ARE SPREADING ANTI-SEMITIC LIES

THAT POISON OUR NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS. THEY REVERE HITLER AND DENY

THE HOLOCAUST EVER TOOK PLACE. THEY SAY THE JEWS ARE THE "DEVIL'S

CHILDREN." AND THEY BLAME ALL OUR ECONOMIC PROBLEMS ON AN

INTERNATIONAL JEWISH CONSPIRACY.

WE'VE ALL HEARD THESE LIES BEFORE. THE DANGER IS THAT THEY'RE

STARTING TO REACH PEOPLE WHO AREN'T CRAZY, JUST SCARED. AND AS THE

ECONOMY GETS WORSE, THE HATE GROUPS WILL SPREAD LIKE A CANCER.

WE'VE GOT TO FIGHT BACK BY EXPOSING THEIR LIES. I KNOW B'NAI

B'RITH AND THE DES MOINES AREA JEWISH COUNCIL HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO

DO THIS. YOUR CONFERENCE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, WHERE YOU BROUGHT IN

THE FBI, THE DCI, AN ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE FROM OMAHA,

AND OTHER EXPERTS, IS A GOOD START. - 8 -

AT THE SAME TIME, WE'VE GOT TO WORK TO CHANNEL THIS FRUSTRATION

AND ANGER INTO CONSTRUCTIVE OUTLETS. WE MUST MAKE A DISTINCTION

BETWEEN THE PREACHERS OF HATE AND THE PURVERYORS OF HOPE.

ACTIVIST FARM GROUPS LIKE PRAIRIE FIRE AND THE FARM UNITY

COALITION ARE TRYING TO ORGANIZE FARMERS TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON

GOVERNMENT FARM POLICY. THESE "PROGRESSIVE POPULIST" FARM

ORGANIZATIONS ARE WORKING HARD FOR SENSIBLE FARM POLICIES THAT RAISE

FARM INCOME AND HELP FARMERS WORK OFF THEIR DEBTS . . . . INSTEAD OF

PLAYING ON FARMERS' FEARS, THESE GROUPS BUILD ON FARMERS' STRENGTHS.

THEIR EFFORTS ARE IN LINE WITH THE BEST OF OUR DEMOCRATIC TRADITION: A

CONCERN FOR FAIRNESS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE.

I SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS. AND I HOPE YOU WILL TOO. BECAUSE

FARMERS ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO HOLD ON TO. AND IF IT'S NOT

PRAIRIE FIRE, IT COULD BE THE POSSE COMMITATUS.

WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE IS HAPPENING BEYOND OUR BORDERS AS WELL.

RACIAL HATRED AND ANTI-SEMITISM ARE ON THE RISE ALL OVER THE WORLD. . .

. . THE TERRORIST HATE GROUPS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE NO DIFFERENT FROM - 9 -

THOSE IN AMERICA -- EXCEPT THEY ARE MORE EXPERIENCED AND MORE BOLD.

THEIR MEMBERS ARE EQUALLY ANTI-SEMITIC, BUT THEIR GOAL EXTENDS BEYOND

THAT TO THE COMPLETE AND UTTER DESTRUCTION OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL.

THEIR ACTIONS MUST NOT BE TOLERATED.

SIXTEEN ISRAELIS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN VIOLENT TERRORIST ATTACKS IN

THE PAST 12 MONTHS-- DOUBLE THE ANNUAL AVERAGE SINCE 1980.

IN RECENT WEEKS, 2 ISRAELI SCHOOL TEACHERS WERE MURDERED ON THE

WEST BANK . . . AND 3 ISRAELI VACATIONERS WERE KILLED IN CYPRUS.

THE LATEST INCIDENT, AS WE ALL KNOW, INVOLVED THE DEATH OF AN

AMERICAN. THIS IS THE SECOND TERRORIST KILLING OF AN AMERICAN IN LESS

THAN THREE MONTHS. THE PALESTINIAN SHIP HIJACKERS CHOSE AS THEIR

VICTIM -- THIS SHOWS THEIR CHARACTER -- A 69-YEAR-OLD MAN, WHO WAS

CRIPPLED AND CONFINED TO A WHEEL CHAIR. THEY MURDERED HIM AND THEN

THREW HIM OVERBOARD . . . . THE U.S. AMBASSADOR CALLED THE TERRORIST

KILLERS "SONS OF BITCHES." I THINK THAT'S FAR TOO KIND. NOW THAT THEY

HAVE BEEN CAPTURED, THEY SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO SWIFT JUSTICE. - 10 -

IN THIS CLIMATE OF ESCALATING VIOLENCE, WE MUST STAND MORE FIRMLY

THAN EVER BEHIND OUR STRONGEST ALLY IN THE REGION AND THE ONLY NATION

WHICH SHARES OUR DEMOCRATIC IDEALS -- ISRAEL. WE MUST ALSO GUARD

AGAINST INDIRECTLY AIDING THE TERRORISTS' CAUSE . . . . THE LAST

THING THE U.S. SHOULD DO IS GIVE ARMS TO A NATION THAT SANCTIONS THE

PLO. BUT THAT IS WHAT THE REAGAN ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO DO, WITH ITS

PROPOSED $1.5 BILLION ARMS SALE TO JORDAN.

I HAVE JUST SIGNED ON TO A RESOLUTION SPONSORED BY SENATORS

KENNEDY AND HEINZ WHICH STRONGLY DISAPPROVES OF THE PROPOSED SALE. WE

ARE LIKELY TO GET AT LEAST 67 CO-SIGNERS, ENOUGH TO OVERRIDE A

PRESIDENTIAL VETO. AND I AM HOPEFUL WE CAN CONVINCE THE ADMINISTRATION

THAT ARMS SALES AT THIS TIME WILL ONLY DESTABILIZE THE REGION EVEN

MORE.

THIS IS NOT TO DENY THAT KING HUSSEIN HAS MADE SOME GESTURES

TOWARD PEACE. HE HAS INDICATED IN HIS RECENT TRIPS TO WASHINGTON AND

TO THE U.N. IN NEW YORK THAT HE IS WILLING TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE

GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL -- PROMPTLY AND DIRECTLY, UNDER THE TERMS OF U.N.

SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS 242 AND 338. - 12 -

NOT ONLY BY EDUCATING AND ENLIGHTENING NON-JEWS. BUT ALSO BY

REAFFIRMING YOUR OWN RICH JEWISH HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS . . . AND BY

CALLING ATTENTION TO THE SIGNIFICANT JEWISH CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR

SOCIETY.

IN CLOSING, I WANT TO AGAIN THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO

ADDRESS SOME OF OUR COMMON CONCERNS. I HOPE YOU'LL KEEP ME INFORMED

ABOUT WHAT YOU SEE HAPPENING IN IOWA, ESPECIALLY IN REGARDS TO THE

RADICAL RIGHT. AND I'LL KEEP YOU INFORMED ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN

WASHINGTON.

TOGETHER -- AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EFFORTS OF B'NAI B'RITH

ALL OVER THE COUNTRY -- WE WILL EIHI THE DARKNESS ALL AROUND US OF

FEAR AND HATRED AND OPPRESSION WITH THE LIGHT OF UNDERSTANDING. AND WE

WILL WIN. . . . THANK YOU. MEMORANDUM TO TOM HARKIN

FR: Rod Benson RE: Des Moines B'nai B'rith speech on Sunday 10/13 DA: October 10, 1985

This is the annual meeting of B'nai B'rith's Des Moines Lodge. It will be held at the Temple B'nai Jeshurun, at 51st and Grand. The president of the Lodge is Lee Green.

Expected audience is 50 to 150 people. Lee Green will go over with you any people you should know or be sure to recognize. He will also introduce you to speak.

In addition to Israel, Green said members would be interested in general legislative developments, your impressions of the Senate. The whole issue of radical right-wing populism is of special interest, since the Area Jewish Council just sponsored a forum on this topic. The speech draft enclosed addresses all of these issues.

Also enclosed:

*Your most recent Jewish speech, to the Alliance for AIPAC briefing in New York (and standard Jewish opening)

*Background on the administration's proposed arms sale to Jordan and the Kennedy-Heinz Dear Colleague opposing the sale

*Recent articles on anti-Semitic hate groups preying on desperate farmers

*Background on B'nai B'rith