B'nai B'rith International

B’nai B’rith International is a staunch defender of the State of Israel, advocates for global Jewry and champions the cause of human rights. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in combatting anti-Semitism, promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a leader in disaster relief and assisting communities in crisis, a provider of safe and affordable housing for low-income older adults and a tireless advocate on behalf of seniors.

Since our founding in 1843, B’nai B’rith has focused on making the world a safer and more tolerant place.

With a presence in countries around the world, B’nai B’rith is the Global Voice of the Jewish Community.

B’nai B’rith is rooted in these major pillars:

1. Human Rights and Public Policy

We monitor and combat anti-Semitism and other human rights abuses around the world. We challenge the odious Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement wherever it emerges. B’nai B’rith is dedicated to illuminating the hatred of Jews as a distinct and unique social illness, and to marshaling efforts to combat and, where possible, eradicate this phenomenon. We work diligently to prompt officials to fight anti-Semitism at all levels, delivering that message to governments and intergovernmental bodies, while taking action on college campuses and speaking out in the media.

Through our office of intercommunal affairs, we play an active role cultivating religious tolerance and cooperation internationally.

2. Supporting and Defending Israel

We are a staunch supporter and defender of Israel at the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, in world capitals and in a variety of international organizations. We fight the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and other manifestations of contemporary anti-Semitism that are based on castigation and/or hatred of Israel.

Our World Center in Jerusalem is our connection to a wide range of Israeli governmental, academic and cultural institutions. The World Center promotes strong Israel-Diaspora relations. It is the voice of the B’nai B’rith community to the Israeli government, national institutions and the nongovernmental organization (NGO) community in Israel. The World Center sponsors cultural programs and interchange. A founding member of IsraAid, the World Center works with many other Israeli relief organizations providing aid to disaster-stricken parts of the world.   

3. Senior Advocacy and Housing

We are the largest national Jewish sponsor of non-sectarian federally subsidized housing for older adults in the United States, with 38 buildings in 28 communities, providing affordable housing for more than 5,000 people. Working in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), B’nai B’rith makes rental apartments available for senior citizens with limited incomes. B’nai B’rith senior housing is open to all qualified individuals as defined by HUD, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap or national origin. This unparalleled expertise in protecting seniors and advocating on aging issues gives us the ability to also serve as a respected voice on a myriad of issues affecting seniors, including—but not limited to—aging in place, Social Security and Medicare.

4. Helping Communities and Disaster Relief

B’nai B’rith has raised funds to help the victims of disasters around the world since 1865. Our commitment to helping communities lasts long after first-responders have done their critical work. B’nai B’rith volunteers are also active in their local communities with a wide variety of projects including distributing holiday-appropriate food for elderly Jewish residents who would otherwise be unable to access it, collecting and distributing day-old baked goods to shelters and schools to feed the hungry and providing stuffed “Buddy Bears” to comfort hospitalized children.