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(Warsaw, Poland,
September 12, 2007)—B’nai B’rith International
revived its lodge in Poland on September 9, which had
been closed since before World War II. B’nai B’rith
leaders from around the world were on hand for the
momentous event.
“The pride emanating from
the crowd of 37 new brothers and sisters as they became
part of our worldwide family was exhilarating,” said
B’nai B’rith International President Moishe Smith. “It
was a proud and honorable moment for me personally, and
for all of B’nai B’rith.”
Members of B’nai B’rith
Europe and several leaders from B’nai B’rith
International in Washington, D.C., including Executive
Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin, attended the
installation.
“The
launch of our new lodge in Warsaw carries great
significance,” Mariaschin said. “Given B’nai B’rith’s
long, but interrupted history in Poland, the country’s
relationship to both the U.S. and Israel bi-laterally,
and as a member of the European Union, and the revival
of Jewish life there, the new lodge can act as an
important participant in a wide range of issues on the
B’nai B’rith, and broader Jewish agenda.”
The
new lodge President Dr. Andrej Friedman, and the
Secretary General Malka Kafka worked hard to revive the
lodge.
In
1938, by decree from the president of the Republic of
Poland, all 10 B’nai B’rith lodges were closed down.
This differs from the rest of Europe where lodges were
closed down by the Nazi regime.
“As
president of B’nai B’rith Europe (BBE) I think it shows,
joyfully, that Jewish life in Poland is present and
growing,” said BBE President Reinold Simon. “The
presence of a B’nai B’rith lodge is also for BBE an
important fact. We in BBE have been working on this for
more then 10 years. The new board members are ready to
enlarge their presence and we hope to see in the future
new lodges throughout Poland.”
B’nai B’rith International, the global voice of the
Jewish community, is the oldest and most widely known
Jewish humanitarian, human rights, and advocacy
organization. Since 1843, BBI has worked for Jewish
unity, security, continuity, and tolerance. Visit
www.bnaibrith.org.
Photographs and above press release courtesy of B'nai
B'rith International. |
