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Background
Nearly 165 years ago, Henry Jones and 11 other German-Jewish immigrants gathered in Sinsheimer's Café on New York's Lower East Side to confront the deplorable condition of Jews in the United States, their newly adopted country. Thus, B'nai B'rith was born.
B'nai B'rith International, the global voice of the Jewish community, is the most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights, and advocacy organization. Since 1843, BBI has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity, and tolerance. BBI's reach extends to more than 50 countries around the world.
Today B'nai B'rith International is a national and global leader in the fight against anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias; provides senior housing and advocacy on issues of vital concern to seniors and their families; helps communities in crisis; and promotes Jewish identity through cultural activities.
The work of B'nai B'rith International is focused in its centers. These centers provide the framework for intensive study of issues and thoughtful responses through the combined efforts of dedicated volunteer leaders and professional staff.
The Center for Human Rights and Public Policy (CHRPP) brings a Jewish voice to international and domestic policy and in defense of Israel. BBI has served as an NGO (non-governmental organization) at the United Nations since 1947. In the United States, CHRPP advocates for the safety, security, and rights of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. In Latin America, CHRPP works to build tolerance and promotes social justice. Throughout the United States, in Europe, and around the world, CHRPP is a leader in the fight against anti-Semitism. And in Central and Eastern Europe, CHRPP is a strong advocate for Holocaust restitution.
The Center for Senior Services (CSS) provides the tangible — housing and practical information on aging — and the intangible — advocacy and national leadership — on issues affecting Jewish seniors. BBI is the largest national Jewish sponsor of senior housing in the United States and operates nearly 50 fixed-income and market-rate housing facilities worldwide.
Through a steady flow of information on topics as far-ranging as Medicare Part D and aging safely in place to national and international advocacy on vital issues such as healthcare reform, income protection and stem cell research, BBI presents a concerned voice for all seniors.
The Center for Community Action (CCA) helps B'nai B'rith International serve individual Jewish communities and the world, providing disaster relief and services to those in need, promoting respect for others and celebrating diversity, and offering a helping hand. From Sri Lanka to New Orleans to Israel, BBI members and supporters have provided the funds to aid these disaster and war-torn areas, seeking to fill the needs that might otherwise be overlooked. In local communities around the world, BBI volunteers reach out to the sick, the needy, and those hurt by intolerance and indifference.
The Center for Jewish Identity often works with CCA, bringing Holocaust remembrance programs to communities and spreading the lesson of tolerance to children and adults.
The Center for Jewish Culture (CJC) showcases the heart and soul of Jewish history, arts, and experience. The extensive collection of the B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum enhances the worldwide understanding of the Jewish people by preserving, fostering, and promoting Jewish culture and contributions through distinctive collections, relevant programming, and local and international outreach. The Center includes the extensive Philip and Mildred Lax Archives of B'nai B'rith.
At the World Center in Jerusalem, BBI focuses on Israel and its place in the world. 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 NGO community in Israel. The Center also coordinated B'nai B'rith International's Israel Emergency Fund relief efforts during and following the 2006 war with Lebanon.
In addition, BBI operates two youth camps in the United States: Perlman Camp in Pennsylvania and Beber Camp in Wisconsin. Each camp provides a unique Jewish camping experience and has taught leadership skills to generations of Jewish youth. Both camps participate in Camp Passport, a BBI program that brings Israeli boys and girls, whose family members have been victims of war and terror, to the United States for a summer of camp and healing.
BBI recently launched the Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge, an education and awareness initiative. This program combats bigotry and promotes tolerance and diversity, and equality among all citizens, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation. BBI’s goal is to destroy prejudices and strengthen the future of American youth through enlightenment, inspiration, and education.
This scholarship competition asks high school students to write and illustrate a children's book that discusses the topics of tolerance and diversity. Executed through public and private high schools, the Challenge encourages teens to create innovative ways to teach tolerance to young children, as well as gain new insights into these issues for themselves. The contest winner in each city receives a $5,000 college scholarship and publication of the book. The program currently operates in 9 cities throughout the United and is adding locations annually.
For additional information, visit BBI’s website at www.bnaibrith.org/index.cfm.
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