OVERVIEW
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.
MISSION
B’nai B’rith International, founded in 1843, is the world’s leading Jewish organization with an unbroken legacy of service and impact.
We strengthen global Jewish life, combat anti-Semitism and stand unequivocally with the State of Israel. Through public diplomacy at the United Nations and other multilateral agencies, community engagement, education, and advocacy, we advance dignity, security and human rights for all.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
Human Rights and Public Policy
B’nai B’rith International monitors and combats anti-Semitism and other human rights abuses around the world. It challenges 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. It works 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 their office of intercommunal affairs, they play an active role cultivating religious tolerance and cooperation internationally.
Israel is the eternal home of the Jewish people. It is also a singular focus for obsessive condemnation at the United Nations, its agencies and other international institutions, as well as among various governments around the world. Attacks against Israel’s legitimacy do not only come at the national and international level, of course. Bias against Israel is an issue around the world in the media and academia, and on social media. B’nai B’rith works tirelessly to support and defend Israel, the only Jewish state in the world. B’nai B’rith established its presence in the Jewish homeland in 1888. Since that time, it has been deeply involved in helping many aspects of society.
Few contemporary issues are more critical than the aging of the population. Recognizing that senior citizens remain valued members of our community, B’nai B’rith has a leading role in providing senior housing and advocating for the issues that impact older adults.
B’nai B’rith International is a leader in the Jewish community’s approach to aging issues through the B’nai B’rith Center for Senior Services. With their first housing partnership with HUD launched in 1971, and with 35 buildings in 27 communities, they are the largest national Jewish sponsor of subsidized housing in the United States. But they don’t just build senior housing—CSS staff members support training and programs for the residents, building staff and board members that make up our Housing Network.
Working with their members and supporters throughout the United States, their Senior Advocacy work advances B’nai B’rith’s agenda on a range of seniors’ issues—including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, funding for the aging services network and any Federal programs that affect the day-to-day lives of older adults living in the U.S.—to policy makers in Washington, D.C., and across the country.
Since 1989 on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, B’nai B’rith International has been the North American sponsor of “Unto Every Person There Is a Name” ceremonies. Participants recite the names of Holocaust victims and where and when they were born and died. The ceremonies occur on the 27th day of the month of Nissan on the Jewish calendar.
B’nai B’rith Connect: Global Opportunities for Young Professionals
B’nai B’rith Connect is designed for young adult leaders seeking depth and purpose in their engagement. Through smaller, thoughtfully curated gatherings, it creates space for meaningful conversation, shared learning and genuine relationships.
Programs are built to inspire reflection and dialogue, offering direct engagement with ideas, leaders and perspectives that matter. Members help shape programs, suggest speakers, and contribute ideas—ensuring the community reflects the voices within it. The result is a responsive, personal community grounded in shared purpose. B’nai B’rith Connect is for those who value learning, belonging, and a meaningful role in shaping Jewish communal life.