BB Annual Report 2009 : Page 3
From the President Dear Friend, As you read this Annual Report, my term as International President will have come to an end. When I took offi ce, I coined the term The Global Voice of the Jewish Community. As you read on, I think it will become clear why. Few, if any organi- zations can point with pride to so many members actively working in as many countries around the world as B’nai B’rith International. We proudly serve in more than 50 nations. We also took pride this year in celebrating our165th anniversary. This is an unparalleled record—not only in the Jewish world, but in the nonprofit world as a whole. I know of no other service organization in the United States that goes back further than B’nai B’rith. The generosity of our members and donors has facilitated our record of fi ne work in the Jewish and general communities. But we do not expect our past to be the sole reason for you to donate to B’nai B’rith. We are constantly adjust- ing our focus to refl ect current issues and trends. Case in point: One of my proudest achievements has been our partnership with the AEPi Jewish fraternity. The bond was established not as an opportunity for casual social interaction, but as a desire to broaden our membership base and help preserve Jewish identity. Combined with our Young Professionals Network, B’nai B’rith is bringing an increasing number of enthusiastic young adults into community activism. On the international front, Latin America has been a primary focus. Many people in that region live in abject poverty; there is a constant risk of political upheaval; and it is an area in which enemies of Jews and Israel are gaining a foothold. Fortunately, it is also where we have one of our strongest bases of leadership (we have members in 19 countries of the region) and where we have been able to make an especially signifi cant impact. As to Israel, our relationship goes back to 1888. Israel continues to be a major priority, both in our outspoken advocacy in world capitals and international orga- nizations and in our outstanding service activities throughout the land. We also partner with IsraAID, an Israel-based international relief organization, to help in times of natural disaster around the world. My term may be drawing to an end, but my commitment to B’nai B’rith is not. I invite you to continue to put your trust in B’nai B’rith. We are, truly, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Sincerely, Moishe Smith President
FROM THE PRESIDENT
MOISHE SMITH
Dear Friend, As you read this Annual Report, my term as International President will have come to an end.<br /> <br /> When I took office, I coined the term The Global Voice of the Jewish Community. As you read on, I think it will become clear why. Few, if any organizations can point with pride to so many members actively working in as many countries around the world as B’nai B’rith International. We proudly serve in more than 50 nations.<br /> <br /> We also took pride this year in celebrating our165th anniversary. This is an unparalleled record—not only in the Jewish world, but in the nonprofit world as a whole. I know of no other service organization in the United States that goes back further than B’nai B’rith.<br /> <br /> The generosity of our members and donors has facilitated our record of fine work in the Jewish and general communities. But we do not expect our past to be the sole reason for you to donate to B’nai B’rith. We are constantly adjusting our focus to reflect current issues and trends.<br /> <br /> Case in point: One of my proudest achievements has been our partnership with the AEPi Jewish fraternity. The bond was established not as an opportunity for casual social interaction, but as a desire to broaden our membership base and help preserve Jewish identity. Combined with our Young Professionals Network, B’nai B’rith is bringing an increasing number of enthusiastic young adults into community activism.<br /> <br /> On the international front, Latin America has been a primary focus. Many people in that region live in abject poverty; there is a constant risk of political upheaval; and it is an area in which enemies of Jews and Israel are gaining a foothold. Fortunately, it is also where we have one of our strongest bases of leadership (we have members in 19 countries of the region) and where we have been able to make an especially significant impact.<br /> <br /> As to Israel, our relationship goes back to 1888. Israel continues to be a major priority, both in our outspoken advocacy in world capitals and international organizations and in our outstanding service activities throughout the land. We also partner with IsraAID, an Israel-based international relief organization, to help in times of natural disaster around the world.<br /> <br /> My term may be drawing to an end, but my commitment to B’nai B’rith is not. I invite you to continue to put your trust in B’nai B’rith. We are, truly, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community.<br /> <br /> Sincerely,
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