Written by Eduard Rosenstein and translated by Ernest Simon....

The traditional introduction of the Zürich Augustin Keller Lodge's new season programme took place on Sunday, 30th October 2011 in its usual festive manner. Some 100 participating Brothers were honoured by the presence of Brother Ralph Hofmann, President of B'nai B'rith Europe and of the Frankfurt Schönstädt Lodge.

Other guests were: Louis Bloch, Member of the BBE Executive and Mentor of the Basel Lodge and Prof. Dr. Simon Lauer, ex-President of the Basel Lodge. In his address, Brother Hofmann praised the work of the Zürich Lodge and also spoke of the former (District) President Brother Edwin Guggenheim. On the eve of this year's Young Jewish Adult Forum in Berlin, Ralph Hofmann spoke of last year's event in Zürich and once again expressed his thanks, above all, to the two people primarily responsible, ex-President André Leder and President Eduard Rosenstein. Further, Brother Hofmann gave an overview of the current work and discussions of BBE. Warm applause greeted Ralph Hofmann's address.

Brother President Eduard Rosenstein, in his turn, looked forward to the 2011/2012 programme prepared by Brother Wächter and his commission. This will be devoted to changes in the Arab world. In his address, he stressed the need for a renewal of identification with Israel since this can no longer be seen as something to be taken for granted among today's youth and young adults.

In the next week the AKL would be introducing the new "AKL Club". In addition to the regular Lodge meetings, Lodge members would be able to meet there on nine evenings, in a relaxed atmosphere, for discussions, for chats, for chess, etc. Comfortable lounge furniture has been obtained for this venue.

The arrival of the ladies from the Sophie Abraham Sister Group, together with an extensive Apero, helped to close the evening in a festive manner.