This Lodge was established in May 2001 following the winding-up of the oldest Lodge in Strasbourg (Alsace Lodge), which had unfortunately been inoperational for a number of years.

The BBF President, Yves Kamami, officially opened the new Lodge and instituted its President and founding member Gilbert Nerson, with the President of Central Consistory of France, Brother Jean Kahn and many other Brothers and Sisters from all over France in attendance.

The Lodge obviously shares all the values of B’nai B’rith, but its objectives have been principally to defend and support Israel, combat antisemitism, xenophobia and misinformation, but also to promote dialogue with people of other faiths and none, to support excluded groups here and in Israel and provide assistance to young and elderly people.

With this in mind, ad hoc committees have been set up, including the festivities committee, which organises regional trips and visits (Brussels, Rome and soon Spain), Sabbath meals and drinks evenings.

The Lodge is aiming to grow (Strasbourg has nearly 20,000 Jews), and continue the work, focusing ever more on dialogue within and outside the community (meetings with the National President of the Parti des Maghrébins laïcs de France and the CRAN President, but also Grand Rabbi of Lower Rhine and community and consistory leaders).

Our other focus is on maintaining good relations with the media and with elected representatives, whether they are local or regional counsellors or members of the French or European Parliaments.

Commentary by Gilbert Nerson