Minto Suite Hotel in Ottawa, Canada’s governmental and diplomatic capital, where ten provinces and two territories are federally represented, was the venue of the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of B’nai B’rith International, held together with B’nai B’rith Canada Annual Meeting and Policy Conference.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of B’nai B’rith International’s highest award- the Presidential Gold Medal for Humanitarianism to the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

President Moishe Smith, in presenting the award, said:  “This highest of honours is reserved for only those individuals who have demonstrated inspired international leadership and service to society well beyond the call of duty.”
Among the past recipients of the award were the founding Prime Minister of Israel David Ben Gurion, US President Harry S. Truman and President John F. Kennedy, to name but a few.
Dr Frank Diamond, executive vice-president of B’nai B’rith Canada, stated:  “Prime Minister Harper continues to be a beacon of inspiration not only for Canadians, but for people all over the world who value democracy and freedom.”

Mr Harper, in his eloquent address, interspersed in French and English, declared:
“We see Israel as a friend and ally in the democratic family of nations.
Our support for her right to exist is unshakeable.
Our support for her right to self defence unequivocal. Just as we support a two-state solution in the Middle-East – in this we stand with Israel.  Leaders who have longed for security and democracy for both their own people and the Palestinians.”

The Opening Plenary reminded the participants of the importance of this year, celebrating 120 years of B’nai B’rith in Israel and 165 years of B’nai B’rith at large.
Live Conference Calls with Presidential Candidates Sen. John McCain and a representative of Sen. Barack Obama, both dealing with vital global and local issues and questions raised thereafter were appreciated by the audience.

The action packed two-day programme featured a lively presentation by Dr. Haim Katz, Chairman of BB World Centre, entitled “From Zion will Come Forth the Law”.
The thought-provoking pro-Israel contribution by the Hon. Jason Kenney MP, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) was particularly well received.
Izchak Mayer spoke on B’nai B’rith in Israel and achievements over its 120 years of history.

“The Physical and Spiritual Threat to World Jewry” was the subject of a panel discussion among whose speakers included Dr. Yves Pallade, Director of BBE’s Foreign Affairs Network (FAN).

“B’nai B’rith: The Next Generation” was the subject of a discussion by a lively panel, dealing with issues on outreach to young professionals.  The speakers included Dr. Carlos Kierzenbaum, Michael Mostyn, John Reeves, Matt Wass and Renee Howard.

B’nai B’rith International’s State of the Order was presented by Moishe Smith.

“B’nai B’rith: Today, Tomorrow and Beyond” was the subject of a vigorous professional presentation by Daniel S. Mariaschin, Executive Vice-President of BBI.

Those of us who were able to stay on joined in the Canada Day spectacular fireworks display appearing above “The Hill”.  A fitting finale to an all absorbing event in Ottawa.

Report by John P. Reeves