B’nai B’rith Europe and B’nai B’rith International members and supporters from around the world gathered in Prague, Czech Republic on October 29th to November 1st 2017, to learn how B’nai B’rith is at the forefront of today’s most pressing issues; engaging with high-level speakers on topics such as leadership development in today’s busy world, antisemitism in Europe, Israel on the global stage, terrorism and radicalization in Europe and the future of minority communities in western societies; and making their voices heard on all things related to B’nai B’rith’s global agenda.
This convention took place in the Diplomatic District near Prague’s historic city center, the Prague Castle and the famous Charles Bridge. Prague’s historic center is listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register.
The leadership forum was led by Saltzman and B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, as well as B’nai B’rith Renaissance Prague President Tomas Kraus and outgoing B’nai B’rith Europe President Daniel Citone.
“With the many challenges confronting our community, the leadership forum in Prague gave B’nai B’rith leadership from four continents, an important opportunity to discuss strategies for action,” B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin said.
Speakers at the forum included: Czech Republic Minister of Culture Daniel Herman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg; Czech Republic Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Michaela Marksova; Director of the Transatlantic Relations Center and member of the Board of Directors of the 2000 Foundation Alexandr Vondra; and Director of the Institute of Empirical Research STEM and Presidential Candidate Pavel Fischer.
Attendees engaged in an in-depth and fascinating panel led by European Commissioner for Justice, Consumer Protection and Gender Equality Věra Jourová and the Coordinator of the European Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism Katharina von Schnurbein.
B’nai B’rith Europe also elected new officers and an executive committee. The new president is Serge Dahan of Paris, who previously served as president of B’nai B’rith France. The leadership forum began with a boat cruise on the Vltava River, followed by educational panel discussions which challenged attendees to consider many angles on important topics. The B’nai B’rith leadership forum concluded with a gala dinner and musical performance at the prestigious premises of Rudolfinum.