B’nai B’rith is the world’s oldest and largest international Jewish service organisation. Founded in the USA in 1843, it has an active presence in 50 countries and its many volunteers and small professional staff, are engaged in activities ranging from philanthropy, to fighting discrimination in all its forms, to pursuing social justice issues, assisting in times of natural disasters and emergencies, to strengthening and protecting Jewish life and supporting Israel. B’nai B’rith is also a major provider of safe and affordable housing for vulnerable seniors in many parts of the world.

 

In the USA, B’nai B’rith International is a registered NGO at the UN and has accredited representation at the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and UNESCO in Paris where it advocates for fair treatment of Israel. In Europe, B’nai B’rith advocates for Jewish issues at European institutions and works to strengthen EU -Israel relations. In Jerusalem, the B’nai B’rith World Centre promotes strong Israel- Diaspora relations and is the voice of the organization to government. B’nai B’rith represents its Latin American members at the Organization of American States which is the most influential political body of the Americas.

 

B’nai B’rith International is the birthplace of several iconic Jewish organisations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Hillel Jewish Campus Movement and BBYO. In Israel, B’nai B’rith is a founding member of Isra Aid which provides emergency services to disaster-stricken parts of the world.

 

Here in Australia and New Zealand (BB ANZ), District 21 comprises of independent regional entities in Sydney (BBNSW), Melbourne (BBVIC), and Auckland (BBNZ). These regions are all governed under the auspices of a Board of Governors, the executive body of the district. A wide range of activities and projects are undertaken across the district and within each region in accordance with the mission of B’nai B’rith International. Flagship projects such as the Mosaic Living Retirement Homes, Courage to Care, the Anti-Defamation Commission, The Shalom Institute, and the Changemakers Awards all owe their origins to the commitment and tireless hard work of volunteers in our district.

 

Following the Triennial Convention of BBANZ held in Canberra 28th August to 1st September, 2025, the Australian government, in Parliament House, acknowledged the 80th Anniversary of BBANZ and applauded its contribution made by its volunteers to the Australian Jewish community and Australia more broadly. Julian Leeser MP moved the motion in the House of Representatives, supported by Allegra Spender MP and Josh Burns MP.