COMMUNITY VIEWS

B'nai B'rith Unveils
New Consolidated National Structure

ing upon the resources of the nation-
fter 150 years of service,
al centers, while at the same time
with more than a quarter
being fully self-governing.
of a million members in
What once was the B'nai B'rith
56 countries, B'nai B'rith
Michigan
Regional Council, part of
continues to fulfill its mission: to
an
eight-state
district, has become
promote the security and continuity
B'nai
B'rith
Great
Lakes Region
of the Jewish people through the
(reflecting
our geographi-
enhancement of Jewish iden-
cal
area)
to
include Toledo,
tity, the strengthening of the
Ohio,
and
Fort
Wayne,
Jewish family, advocacy on
Ind.
This
new
system,
hav-
behalf of Jews around the
ing
18
regional
boards
and
world and service to the
three
program
centers
in
community on the broadest
each region, will expand
principles of humanity.
our international board of
However, in order to meet
governors. Thus the num-
the Jewish community's
ber of leadership opportu-
needs, and to be more
nities will actually grow.
responsive to its members'
The
new structure gives
BOBBIE
needs, B'nai B'rith has
members
multiple ways to
LEVINE
implemented a plan to over-
affiliate:
traditional
mem-
Special to The
haul its structure.
bership
through
a
lodge
or
Jewish News
Districts that stood
unit, focusing interest and
between the international
energies on the work of
level and the local level were
one
or
more
of the three program
elirriinatecl, and the many program-
centers,
or
merely
joining as a mem-
related commissions and committees
ber
at
large.
were consolidated into three Nation-
A uniform national dues structure
al Program Centers: the B'nai B'rith
is
in
effect. Annual membership in
Center for Public Policy, the B'nai
B'nai
B'rith is $75, with lodges and
B'rith Center for Community Action
units
adding
additional amounts to
and the B'nai B'rith Center for Jew-
cover their operating costs. Special
ish Identity.
discounted dues rates for junior
The country was divided into 18
members (younger than 35) and
regions, with each region implement-
ing these new program centers, draw- spouses will continue, as will volun-
tary service fund contributions. Dues
are
now tax deductible.
Bobbie Levine is regional director for
Initially,
officers for each new
B'nai B'rith Great Lakes Region. She has
region
will
serve
a two-year term.
been active in B'nai B'rith since 1957.

A

International President Tommy Baer
made these appointments with input
from leadership and staff. The offi-
cers appointed for Great Lakes
Region are: Bruce Gorosh, president
and CEO of the region; Stuart
Novick, vice president; and John
Rofel, vice president-finance. After

A structure
for the
21st
century.

their term of office, elections will be
held, as always, every two years.
The president of the region
appointed chairpersons of each of
the following standing committees:
membership, Jay Dubrinsky; leader-
ship, David Bittker; fund-raising, Art
Schott; communications, Linda
Berke.
In consultation with leadership of
the agencies, the president appointed
the following chairpersons: Hillel,
Gerry Corlin; BBYO, Debbie Stern;
ADL, Robert Starkman. Six members
at large were appointed: Sheri
Benkoff, Jerry Olson, Marty Melton,
Ralph Woronoff, Steve Cohen, and
Steve Weiner of Toledo.

LETTERS

Madeleine Albright is aware of the Iraqi
threat.

3/13
1998

26

Albright and the secretary general
emphasized the potentially destruc-
tive powers that Saddam Hussein
controls. They should know because
at the time that this country was at
war with Iran, Iraq was supplied
their deadly weapons by the U.S.A.
It was Reagan and Bush who
designed and conducted the Gulf
War. They insisted that Israel not
defend itself while the Scud bombs
and missiles were being rained on
this tiny country.
Secondly, to illustrate this situa-
tion with comparisons: What would
happen if Windsor, Ontario, had tor-
pedoes aimed at Detroit? Also, com-
pare this order with our policy
toward our neighbor Cuba.
Israel is in the middle of all of the
Arab countries who had tried to
destroy it until the peace accord was

signed. This is a country that con-
verted a total desert area to a bloom-
ing, productive democracy.
At the same time, it was rescuing
millions of people, survivors of
the Holocaust. Also, 15,000 people
were literally spirited out of Ethiopia
where they were being grossly
mistreated. In addition to this,
thousands of refugees from Russia
were brought into a democratic
lifestyle after being discriminated
against.
Since when is it a transgression to
build a democracy and provide a
shelter for people who need a haven
for survival and to promote and
inform the citizens of America of
this?
Ann Barnett
Southfield

Gorosh appointed chairpersons for
three regional program centers: B'nai
B'rith Center for Public Policy, Steve
Kaplan; B'nai B'rith Center for Jew-
ish Identity, Steve Schanes; and B'nai
B'rith Center for Community
Action, Lila and Steve Zorn.
Creating a system of regions does
not mean the end of viable B'nai
B'rith lodges and units. Rather, in
addition to implementing B'nai
B'rith programs, each region is
charged with supporting and reinvig-
orating active lodges and units.
The three program centers will
encourage and foster involvement for
lodge and unit members, whether
their interest lies in community ser-
vice, whether they seek involvement
in political action or if they just feel
a need to reaffirm their Jewish iden-
tity.
B'nai B'rith, reaching across six
continents and two centuries, has
evolved to fit the needs of each era,
standing up for human rights, nur-
turing Jewish culture, lending a help-
ing hand in times of hardship and
calamity. Today, we've reorganized to
be the Jewish voice for the 21st cen-
tury, bringing it closer to you. ❑

Or information on how you can
oin or participate in B'nai B'rith
rams in your area, call the
B'rith Great Lakes Region
ice, (248) 855-8580.

Overtures Vs.
Phraseology

In a letter to the editor ("Message
Went Unheeded" Feb. 27), one of
your readers expressed the sentiment
that we are overlooking an outstand-
ing opportunity for promoting inter-
faith harmony and brotherhood
because of the fact that we allowed to
pass, without comment and careful
evaluation, a crucial statement made
by the pontiff in his Christmas mes-
sage to the world.
The pope hailed the Jews as "people
who gave Jesus to all mankind" and,
in Mr. Lukacs' own words, he made "a
brave and eloquent declaration" that
the Jews are "Christianity's elder
brother."
Mr. Lukacs feels that the pope's
statement is unprecedented and, if

