Nearly 300 B'nai B'rith Israel members from across the country gathered in Kfar Saba this week for the organization's 98th Annual Conference, where outgoing B'nai B'rith International CEO Dan Mariaschin was honored on the occasion of his retirement.
The conference was attended by Kfar Saba Mayor Rafi Sa'ar and former hostage Alon Ohel, whose grandparents are longtime members of B'nai B'rith.
B'nai B'rith Israel President Emanuel (Mano) Cohen presented Mariaschin with a citation recognizing his decades of service and leadership: "Your vision and unwavering commitment have left a lasting imprint on B'nai B'rith Israel and on all who have had the privilege of working with you," the citation read in part.
Sa'ar praised B'nai B'rith Israel's charitable work and its contribution to communities across the country. "B'nai B'rith makes Israel a better place," he said.
The mayor also announced that Kfar Saba had recently inaugurated B'nai B'rith Square in the city center, in recognition of the organization's contribution to the community.
Ohel delivered an emotional performance of Eviatar Banai's song "I Have a Chance."
Cohen also reviewed B'nai B'rith Israel's growth and achievements over the past year. He highlighted the establishment of 15 new lodges, extensive assistance provided to displaced families and Israel Defense Forces units during Iranian missile attacks, and several strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
Those initiatives include the renovation of Rokach House and a merger with B'nai B'rith's senior living facilities in Haifa.
