B’nai B’rith

This is a Jewish non-profit service organization founded in 1843 that promotes Jewish rights and identity, and fights antisemitism.

It’s pronounced “bi-nay brith” (like “breath”, but with an “i” sound). The name comes from the Hebrew “benē brīth,” which means “Sons of the Covenant.”

From their website:

B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens, and a leader in disaster relief.

The organization is devoted to promoting various Jewish causes around the world. Some notes from their website in December 2021.

• B’nai B’rith Cuban Jewish Relief Project
• B’nai B’rith Calls for Investigation into Allegations that Italy Ignored Warnings Ahead of 1982 Terror Attack on Roman Synagogue
• None Shall Be Afraid: Fighting Anti-Semitism
• The American Jewish International Relations Institute works to reverse decades-long discrimination against Israel at the U.N

Their 2020 annual report showed revenues of $6 million. This seems low, given that I found NY Times articles from the late 60s and early 70s showing budgets in the high teens ($16.7 million in 1971, for example).

The annual report showed that 80% of revenue came from “contributions and other support.” Less than 10% came from “member dues.”

The organization can be controversial. They are an unapologetic defender of Israel and Jewish identity, which means they commonly come into conflict with pro-Palestinian and Arab organizations. They commonly issue official statements condemning people and actions they consider anti-Semitic.

B’Nai Brith created the Anti-Defamation League in 1913, but the two organizations split and the ADL became an independent organization.

Why I Looked It Up

I don’t remember. I think I saw it in a news article. I knew it was a Jewish organization, but I never knew how to pronounce it, much less what it did.