B’nai B’rith International took center stage on Oct. 20 during the fourth evening of the traditional Festival of Storytellers, which has been held annually for the past 21 years in Israel during Sukkot. Deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of storytelling, the event brings together participants of all ages to share stories that reflect on history through shared narratives. Hosted by writer and actor Yossi Alfi, the evening was recorded for radio and filmed for television.

The evening was organized by Ilan Shchori, a historian long active in B’nai B’rith, who has focused on the organization’s history.

About 200 B’nai B’rith members and guests attended the event that featured B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin and Director of B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem Alan Schneider in a panel discussion as well as Shchori; B’nai B’rith Israel President Emanuel Cohen; Neely King, a leader in B’nai B’rith Israel; and Merav Karako, a fourth-generation volunteer of B’nai B’rith Israel.

The evening began with a pre-recorded blessing from the President of Israel Isaac Herzog. His father, former President Chaim Herzog, and his grandfather, Rabbi Yitzhak Halevi Herzog, were both members of B’nai B’rith.

During the discussion, Mariaschin shared how he first became involved with B’nai B’rith and how his journey within the organization eventually led to his current role as CEO. He highlighted the organization’s global significance, particularly its advocacy for the State of Israel and its efforts combating anti-Semitism worldwide.

Schneider discussed the establishment of the B’nai B’rith World Center-Jerusalem and provided an overview of the center’s ongoing activities.

Shchori shared details about the international relationships he has developed over the past year and recounted the pivotal role B’nai B’rith played in helping establish the State of Israel in 1948, when B’nai B’rith president Frank Goldman and B’nai B’rith leader A.J. Granoff convinced Truman’s friend Eddie Jacobsen to receive Chaim Weizman at the White House, which led to the recognition of the new State of Israel. Cohen discussed the organization’s volunteer efforts to aid Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.

The artistic portion of the evening featured a performance by popular singer C. Hyman, alongside a choir from B’nai B’rith Israel. The Storytellers program featuring B’nai B’rith will be available for viewing in early 2025.