B'nai B'rith campaign

JEAN GERBER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Vancouver B'nai B'rith has announced its 2002 fund-raising campaign to support local and international activities. The campaign will culminate in a gala "roast" honoring Irvine E. Epstein, Q.C., Vancouver's pre-eminent advocate of Jewish interests in the courts. Epstein will receive the first annual B'nai B'rith Humanitarian Award at a dinner on Nov. 20.

B'nai B'rith was founded in 1843 with the mission of "uniting Jews in the service of their community and the world." At first principally a welfare organization, it soon became a major advocate for Jewish rights in America, a role it plays today in Canada, as well as internationally, with members in 58 countries.

B'nai B'rith creates affordable homes for the low-income elderly. The Centre for Senior Services has sponsored 35 buildings across the United States with more than 5,500 residents, including two high-rise facilities here in Vancouver (Haro Park and B'nai B'rith Manor) and 17 more facilities abroad, with more in development.

At the United Nations, B'nai B'rith maintains a permanent presence, which, over the many years, has provided the Jewish Diaspora a voice countering the many anti-Israel resolutions the United Nations has promoted and passed.

"Locally, B'nai B'rith welcomes people of all ages and stages, secular and Orthodox, men and women," said Prof. Norman Swartz, chair of the Centre for Jewish Identity in B'nai B'rith's Evergreen region. Funds from the campaign will help maintain Haro Park and B'nai B'rith Manor, which houses the Good Food Box program of the Jewish Family Servce Agency. "We also provide holiday hampers for Jewish needy, and maintain the activities of Hillel at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) and the Brotherhood Interfaith Society," said Swartz.

"We have been especially active in supporting persons fighting anti-Semitism in British Columbia," said Swartz. "It was B'nai B'rith, in the persons of Harry Abrams and David Matas, it should be recalled, who brought the only successful action against Doug Collins. We rescued the Nizkor project, which combats Holocaust-denial on the Internet, and which is now the world's largest online resource on the Holocaust. The Nizkor Web site provides free access for teachers and researchers and it has an invaluable influence in these days of excessive Holocaust-denial. All these activities require continuous funding.

"B'nai B'rith supported the Salmon Arm Coalition Against Racism when its director, David Lethbridge, was sued by an organization and its principal who were described by the courts itself as "missionaries for anti-Semitism."

Lethbridge was defended in the courts by Epstein, long noted for his advocacy of Jewish rights through his law practice and volunteer activities. Epstein has been the chair of Canadian Jewish Congress (CJC), as well as national CJC vice-president, chair of the Canadian Zionist Federation and president of the Jewish National Fund, Pacific Region. His advocacy of Israel has led him into many public debates with its opponents.

"The exposure gained in the Lethbridge case resulted in the closure of many anti-Semitic organizations in this province," said Swartz. "Among Mr. Epstein's many other contributions that qualify him for this award, was the case he brought against Liberty Net, a telephone hate-line based in British Columbia. Liberty Net was ordered to cease and desist."

Said Epstein, "I believe the only defence against anti-Semitism, in whatever form it takes, is to confront it head on. While the defence of Lethbridge was unsuccessful in the courts, it exposed the racist, anti-Semitic activities of these people to such an extent they have been effectively shut down. It was undoubtedly the most satisfying case I have ever undertaken."

The campaign will continue to Aug. 30. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the B'nai B'rith Foundation of B.C., 1260 Howe St., Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 1R5.

Jean Gerber is the publicity chair for the 2002 fund-raising campaign.

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