B’nai B’rith International was honored by the Portugal-based International Observatory of Human Rights (Observatório Internacional de Direitos Humanos) on June 25.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined in paying tribute to B’nai B’rith by sending her support.
Gabriela Cantergi, president of B’nai B’rith International Portugal, told JNS: “My grandparents dedicated years of their lives to B’nai B’rith Brazil, working to defend human rights, the international Jewish community and Israel. For me, it is exciting to see recognition for the work of tens of thousands of people in 60 countries.”
Luís Andrade, president of the International Observatory of Human Rights, presented Cantergi with a certificate.
“With the support of Ursula von der Leyen, I wish to say that B’nai B’rith deserves the highest honors for what it has done for two centuries across the world,” Andrade said.
“This public recognition is part of a chain of solidarity for world peace, organized by the International Observatory of Human Rights, that honors worldwide entities and personalities that aspire to peace for humanity,” the certificate reads.
“The International Observatory of Human Rights extends a word of deep gratitude to B’nai B’rith International for contributing to the construction of a safer, more tolerant, just, fraternal and humane world,” it adds.
The certificate notes that B’nai B’rith has been at the forefront “in defending the international Jewish community, promoting peace in the world and providing medical and hospital assistance to people in need, humanitarian campaigns for the benefit of victims of wars and natural disasters, education, among many other activities within the scope of the Dignity of the Human Being.”
Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith is one of the world’s oldest Jewish organizations. Its mission is rooted in helping ensure the continuity of the Jewish people and in fighting antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.
B’nai B’rith, focused on making the world a safer and more tolerant place, is a staunch defender of the State of Israel, advocates for global Jewry and champions human rights.
