B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin spoke with Itón Gadol from Jerusalem, where he discussed the global surge in anti-Semitism, the fight against attempts to delegitimize Israel and more.

Read the full interview in Spanish here, or below in English.

B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin gave an interview to Itón Gadol in Jerusalem, where he stated:
“If you see hate speech spreading daily on social media and at the United Nations, it’s clear that anti-Semitism is operating openly and at full speed.”

“Even before October 7, the dramatic rise in anti-Semitism worldwide was evident. Since then, it has surged even more,” he added.

Full Interview:

– What is the reason for your visit to the State of Israel?
I am here in Israel to attend two important conferences: a meeting of the Claims Conference, whose mission is to help Holocaust survivors and promote Holocaust education and remembrance, and the annual leadership mission of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

– How did you react to the release of the American-Israeli hostage, Keith Siegel?
Like so many others, I felt great relief at the release of Sagui Dekel-Chen (with whom I am related), Keith Siegel, and all the other recently freed hostages. We must demand the return of every remaining hostage—those still alive and those we fear may have died. There is no reason to keep waiting. The time is now.

– How do you view the surge in global anti-Semitism following the October 7 massacre? Do you believe anti-Semitism is linear, or does it have nuances?
Even before October 7, the global rise in anti-Semitism was evident. Since then, it has intensified dramatically. It is very direct and without nuances. When Israel is accused of committing genocide, “escolasticide,” and other invented atrocities; when it’s falsely labeled an apartheid state; when “Zionist-free” zones are created on university campuses; and when hate speech spreads daily on social media and at the United Nations—it becomes clear that anti-Semitism is operating openly and at full speed.

– What efforts is B’nai B’rith making to combat anti-Semitism, both generally and specifically? Where does anti-Semitism appear most—on social networks or in universities?
Right now, we are focusing on the United Nations and its ongoing biases—sometimes worse—against Israel. B’nai B’rith has been accredited by the UN since 1947, and we maintain a presence in agencies like the Human Rights Council (HRC) and UNESCO. Soon, we will head to Geneva to meet with diplomats at the HRC to address the unjust, harsh, and often anti-Semitic treatment Israel receives there.

We are also accredited by the Organization of American States (OAS), and we are working there and across Latin America on similar issues.

– How do you view the situation in Latin America?
The situation in Latin America remains concerning. After October 7, the statements from the presidents of Brazil, Chile, and Colombia, accusing Israel of genocide, inflamed public discourse—a clear incitement, in my opinion. We must respond loudly and clearly, not only to these political figures but also by confronting the media in many countries, which are often blatantly biased.

– What are your plans for 2025? Could you highlight any major initiatives for the upcoming year?
In 2025, we will continue to expand our global efforts to combat anti-Semitism. For example, we have become very active in Brussels, where our EU office works with members of the European Parliament to counter online anti-Semitism and neo-Nazi marches in several European cities. We will also redouble our efforts on social media, advocating for a strong and secure Israel while denouncing blood libels and misinformation aimed at delegitimizing Israel. It will be an intense and busy year.

– What is your opinion of Argentine President Javier Milei thus far?
Javier Milei deserves our ongoing gratitude for his firm defense of Israel, his candid stance against anti-Semitism, and his welcoming approach toward the Jewish community in Argentina and around the world. He serves as a model for others, and we hope his actions and statements will inspire others to recognize the wisdom and importance of aligning with Israel as a fellow democracy.