October 20, 2022 B’nai B’rith Colorado Celebrates 150 Years
As with many before me, I became involved in B’nai B’rith because of a family connection, but my connection was more than just anecdotal. From 1947-1952, my grandfather and namesake served as president of B’nai B’rith international, helping provide comfort, aid and direction for millions of jews in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust. Among his many notable achievements, Papa Frank, as he is known to me, helped convince President Truman to recognize the state of Israel, as recounted in an IJN Story, available at www.Ijn.com/papa-frank goldman-truman. His singular purpose was to improve the lives of those in need jew and non-jew alike and, as B’nai B’rith has always done, when he saw suffering, he acted. My grandfathers selfless leadership inspired me to pursue a life of service, attempting to fight for noble causes and to help others, and I see B’nai B’rith as the quintessential vehicle for carrying out that mission.
For 150 years, B’nai B’rith Colorado has been committed to serving the populations (regardless of faith or denomination) of Colorado and beyond. Founded on April 7, 1872, B’nai B’rith Colorado was established in the Rocky Mountains to fill the needs of Jews as they explored and resettled the Western Frontier. Since that time, B’nai B’rith Colorado has been a driving force for good, delivering direct humanitarian aid, fighting antisemitism and hatred, Giving comfort and companionship to Seniors and the less-fortunate, organizing literacy initiatives and educational programs on pertinent issues of the day, tackling hands on community service projects, and so much more.
B’nai B’rith Colorado as its parent organization has done since its inception has been the glue binding Colorado’s diverse and sometimes discordant Jewish community. B’nai B’rith has sought to smooth divisions among us and to unite the common ties that bind us together. As a unifying force, B’nai B’rith has always sprung to action to address the urgent needs of the day.
On a national scene, B’nai B’rith launched the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to combat the scourge of antisemitism and hatred and birthed Hillel and BBYO to establish safe and welcoming communities for younger generations. Locally, B’nai B’rith Colorado was instrumental in founding National Jewish Hospital to combat consumption for recent Jewish immigrants; Temple Emanuel to serve reformed Jews, Denver’s first Jewish community center before helping to forge the modern Jewish Community Center (JCC), and many other well-established Colorado Institutions.
B’nai B’rith Colorado has faithfully served Colorado, the greater Rocky Mountain region, and beyond since 1872, continuously providing emergency relief, helping the less fortunate, and being a driving force for good. Now, more than ever, we call upon you to provide life-saving supplies to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, our membership, and the people we serve, we appreciate your thoughtful and heartfelt support.
July 14, 2020 Governor Polis Signs Holocaust and Genocide Studies Bill
DENVER, CO — B’nai B’rith Colorado applauds Colorado lawmakers for enacting the Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Public Schools bill last week. On July 8, Governor Jared Polis signed into law HB20-1336, which was sponsored by Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Emily Sirota in the House and Steve Fenberg and Dennis Hisey in the Senate. House Majority Leader Alec Garnett also provided steadfast support throughout the entire process. The new law requires that all Colorado public high school students will be taught about the Holocaust, other genocides, and crimes against humanity as a requirement for graduation.
B’nai B’rith Colorado has been a devoted proponent of this legislation and our JCRC representative, Margo Rocklin Goldman, was invited to attend the Governor’s official signing ceremony as a key stakeholder. We commend Ms. Rocklin Goldman for her dedication, commitment, and community outreach to ensure the passage of this crucial piece of legislation.
“This new law signifies a crucial step toward combating anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hatred in whatever form it may rise,” stated Frank Goldman, President of B’nai B’rith Colorado. “By teaching future generations of young Coloradoans about these indelible stains upon human history, we will perhaps prevent such evils from repeating.” As Anne Frank wrote, “What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.” B’nai B’rith Colorado has served Colorado, the greater Rocky Mountain region, and beyond since 1872, continuously providing emergency relief and helping the less fortunate. We are currently focusing our efforts on a COVID-19 Relief Initiative to provide food and essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to those in need during these challenging times. Please visit https://bnaibrithcolorado.org/covid-19/ to learn more about how you can make a meaningful difference and be a driving force for good.
B’nai B’rith Colorado has faithfully served Colorado, the greater Rocky Mountain region, and beyond since 1872, continuously providing emergency relief, helping the less fortunate, and being a driving force for good. Now, more than ever, we call upon you to provide life-saving supplies to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, our membership, and the people we serve, we appreciate your thoughtful and heartfelt support.