Conference of Presidents, B’nai B’rith, American Hellenic Leaders to Visit Israel, Greece, Cyprus

B’nai B’rith International and Conference of Presidents leaders together with leaders of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) and American Hellenic Institute (AHI) will join together for an important visit to Israel, Greece and Cyprus. The purpose of the trip is to evaluate the critical and developing relationship between these three countries on security, energy, economics and political areas. B’nai B’rith International will be represented by President Gary P. Saltzman, Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin and World Center Director Alan Schneider. Stephen Greenberg, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO, will represent the Conference of Presidents.

Leaders of AHEPA, which is a leading membership-based grassroots association for American citizens of Hellenic heritage and AHI, a Greek American public policy center and think tank, will join the Jewish leaders in exploring developments in the eastern Mediterranean and possibilities for enhancing cooperation and understanding.

The strategic relationship between Greece, Cyprus and Israel has evolved, helping to lend stability to the region with broader implications. This is evidenced by the Trilateral Summit that will be held by the leaders of three countries later this month. The delegation of American Hellenic and American Jewish community leaders plans to explore the major policy issues and concerns as well as ways to foster ties between the people of the three countries. They will also visit military installations to study the security challenges in the area. The joint delegation represents the broad support of Jews and Greeks in the United States for the emerging trilateral relationship.

The 12-member delegation will convene in Jerusalem from Jan. 10 to 13, then continue to Nicosia, Cyprus, Jan. 13 to 14, and wrap up in Athens, Greece, Jan. 14 to 18.