Introduction

LBIA was founded by B’nai B’rith UK in March 1998 as an associate office of B’nai B’rith International’s Centre for Human Rights and Public Policy in Washington DC. 

The mission of LBIA is to serve and protect the interests, welfare and security of Jews, the State of Israel and to uphold the human rights of minority peoples globally.  It was set up to address the need for a pro-active, strategic European organization to engage with the diplomatic community on behalf of the Jewish people.  By focusing on decision-makers and influencers, its objective is to be a positive influence on policy developments affecting the State of Israel and Jewish interests generally.

Why was LBIA established
 
There is clear and increasing evidence of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias within the international  
community.  This prejudice takes many forms including a clear attempt to isolate Israel politically within the United Nations.  This prejudice is in many cases born out of a lack of understanding of the issues involved and a lack of awareness of what is really going on in the Middle East.  International diplomacy is of vital importance in establishing the rights of the Jewish people and the preservation of the State of Israel.  London is a key centre for international diplomacy and is a strategic centre in relations between Europe and the Middle East. 

How LBIA operates

LBIA has established and maintained regular contacts with London-based diplomatic missions, the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development; and is in close contact with the Embassy of Israel.  One of the great strengths of LBIA is the good relationships it has fostered with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the diplomatic missions, enabling it to maintain a regular two-way dialogue founded on mutual respect.  LBIA has also established informal contact with diplomatic missions to the European Union in Brussels, with Members of the European Parliament, and with senior officials from the European Parliament and the European Commission.  

LBIA draws on the information resources of B'nai B'rith around the world.   The influence of B’nai B’rith International, with offices in Washington DC, at the United Nations in New York and in Brussels, and with membership in 59 countries is unmatched by any other Jewish organization. 
LBIA is ideally placed to speak to representatives and officials who might not wish to speak to a diplomat from the Israel Embassy.  As a result, LBIA can dispassionately explain Israel’s position to opinion leaders and decision-makers. 

LBIA’s progress

In its short history, LBIA has established an enviable credibility within the diplomatic community in London and at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, becoming a resource for diplomats requiring specific information about international Jewish communities.

Further Information

If you would like to learn more about the Bureau or to get involved, please contact us here.

www.bblbia.org.uk