B’nai B’rith thanks Trump for focus on hostages in address to Congress

(JNS) B’nai B’rith International, a more than 180-year-old U.S. Jewish nonprofit, applauded U.S. President Donald Trump for his devotion to hostages, whom Hamas holds in Gaza, during his remarks to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night and emphasized that Washington must remain focused on foreign aid, including for the Jewish state.

“He has made it clear that the return of all hostages is a priority for the United States,” stated Robert Spitzer and Daniel Mariaschin, president and CEO, respectively, of B’nai B’rith.

The two leaders noted that rescued captives and parents of hostages attended the event as guests of members of Congress. “Their presence was an important way to highlight the hostages’ plight and to remind the world that Hamas started the war and continues the war,” the B’nai B’rith leaders aid.

“We appreciate that the president committed to a peaceful Middle East and referenced the historic Abraham Accords,” they added. “The Abraham Accords are the key to lasting stability in the Middle East and we hope the administration will expand the framework over the next four years.”

Spitzer and Mariaschin added that they support Ukrainian peace and security and “urge caution in reducing foreign aid, which amounts to a mere 1% of the overall U.S. budget and serves vital soft power aims.”

“The international affairs budget includes aid to Israel and programs to counter terrorism and prevent conflict,” they said.