Ep 224: Ordinary Heroes with Bernie Furshpan and guest Dan Mariaschin on hmTv

Episode 224 – Ordinary Heroes with Dan Mariaschin

In this powerful episode of Ordinary Heroes, host Bernie Furshpan welcomes Dan Mariaschin, CEO of B’nai B’rith International, for an in-depth conversation on combating antisemitism, defending human rights, and preserving Holocaust memory.

Mariaschin shares his journey from a small Jewish community in New Hampshire to leading one of the world’s oldest Jewish organizations, founded in 1843 on the principle of helping those in need. Together, Bernie and Dan explore the “perfect storm” of modern antisemitism—social media disinformation, campus hostility, biased media, and global indifference—and the urgent strategies needed to counter it.

They also discuss B’nai B’rith’s advocacy at the United Nations, its global reports on antisemitism, ongoing work in Holocaust restitution, and the moral responsibility to carry survivor stories forward. This episode is both a warning and a call to action: to stand firm, educate future generations, and fight for truth in an age of disinformation.

Transcript

Ordinary Heroes – Episode 224

Host: Bernie Furshpan
Guest: Dan Mariaschin (CEO, B’nai B’rith International)
Location: Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center (hmTv)

Bernie:
Hello and welcome to hmTv. I’m your host, Bernie Furshpan, of Ordinary Heroes.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible people on this series—individuals who are making an impact and carrying out extraordinary missions. Today’s guest is one of those heroes. He leads one of the most historic and impactful Jewish organizations in the world: B’nai B’rith International, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Please welcome Mr. Dan Mariaschin.

Dan, did I pronounce that correctly? How are you?

Dan Mariaschin:
You did, Bernie. Thank you very much, and thank you for having me. I really appreciate all the work you and your organization are doing as well.

Bernie:
Thank you. We’re proud of the work here—30,000 people come through our doors each year to learn about the Holocaust and its lessons. Teachers, superintendents, and principals tell us their students come away more empathetic and tolerant. That’s the fight we’re in—educating young people and making sure these lessons stick.

Dan:
That’s vital. And it mirrors the work we’ve been doing for nearly two centuries. B’nai B’rith is 182 years old. We were founded in 1843 in New York City by a small group of German Jewish immigrants who came together to help a widow in need. They raised $27—a huge sum at the time—and from that act of compassion, a worldwide movement of volunteerism, advocacy, and service was born.

Today we have members across dozens of countries, working on advancing human rights, supporting Israel, combating antisemitism, and helping those in need.

Bernie:
A beautiful mission, and one you’ve dedicated your life to. Tell me, what drew you personally to B’nai B’rith?

Dan:
It really started at the dinner table growing up in New Hampshire. We were a small Jewish community, but we talked constantly about Jewish history, culture, and religion. That shaped me.

I studied Contemporary Jewish Studies at Brandeis and then worked for the Jewish Community Relations Council in Boston, which led me to connect with B’nai B’rith. I saw firsthand the difference they were making. Later, I spent eight years with the Anti-Defamation League before returning to B’nai B’rith 37 years ago. I’ve served as CEO for the last 29.

I see myself as a steward of this legacy—working to advance civil rights, human rights, support Israel, and fight antisemitism.

Bernie:
And your leadership is making a huge impact. I know you’re working on some big initiatives right now. Can you share one that excites you most?

Dan:
This week our Brussels office released a major report on antisemitism on European campuses. We know what’s happening here in the U.S.—Columbia, Harvard, NYU, and beyond—but Europe faces similar challenges. Jewish students there are fewer in number and often feel extremely vulnerable.

The report is nearly 100 pages, outlining the problem and strategies to combat it. The feedback has been strong, and I believe it’s an important step in addressing this global issue.

Bernie:
It sounds similar to what we face here. Do you see parallels between Europe and the U.S.?

Dan:
Yes, very much so. In both places, Jewish students face intimidation, bullying, and hostile campus climates. Faculty, administrators, and sometimes even institutions show indifference—or worse. And the narrative is often hijacked by voices apologizing for Hamas or pushing genocidal rhetoric against Israel.

It’s part of what I call a “perfect storm” of antisemitism: social media spreading lies instantly, toxic campus climates, UN hostility, and biased media coverage. It’s not one factor—it’s all of them at once.

Bernie:
I agree. The propaganda spreads faster than truth. Algorithms feed young people what they already consume, reinforcing lies and hate. Meanwhile, Israel—despite giving the world advancements in medicine, agriculture, and technology—is vilified.

Dan:
Exactly. Which is why we must stand firm. We have truth and history on our side. There is right and wrong here, and we cannot lose sight of that.

Bernie:
Well said. You’ve also worked on Holocaust restitution, correct?

Dan:
Yes, that’s something I’m very proud of. B’nai B’rith was a founding member of the World Jewish Restitution Organization. We’ve spent decades negotiating with countries to return confiscated properties, bank accounts, insurance, and assets taken during the Holocaust.

Where survivors or families no longer exist, funds are used for Holocaust education and Jewish life. This ensures justice, even if delayed, and strengthens our ability to educate future generations.

Bernie:
That’s critical work. My own father survived by hiding in the forests as a child. He lost his entire family, yet he taught me that there were also good people who risked their lives to save him. That’s why I believe, as you do, that there are more good people than bad. But we have to fight for truth.

Dan:
We do. And we must tell these stories while survivors still live to bear witness. Holocaust denial is gaining ground, and if we don’t push back hard, deniers will prevail.

Bernie:
Dan, thank you for your decades of service. Before we close, how can people learn more and support B’nai B’rith?

Dan:
I encourage everyone to visit our website: bnaibrith.org. It’s full of resources, including the new campus antisemitism report, and outlines our work here in the U.S. and globally.

Bernie:
Excellent. Dan, it’s been a real honor to have you with me today. Thank you for your leadership, your clarity, and your moral courage.

And to our listeners: thank you for joining us. This has been Ordinary Heroes on hmTv. I’m your host, Bernie Furshpan. Until next time, let’s keep educating, keep remembering, and keep fighting the good fight.

[Music fades out]