Charles Kaufman elected B'nai B'rith International senior VP

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
September 11, 2012

Charles Kaufman, a faculty member in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University-San Marcos, has been elected senior vice president of B’nai B’rith International, the world’s oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization, by the group’s Board of Governors during its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Kaufman, a former president of a B’nai B’rith district composed of seven Southern states, will assume an active role in implementing B’nai B’rith International policies and programs during a three-year term. Professionally, Kaufman was a journalist for 16 years before forming his own corporate publishing and media relations firm, Kaufman Communications, in 1989.

A member of B’nai B’rith since 1980, Kaufman previously served on the B’nai B’rith Board of Governors, chairing a task force to honor B’nai B’rith’s Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) and in 1992 initiated and promoted a petition that generated more than 10,000 signatures calling for the freedom of Syrian Jews under the rule of Hafez Assad. B’nai B’rith subsequently worked through its office at the United Nations and with other groups to secure the emigration of thousands of Syrian Jews. Kaufman is also scheduled to participate in a B’nai B’rith humanitarian mission to Cuba in December.

“Chuck’s deep roots and knowledge of the organization, coupled with his expertise in modern communication, make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said. “I look forward to working with Chuck to advance the mission of B’nai B’rith.”

In addition to B’nai B’rith, Kaufman has served the Jewish community in various organizations, from religious organizations to Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel and the Levi Hospital of Hot Springs, Ark.

“Chuck’s leadership and record for innovative programming will be a great asset to B’nai B’rith,” Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin said. “His experience, skills and vision in the world of digital and social media also will be a bonus to our efforts to reach a new generation of member volunteers.”

Kaufman received a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Kaufman and his wife, Vonne, have two children and one grandchild. The Dallas native represents a third generation of family members active B’nai B’rith.

About B'nai B'rith International

B’nai B’rith International, the Global Voice of the Jewish Community, is the oldest and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. For 168 years, B’nai B’rith International has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity and tolerance. For more information, visit www.bnaibrith.org or contact Sharon Bender at (202) 857-6699 or sbender@bnaibrith.org.