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The foundation of the Jerusalem Lodge of B'nai B'rith in 1888 marked the establishment of the B'nai B'rith in Eretz Israel (then Palestine).
Following the establishment of the Jerusalem Lodge, many more lodges were set up and B'nai B'rith extended its activities in Palestine and, later, in the independent State of Israel.
From its beginnings, the Jerusalem Lodge took part in many pioneer projects which were part of the renewed settlement in Eretz Israel. Some of these projects were:
The establishment of a library which later became the National Library, and the foundation of other libraries throughout the land.
- The establishment of Moza, a village near Jerusalem, and encouragement of other settlements of the area.
- The establishment of Bayit Vegan, a Jerusalem suburb.
- The efforts to revive the Hebrew language and the establishment of the Board of the Hebrew Language and the Academy of the Hebrew Language.
- Teaching of Hebrew and the promotion of general educational programmes for the "Old yishuv
- The fight for free immigration of Jews to Eretz Israel.
B'nai B'rith is a world Jewish organisation with chapters in more than 40 countries and with its centre in the United States. B'nai B'rith in Israel has several thousand members, men and women, doing devoted voluntary work and operating social, educational and cultural projects connected to various aspects of life in Israel. Close connection and cooperation exists between lodges of B'nai B'rith in the Diaspora and in Israel. The Centenary Anniversary of the B'nai B'rith Jerusalem Lodge symbolizes this proud history and challenging future.
