Washington, D.C. –B’nai B’rith Radio, the first 24-hour Jewish music radio station located in the United States began broadcasting on the Internet Oct. 18, 2004.

B’nai B’rith Radio, sponsored by B’nai B’rith International (BBI), plays Jewish music from all over the world through its website, www.bnaibrithradio.org.

Unlike most Internet radio, it is free both of charge and commercials. The station is fully subsidized by BBI and its members and supporters.

Along with an eclectic Judaic play list-which includes traditional Yiddish, secular Israeli, Jewish American, Instrumental, and Chasidic music -there will be special programming like Saturday night sing-a-longs, a remembrance program for slain former Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, and festive holiday shows during the Chanukah and Sukkot seasons.

“The goal is to unite the Jewish community throughout the world with music,” said Joel S. Kaplan, president of BBI. B’nai B’rith Radio is a natural extension of BBI’s history of reaching out and uniting Jewish communities. “Unfortunately, Jews are accustomed to coming together during tragedy, and to focus on the negative events in the world,” states Kaplan. “Here is an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful richness of Jewish music. It is a common thread that Jews around the world can share.” Daniel S. Mariaschin, Executive Vice President of B’nai B’rith International, narrates the program in English. Plans are in place to launch Spanish and French versions of the network later in the year. BBI is currently in talks with several satellite radio providers regarding broadcasting the station to their subscribers.