B’nai B’rith unveils global ‘Passport’ as Australian fans head to World Cup in North America
Thousands of Australian football fans, including many Jewish supporters, are set to travel to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jewish fans will have a new way to connect as they move between cities, with B’nai B’rith International launching a global “Passport” initiative in Seattle.
Seattle Stadium, match venue for the 2026 World Cup (photo: Rounder)
The program will debut at a reception in downtown Seattle on Thursday, June 18, 2026, timed to coincide with the early stages of the tournament and the arrival of international visitors.
The World Cup, to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to draw millions of spectators across its expanded 48-team format, with Australia’s participation likely to bring a sizeable travelling supporter base.
B’nai B’rith says the Passport initiative is designed to connect those travellers with Jewish communities worldwide, reflecting the organisation’s global footprint spanning North America, Europe, Latin America and Australasia.
“Passport is about turning travel into meaningful engagement,” said Rob Spitzer, President of B’nai B’rith International. “At a time when Jewish communities are facing increasing challenges, strengthening global connections has never been more important.”
Rob Spitzer, B’nai B’rith International President
Launching as a WhatsApp-based pilot, the program will allow verified participants to share travel plans and connect with local B’nai B’rith members and supporters in the cities they visit.
Participants will be able to access local recommendations, meet community leaders and gain insight into Jewish life in different regions. The initiative is also intended to build ongoing relationships, with each connection described as “personal, trusted and rooted in the shared values of the B’nai B’rith community”.
B’nai B’rith leaders in Australia and New Zealand have pointed to the program as an opportunity to strengthen links between local communities and the organisation’s international network, particularly as more Australians travel abroad for major global events.
The Seattle launch event will feature remarks from Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Northwest, Ambassador Marco Sermoneta, and is open to all Jewish attendees, with membership not required. Venue details will be provided to registered guests, with advance RSVP required.
Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith is one of the world’s oldest Jewish organisations, with a long-standing focus on strengthening Jewish life, supporting communities and combating antisemitism.
The Passport program is expected to expand beyond its pilot phase, with Seattle marking the first step in building a global network linking Jewish travellers and communities across borders.
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