ORGANIZATIONS
Federation Star
April 2022
COLLIER/LEE CHAPTER OF HADASSAH
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www.hadassah.org / 518.330.1559
Healing through Hadassah Joyce Toub Collier/Lee Hadassah President
M
y mind is awash with many things: hopefully, the world i s re c ov e r i n g f r o m t h e COVID-19 pandemic, Russia will learn its place in the world and withdraw from Ukraine, attempts to thwart the ravages of climate change, and myriad situations that arise daily are hounding me. What Hadassah does is focus me on those
tangible outcomes that I can control and appreciate, like helping to educate, heal and understand relationships and bring relief to others. While we do that, we must also stand up for ourselves and fight the ugly rise of antisemitism. It seems to echo all around us these days. For a thoughtful, insightful discussion on antisemitism, I refer you to this month’s Hadassah magazine, April edition. The Hadassah organization chose the Hebrew name for Esther to continue the bravery and action of this woman during Biblical times. What began in 1912 continues today, 110 years later.
In March, we celebrated Hadassah’s birthday — at Temple Shalom on March 18 and at Beth Tikvah on March 19. Hadassah women participated in services and in educating the synagogues’ members regarding our history and achievements. I couldn’t be prouder! Our Expanding Horizons Series III begins on April 7 and continues through Nov. 7, covering topics from presidential libraries, mindful motion, baking, book discussions, creativity, and much more. Please check your Hadassah Happenings and e-blasts for further information on how to join us. Passover begins April 15. The Passover story is one of survival and courage that
we retell every year at our Seders. This year is so very different. For many of us, it will be our first time to celebrate with extended family in more than two years! Having faced a plague of our own, we can identify with our Biblical ancestors as we recite the story of Pharaoh and the plagues. We remind ourselves that from darkness comes light. We have been resilient and empathize with others in ways we have learned to live over these past two years. The Hadassah family is stronger; all work of healing in Israel and around the globe gives us hope for a better tomorrow. I wish you all a Zeesan Pesach!
The ugly face of antisemitism in the U.S. today By Patricia Levinson, Communications Chair, Hadassah International
A
re we too sensitive about antisemitism? After all, in the United States in 2022, there are no longer quotas for Jews at universities. Jews know that their bid on a home will not be turned down simply because they are Jewish. Jews do not have to avoid professions where they know that they will never be permitted to advance and achieve their full potential. Jews are no longer routinely excluded from country clubs, golf courses
and other venues where important business is done. We have reached the highest ranks of government, academia, law, medicine, commerce and industry. Yet, in our politically polarized country, saying the unthinkable has somehow become acceptable. It is now not uncommon to hear antisemitic tropes used casually by politicians and in the media. White supremacists spew “Jew Hate” rhetoric at marches. Even Holocaust
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denial is freely expressed. But we tend to tell ourselves that these are just words. It does not seem to affect us directly. After all, we are fully accepted in society. We are no longer regarded as a minority that is discriminated against. But is that true? We must face the fact that, recently, our synagogues have been under attack and Jews have been killed or held hostage simply because they are Jewish. In some
cities, Jews have been attacked on the streets because they were wearing clothing that obviously identified them as Jews. Major U.S. media outlets continue to hold Israel to impossible standards they apply to no other country and, in December, the United Nations passed another three resolutions against Israel. For me, this antisemitism is getting frighteningly close. Not only was the continued on page 22
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