Working together for the common good

Joyce Toub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

Our recent meeting, featuring Dina Kraft, journalist extraordinaire, left us with an optimism for the future of Arab-Israeli relationships, albeit on a very personal level. She tracks down stories the media generally overlooks and engaged us with some of her examples.

One question raised was how do we go from small day-to-day achievements to giant political change? We can say the same for our country as well.

One statement rang out loud and clear: in Hadassah Hospital, where there is a mix of all religions and nationalities, all employees, regardless of ideology, work together for a common good. It is truly a melting pot. Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem made Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Smart Hospitals” in 2021.

A not-so-optimistic reality is the reemergence of antisemitic violence. I will not list myriad examples cited worldwide, but we all know these hate crime attacks target minority groups. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) needs more accountability and oversight. Palestinian children are taught from texts rife with antisemitism and hatred for Israel in UNRWA schools. Hadassah keeps pushing for permanent action on Capitol Hill to reform the UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act. Contact your local legislators to support this as well.

People who remember the shock of the Holocaust are dying, and so is the public shame of being antisemitic. Darrell Horn, in last month’s Hadassah magazine, examines these remarkably unoriginal lies and conspiracy theories that hateful people used to attack Jews for centuries and that have now returned. We cannot remain silent. To quote a Holocaust survivor, “We cannot let our past become our children’s future.”

I urge you to open your Hadassah magazine and, even if you don’t read it from cover to cover, at least peruse some articles. You will be amazed at the scope and quality of coverage and all that will enlighten you.

Please join us on Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon for our symposium, “Body, Mind and Spirit,” a webinar on Women’s Health and Wellness. In an interactive panel discussion, three experts will examine selfcare for mental health, care for caregivers and nutrition for women’s heart health. Our keynote speaker will discuss living a longer and more purposeful life. Interludes ranging from music to body movements and humor will be interspersed.

On Dec. 12 at 10:30 a.m., Collier/Lee Hadassah will recognize major donors and founders in a Zoom presentation. Marcie Natan, past national president and current youth aliyah chair, will be our guest speaker. This is open to all our generous donors who have become Chai Society members and/or Keepers of the Gate or Major Donors. Please look at our e-blasts to see how you can become one, too!