Hadassah advocates for critically important Jewish and women’s issues

Janett Edelberg, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

When I tell people I am a president of the Collier/Lee Chapter of Hadassah, the discussion usually turns to Hadassah’s programs in Israel. They are often surprised when I share the important work Hadassah does here in the U.S. advocating for critically important Jewish and women’s issues.

Background

Every day, Hadassah members are speaking out in multiple ways — from sending messages to meeting face to face with elected officials — locally and on the hill. Our founder, Henrietta Szold, saw suffering and took action, bringing emergency health care to mothers and their infants in pre-state Israel. Henrietta’s passion is in Hadassah’s DNA and continues to drive us — this is our practical Zionism.

Hadassah influences policy at the local, state and national levels with our nearly 300,000 members, associates and supporters — found in every Congressional district around the country. Here are highlights of selected Hadassah Advocacy Programs.

Addressing antisemitism on campus now

The United States has experienced a 388% increase in antisemitism in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Jewish communities across college campuses are witnessing the brunt of this increase as institutions of higher education fail to protect their Jewish students and address antisemitic harassment. Hadassah has prepared a letter (https://p2a.co/74WGAEP) for members to send to their alma mater and schools where they have relatives currently on campus.

Strengthening Holocaust education

One of the most important ways to fight antisemitism, hatred and bigotry is to ensure that future generations never forget the horror of the Holocaust. Hadassah led passage of the Never Again Education Act in 2020 to develop best-practice resources and support for teachers. Hadassah is now supporting the reauthorization of this act to ensure it continues into the future.

Urging legislators to champion women’s health

Gender disparities throughout the health care system too often lead to misdiagnosis and compromised care. Women in the U.S. are experiencing worsening health outcomes, further compounded by disproportionate financial burdens and caregiver responsibilities. Hadassah's vision for the future of medicine is that it must consider women’s distinctive health needs.

Supporting gun safety legislation

Hadassah deplores the ongoing scourge of shootings plaguing our schools, workplaces, houses of worship and communities nationwide. We believe that the widespread availability of, and easy access to, firearms significantly escalate this violence. Hadassah supports stronger gun safety legislation.

Championing reproductive rights in Florida

A constitutional amendment, Florida Amendment 4, the Right to Abortion Initiative, will be added to the 2024 ballot! This critical measure would provide a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect a patient’s health. Hadassah supports reproductive choice and democracy, and knows that every vote counts.

Please join me in supporting Hadassah

Collier/Lee Hadassah is a vibrant chapter with programming to educate you about Hadassah’s mission, vision and values, entertain you with delightful performances, feed you with delicious food and introduce to you a group of women with a wide variety of interests.

Look for information about our fall programs when the weather turns cooler. For general information about our chapter, please contact CollierLeeHadassah@ gmail.com with “Information” in the subject line.