Hadassah happenings

By Joyce Toub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

One hundred and nine years ago, on Feb. 24, 1912, Hadassah was born, when 38 women met in New York City at Temple Emanu-El to promote Jewish institutions and enterprises in Palestine. After visiting Palestine and witnessing the dreadful sanitary and health issues present, Henrietta Szold organized this social service group for the betterment of humanity, with a focus on health care. The group initially called itself “The Daughters of Zion” and since the meeting was held close to the holiday of Purim, the New York City chapter named itself Hadassah, Queen Esther’s Hebrew name. After all, Esther had saved her people, and likewise, this chapter wanted to save their people in Palestine. The name “Hadassah “officially replaced the “Daughters of Zion” in 1914.

In those early years, emphasis was targeted to train nurses on malaria, cholera, trachoma and maternity cases, and clinics were established in Jerusalem. Thirtyeight women have now grown to more than 330,000, and those few clinics have developed into world-renowned medical centers in Ein Kerem and Mt. Scopus, and they have shared their knowledge and expertise across the globe.

In the U.S., Hadassah advocates on behalf of women’s rights, religious autonomy and U.S.-Israel diplomacy. In Israel, Hadassah supports education, research, Youth Aliyah (programs for underprivileged youth) and women’s initiatives.

Look how far we have come, as I share some projects being worked on right now. An innovative stem cell treatment has led to significant clinical improvements with progressive multiple sclerosis, not only halting the progression of MS, but leading to improvement in neurological ability. After six months, not only did 73% of the patients not experience disease progression, they also improved.

Another invention aims to help comatose brain-injured patients. In intensive care units, monitors can measure and record a patient’s pupils’ reaction to light. A tightening of the pupils (the most basic part of the brain stem) means it is still active. If there is no reaction, it means the patient’s condition is deteriorating and that either medication or surgery are needed to halt possible further brain damage. The device would immediately alert ICU staff to any abnormal findings.

To quote from Gayle Dorio’s poem, “What would we do without this noble organization? Oh no, that question boggles the imagination! Please write a check; sign up for an annual gift. Put it in the mail. It will give you such a lift!”

Tune in on Expanding Horizons

Feb. 24, 11 a.m. – noon: “When the World Came Together: Success Stories in Global Health,” presented by Mandy Slutzker, MPH, Director of Global Health Child Advocacy, Department of Federal Affairs, Academy of Pediatrics

Mar. 19, 11 a.m. – noon: “Coffee Time with the Grand Piano Series,” featuring Co-founder and Artistic Director, Milana Strezva, and guest artist, Mackenzie Melemed, a finalist in the American Pianists Association Awards.