One person can make a difference

Thank you, Henrietta Szold

Janett Edelberg, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

n March, Collier/Lee Hadassah celebrates the 112th anniversary of Hadassah’s founding. We proudly honor the person who created an organization of depth and meaning that has become the largest Jewish women’s organization in the U.S., with 300,000 members in all 50 states.

At Purim in 1912, Hadassah, the Zionist Women’s Organization of America, was born in Baltimore. Two years later, Henrietta Szold sent two nurses to the Holy Land to provide desperately needed health care. Over the years, Hadassah has built the foundation of Israel’s modern-day health-care system. Today, Hadassah’s two hospitals, Mt. Scopus and Ein Kerem in Jerusalem, are world-renowned medical research and health-care providers. Newsweek named Hadassah Hospital at Ein Kerem one of the world’s best “smart hospitals.” They have 1,300 beds, 31 operating rooms and treat 1 million patients annually regardless of race, religion or nationality.

Hadassah’s commitment to improving children’s lives started during WWII (1933) when Henrietta Szold founded Youth Aliyah. Hadassah established three Youth Aliyah Villages in Israel to support, educate and care for 30,000 displaced children from around the world. Many displaced Ukrainian children have found a home in one of Hadassah’s villages today.

Hadassah International was founded in 1983 to enhance the image of Israel through the work of the Hadassah Medical Organization. Hadassah International now spans five continents with over 50 medical research partners worldwide. Hadassah International showcases the philosophy that advancement and cooperation in medicine transcend politics, religion and national boundaries.

Looking forward

More than 100 years later, Collier/Lee Hadassah is proud to advance Henrietta Szold’s legacy. We continue to build a strong community in the U.S. and Israel. Hadassah looks to the future by empowering members, both women and men (Hadassah Associates), in the United States. Hadassah’s focus in the U.S. is on women’s health and well-being, providing programs to over 700 chapters nationwide. Hadassah advocates on the national, state and local levels for topics including women’s health, Zionism and antisemitism.

Hadassah believes that it is the duty and responsibility of this generation to serve as mentors for the next, to help nurture and grow future leaders to make Hadassah stronger. Our mission continues to evolve and pivot to face current challenges and the ones that lie ahead. Hadassah is committed to being a welcoming, diverse place for all generations.

Please join us to support 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.

Here is a listing of its upcoming events. For more details and to register (advance registration is required), please contact CollierLeeHadassah@gmail.com with “Information” in the subject line.

• March 3: Inspiring Women Brunch, “Empowering Your Passion,” where we will recognize three local women whose leadership, dedication, generosity and time make a difference in their organizations, the quality of our lives and our communities

• March 18: Spring Brunch, “Let Us Entertain You,” where we will honor Life Members and enjoy the music of many favorite songs

• March 22 (Temple Shalom) and March 23 (Beth Tikvah): Shabbat Zachor, where Hadassah members will participate in the service

• March 28: Hadassah Medical Organization, “Hadassah Firsts,” a presentation by Dr. Karen Ezrine, who will touch on areas that make Hadassah among the leading medical centers in the world

• April 3: Hadassah Associates Recognition Event, where we will honor the contributions of our male members