A year of Hadassah hope and healing

Janett Edelberg, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter

This has been a life-changing year for Hadassah. We helped save lives. We transformed lives.

And we were transformed.

The year 2023 was a life-changing year for all of us at Hadassah: from groundbreaking medical achievements at Hadassah hospital, to advocating for women’s rights, to fighting antisemitism, to helping Israel heal after the devastation of the unprecedented war that Hamas launched.

We began the year ready to joyously celebrate 75 years of Israeli statehood. Yet by year’s end, we found ourselves in fullon crisis mode, responding to a massive, horrific terror attack on Oct. 7 followed by a new war. Hadassah responded immediately. Critically wounded patients were brought to Hadassah hospital. We helped save lives. We mobilized for Israel, for the hostages, and for the victims of Hamas’ sexual violence used as a weapon of war.

Since our founding, Hadassah has met crises with meaningful action. Providing hope and healing is something Hadassah does at all times, not only during war. This year alone has seen Hadassah hospitals at the forefront of medical achievements, developing personalized cancer treatments, and employing the latest technical advances, such as robotics and 3D printing, to aid in complicated surgeries. Across the U.S., we reaffirmed our unwavering support for complete access to reproductive choice, fought for better protections against antisemitism at the state and federal levels, empowered young women to take on leadership roles and participated in the largest pro-Israel rally in U.S. history.

Our ties to Israel are strong. We supported at-risk teens and adults through our Youth Aliyah villages and an enduring connection to the Jewish people through Young Judaea.

The work we do together as Hadassah sisters is truly lifechanging. Every member reading this message should be very proud to belong to Hadassah.

Upcoming Hadassah events

Please join us for these upcoming events 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 you to a group of women with a wide variety of interests.

We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events as our activities rev up in October. We have some exciting programs planned, so mark your calendars now. You must register in advance to attend each event.

Oct. 15 – Clive Daniel – An afternoon of food, fun and great design. Please join us for a buffet lunch followed by Clive Daniel design consultants providing tips to enhance your home followed by an opportunity for some “retail therapy.”

Oct. 28 – Women’s Health Symposium – Gynecological Cancers: Diagnosis to Wellness. The program will be held both in-person at Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center and via a webinar.

Nov. 13 – Fall Meeting and Election of Officers. The program features a “Vendor Artisan Showcase” (a great opportunity to buy some handcrafted Hanukkah gifts) and a panel discussion on antisemitism. This event will be held at Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.

Dec. 11 – Theater Party Matinee to see Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” This event will be held at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 Bay Street, Fort Myers.

For more information about these events and to get a registration link, please email CollierLeeHadassah@ gmail.com with “Event Information” in the subject line.