Hadassah’s past year’s accomplishments

Joyce Toub, Collier/Lee Hadassah President

As I write this at the close of 2021, I’d like to review the many accomplishments of Hadassah this year, especially those of our Collier/Lee chapter. We achieved so much, despite everything the year wrought upon us.

We could not meet in person. We’ve only had virtual contact all year, yet we were still able to provide an abundance of knowledge, entertainment and camaraderie. Our medical breakthroughs and advocacy have impacted America, Israel and the globe.

A sampling of some of our successes

Hadassah’s advocates made it possible for the “Never Again Education Act” to be passed, realizing Holocaust education is essential for every generation to thwart rising antisemitism and declining understanding of the Holocaust. This required federal investment.

Hadassah joined the call for stronger hate crime laws and better mechanisms to report these crimes by supporting the “No Hate Act.” We have a moral obligation not only to never forget, but not to be silent. That’s why we must always speak out in the face of dehumanization of anyone based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Infertility affects one in eight couples. Hadassah advocated with legislators to raise awareness as part of our reConceiving Initiative, driving policy change and empowering patients to advocate for their health.

Hadassah created several podcasts. “Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine” depicts what goes on behind the scenes at the hospital. “The Branch” reports on the lives of Jews and Arabs in a positive shared society. “Women of Vision” features inspiring women.

In previous articles, I have discussed Hadassah’s leading COVID-19 responses and how its medical personnel have interacted globally with several countries in a united approach to fight the pandemic. Whether it is cancer, COVID, infertility or a multitude of diseases and defects that affect the world’s population, Hadassah’s research continues to benefit all mankind.

Please tune in to Collier/Lee Hadassah‘s upcoming events. You will receive e-blasts with all the information needed to attend. In April, we’ll resume our Expanding Horizons series, which has proven to be very successful. We have other Zoom programs featuring awards to women who have made a difference in their communities.

I will end on this note of interest: On Dec. 21, 2021, a trio of staff members from Hadassah Ein Kerem reached the top of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world. Set in Ecuador’s Andes mountains, Cotopaxi is 5,897 meters high (19,347 feet). A photograph taken at the summit displays both the Hadassah flag and the Israeli flag. Despite cold temperatures and steam emerging from the volcano, the team’s determination, courage and keen focus fueled their quest to achieve this goal. This same determination is what allows Hadassah women to do all that we can do!

I wish you all a healthy, happy and much better 2022!