Hadassah: Empowering Women, Advocating for Change

November 2023

By Aileen Greenberg-Kriner

You may know Hadassah through its fundraising events, social calendar, or list of medical breakthroughs by the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel. But did you know that when it comes to advocacy, Hadassah takes a strong stand on issues and works to educate and influence the President and members of Congress?

Hadassah members speak out, write to legislators, and meet face-to-face with elected officials locally, at the state level, and in Washington, D.C. These meetings provide an opportunity for Hadassah advocates to discuss pressing issues and advocate for meaningful change. They also empower Hadassah members to be leaders and active participants in the democratic process.

“With 330,000-plus members, associates, and supporters found across every U.S. congressional district, Hadassah makes an impact at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Helene Schilian, vice president of education and advocacy for our Charlotte Metro chapter. “Together, we can amplify our impact, strengthen Hadassah’s influence in Washington, and bring about positivelegislative change.”

Hadassah’s advocacy focuses on five priorities:

Israel/Strengthening U.S.-Israel Relations

Our steadfast dedication to and support of Israel is central to Hadassah’s mission. To foster strong U.S.-Israel relations, Hadassah representatives educate elected officials about Israel’s needs for foreign aid, security, Israel’s right to defend herself against terrorist attacks, legislation to fight BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions anti-Israel movement), and medical and economic partnerships.

Combating Antisemitism

Hadassah relentlessly fights against antisemitism and hate. On Capitol Hill, Hadassah works with members of Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to combat antisemitism in the U.S. and abroad. Hadassah advocates have been instrumental in passing legislation supporting Holocaust education in schools. Hadassah also helped advance increased funding requests for U.S. State Department initiatives to combat antisemitism.

reConceiving Infertility Program

Through reConceiving Infertility, Hadassah women are raising awareness about infertility and are working to expand insurance coverage and access to treatment, and advance infertility-related legislation.

Championing Women’s Health Equity

Hadassah sees the gender disparities in the U.S. healthcare system and advocates for increased funding, improved health data collection, and inclusion of women in all phases of research and clinical trials.

Ensuring Reproductive Rights

Hadassah is unwavering in its support for full and complete access to reproductive health services, and for every woman’s right to make decisions based on her personal religious, ethical, and moral values. Hadassah continues to fight for state and federal legislation supporting and protecting reproductive rights.

Want to get involved? Contact us. Check out the Advocacy Highlights on our website. Hadassah’s national website (www.hadassah. org) has links for advocacy training. Sign up for Advocacy Update emails or access the Hadassah National Action Center, which features political campaigns andactions you can take to support Hadassah’s position on the issues.

Hadassah’s commitment to advocacy is steadfast, and our impact is felt far beyond the Jewish community. From healthcare and women’s issues to fighting antisemitism and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, Hadassah women make a difference.

This Month’s Events

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Chaunkah is not far behind (sundown Dec. 7- sundown Dec. 15). Shop for the perfect gifts at Chanukah Sip, Shop & Schmooze on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Enjoy wine and cheese as you shop from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Discovered Traditions Gift Shop at Temple Beth El. Shoppers receive a 10% discount on their purchases, and 10% of total sales will be donated to Hadassah.

Have you recently learned Mah Jongg or have you been playing “forever”? Either way, you can’t play without an official NMJL Mah Jongg Card. Order yours from Hadassah, beginning next month. Check our website for details.

Join us for our monthly Hadassah Wine & Schmooze at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Vintner Wine Market in Arboretum.

Short Story Discussion Group meets at 11:45 a.m. on Nov. 10 on Zoom to discuss News to Turn the World in the book “Frankly Feminist: Short Stories by Jewish Women.” Together, the stories create a powerful portrait of Jewish women’s experience.

Beverly’s Book Nook will not meet in November or December Hadassah BookTalk is reading “My Own Words” by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Our meeting is on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Helpful Info

Our website, www.hadassahcltevents.org, has details and registration links for our events. If you have questions or need more information, email HadassahCLT@gmail.com or call (980) 553-1880.

To learn about membership, contact Lori Trapani or Merril Schenkel at the phone number or email above, or come to one of our events.

The next Hadassah Charlotte Metro Board meeting is Monday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Follow us on Facebook (Hadassah CLT Metro) and Instagram (Hadassah Charlotte Metro).