For the past four years, it has been my honor to serve as Hadassah’s national president. Nothing in my tenure as a Jewish leader has been as lifechanging as October 7, and never has our work seemed more relevant and urgently needed than in its aftermath.

Since our founding, Hadassah has met crises with meaningful action. Just months after I started my presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed our world, and a year later, Russia invaded Ukraine. For both, Hadassah — with the help of supporters like you — was able to lead the way. But it's this last year that has been the most challenging by far. Being in Israel on October 7, holding the hands of patients critically wounded from Hamas’ terrorist attack, witnessing the incredible, selfless response of staff at Hadassah hospitals, is something that will stay with me forever.

Providing hope and healing is something Hadassah does at all times, not only during war. Together with our tireless volunteers and staff, members and donors, we’ve continued to accomplish so much: helping the Hadassah Medical Organization bring cutting-edge healthcare to the people of Israel, advocating for women’s health, empowering women and standing strongly against antisemitism, while our members and supporters in hundreds of chapters around the country came together to advance Hadassah’s mission.

This year alone has seen Hadassah hospitals at the forefront, developing personalized cancer treatments and employing the latest technological advances, like robotics and 3D printing, to aid in complicated surgeries. Across the US, we reaffirmed our unwavering support for complete access to reproductive choice, fought for better protections against antisemitism at the state and federal levels, empowered younger women to take on leadership roles and participated in the largest pro-Israel rally in US history.

Our ties to Israel are strong. We supported at-risk teens and young adults through our Youth Aliyah villages and an enduring connection to the Jewish people through Young Judaea. Our inaugural list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know showcased women who are doing important work building bridges, making an impact and shaping the future of Zionism. Our Inspire Zionism symposium featured powerful speakers hosting topical conversations about identity, perceptions of Israel, antisemitism and empowerment.

For all of this, I couldn’t be prouder to have been named one of The Jerusalem Post’s “50 Most Influential Jews'' in 2023. The work we do together is truly lifechanging. The opportunity to lead an organization such as this will remain a highlight of my life, and I am reassured to know that I leave it in extremely capable hands.

With pride, passion and purpose,

Rhoda Smolow
Hadassah National President 2020-2023

More than 30 years ago, I became involved with Hadassah in my hometown of Cincinnati. It has been my privilege to serve in a number of leadership roles since then at the local, regional and national levels.

I did this because, in addition to my love for Israel, I believe in empowering women. I believe that it is the duty and responsibility of our generation to serve as mentors for the next, to help nurture and grow the next leaders so that Hadassah’s first century will only be its opening chapter.

Hadassah, in collaboration with the Hadassah Medical Organization and Hadassah International, accomplished so much in 2023 –– groundbreaking medicine, powerful advocacy, engaging with members across the country. Yet I know that I stepped into this role at a challenging time — for Israel, for Jews everywhere, for everyone. I am beyond thankful to my friend Rhoda Smolow for setting Hadassah on a path of hope and healing following the atrocities of October 7, one I will do all I can to build upon.

I grew up in the Midwest, in a home filled with Zionism, where my parents taught us to have a good work ethic and a good neshama — a good soul. My father used to joke that though I was the youngest of three, he really had four children — me, my siblings and Israel. When I married my husband, Michael, he felt similarly, and we raised our three children with these same values. We taught them to stand up, to speak out, to volunteer. These are values I share with so many of you.

I want to thank each of you for supporting the mission, the vision and the values of Hadassah. I look forward to the work we will do together, to help save lives, to save souls. Together, we are making a difference. For our own times, and the generations to come.

Carol Ann Schwartz
Hadassah National President 2024-