Unshakable: Israel at War
With Israelis still reeling from October 7, 2023, and under attack on multiple fronts, Hadassah responded to ongoing and increasing needs as the war escalated. The Hadassah Medical Organization was uniquely positioned to treat complex war injuries and provide immediate and long-term physical and mental rehabilitation for soldiers and civilians at Hadassah hospitals. At Hadassah-supported Youth Aliyah villages, we helped provide a safe haven for students, including psychological support. In the United States, we rallied for Israel and its people — including demanding justice for the victims of sexual and gender-based violence used as a weapon of war against Israel and around the world. We advocated strongly for US support for Israel, and Hadassah leaders visited Israel on multiple occasions to stand, unwavering, with the Israeli people.
Hadassah Responds
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Today we made history. The opening of the first ward at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center is nothing less than a national event that will change the rehabilitation [landscape] in Israel."
—Hadassah Medical Organization Board of Directors Chair Dalia Itzik
Read more in the full report
When we denounce rape as a weapon of war, when we call these acts what they are — war crimes and crimes against humanity — we validate the evidence, build a case for justice and accountability and ensure that the victims of these atrocities are not erased.”
—Immediate past National President Rhoda Smolow, speaking at a Capitol Hill event
Read more in the full report
Your support for Israel's healthcare and solidarity with the Israeli people is a great strength for all of us.”
—Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressing Hadassah Solidarity Mission participants
Read more in the full report
Together We Will Heal
From lifesaving care at Hadassah hospitals in the immediate aftermath of October 7, 2023, to addressing longer-term needs, Hadassah provided hope and healing when it was needed most.
Gandel Rehabilitation Center Welcomes First Patients
After October 7, 2023, construction of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus was greatly accelerated to meet Israel’s pressing need to help war-wounded soldiers and civilians recover, physically and psychologically. Made possible thanks to generous Hadassah donors across the US and around the world — including the Gandel Foundation, led by John and Pauline Gandel of Melbourne, Australia — the opening of the Gandel Center is part of Hadassah's “112-year commitment to the State of Israel in general and to Jerusalem in particular,” Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz said.
Iconic Round Building Reopens Its Doors
With support from donors all over the world, and after many years of planning, construction and anticipation, Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem welcomed the first patients into the reimagined Round Building, the Alberto and Vicky Saba Internal Medicine Complex, in Jerusalem on May 2, as construction to complete the renovations to the facility remains ongoing.
“I’m so proud that we could do this. It’s truly l’dor v’dor because my mother-in-law and father-in-law were at the opening of the original Round Building,” said Miki Schulman, chair of the 360 Degrees of Healing campaign, which helped make this reopening possible.
Hadassah’s End The Silence Campaign Sparks Global Movement
Working to share the truth far and wide about the rape, mutilation and torture of Israeli women, children and men by Hamas and to demand action and justice, Hadassah united volunteers, members and supporters in the US, Israel and — in partnership with Hadassah International — around the world to launch in February our largest-ever global advocacy campaign, End The Silence.
Dr. Amit Shalev on the Trauma of War
“With the shock and unprecedented barbarity of this war, we’re seeing Israelis summon enormous reserves of mental strength,” said Dr. Amit Shalev, an IDF elite forces veteran who specializes in pediatric trauma and suicide prevention therapy and research, and who assumed his new role as the head of the Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Hadassah Medical Organization just days before the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. “We’re using our decades of experience in treating post-trauma and acute stress to support this newly distressed population.”
Hadassah Stands With Israel
Hadassah leaders traveled to Israel throughout the year — including on January and March missions — to show support, visit patients and hospital staff, and participate in important discussions with Israeli leaders and leaders in the global Jewish community. During the January mission, Suzanne Patt Benvenisti, executive director of the Hadassah Offices in Israel; Rhoda Smolow, Hadassah’s immediate past national president, and Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz delivered a petition with 5,000+ signatures to the Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Israel, demanding the Red Cross assess the welfare of the hostages held by Hamas.
Marking the First Anniversary of October 7, 2023
More than 800 Hadassah households across the country came together virtually on the eve of the one-year anniversary of October 7, 2023. First Lady of Israel Michal Herzog touched on the ways that Hadassah has shown up for Israel during the war, sending missions, helping to fortify our Youth Aliyah villages, speaking out to End The Silence and supporting the Hadassah Medical Organization’s treatment of the brave soldiers serving on the front lines. “The magic that has gone on there is a true source of inspiration and comfort in these difficult times,” she said.
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