Unparalleled: Our People, Our Impact
Established and emerging leaders, financial supporters, volunteers, staff, members and Associates across the country enabled Hadassah to stand unwavering in advancing our mission in 2024. The passion and purpose of our supporters helped us garner national recognition and expand our reach, stand with Israel and Hadassah hospitals, care for at-risk youth in Israel and empower women around the country.
Why Hadassah
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First and foremost, my passion for and commitment to Israel are what bind me to Hadassah. I am a proud Zionist, and this started as a Young Judaean.”
—Rebecca Young, president, Hadassah Southern Seaboard
Read more in the full report
L’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) is the number one thing about Hadassah. It is what makes Hadassah amazing and different from other organizations.”
—Laurie Bernstein, Society of Major Donors – Luminaries, Boca Raton, Fla.
Read more in the full report
For those seeking true sisterhood and an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, Hadassah offers a unique and fulfilling path."
—Dr. Deborah Villanueva, chair, Hadassah Evolve & Women's Health, Long Beach, Calif.
Read more in the full report
Milestones, Gatherings and Growth
Through strong leadership and at events around the country, Hadassah empowered our members and Associates to make a meaningful impact on themselves, their communities and the people of Israel.
Carol Ann Schwartz’s First Year as National President
A proud Midwesterner and member of a four-generation Hadassah family, Carol Ann Schwartz was actively involved with Hadassah for 30 years before assuming the presidency on January 1, when she hit the ground running. It was a busy first year, as Schwartz led a delegation from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations to visit Hadassah hospitals, attended the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the AMIA Jewish community center bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, represented Hadassah at the White House Hanukkah party and energized Hadassah communities at more than a dozen unit events across the country.
National Conference in Las Vegas: You Can Bet on Hadassah
About 400 Hadassah leaders, members, donors, volunteers and staff went all in to show their support for Hadassah in July. Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed attendees via video, paying tribute to those gathered in Las Vegas, stressing the ongoing impact of Hadassah and praising Hadassah’s resilience and ability to carry on the legacy of Henrietta Szold from generation to generation. Conference participants — including 150 major donors who enjoyed an exclusive experience at The Mob Museum — collectively gave close to $2 million to support Hadassah’s lifechanging work.
Students Find Purpose at Hadassah-Supported Youth Villages
Shalhevetya (Shelly) Tannenwald, who made aliyah from South Africa as a 2-year-old, faced bullying from her peers and even her teachers before coming to Hadassah Neurim, one of two Hadassah-supported Youth Aliyah villages caring for at-risk youth in Israel. After her first two years at Neurim, she surfs, trains dogs in the village’s Dog Rehabilitation Center, is a junior counselor and hopes to serve in the IDF. “I have a purpose,” she said. Mina Levin, who’s from the Gaza Envelope, said that without Hadassah Neurim, she probably would have dropped out of school. At the youth village, she feels seen for who she is. “I know I have a lot of doors open for me,” she said.
Evolve Leadership Fellows Cohort Three Kicks Off
A diverse group of nine women ages 30 to 45 from around the country gathered in New York City in September, the first step on their two-year leadership engagement journey with Evolve Hadassah: The Next Generation.
“It's amazing how each cohort really has its own personality, and this new one is no different,” said then-Evolve Chair Debbie Knight. “They are extremely diverse and quite feisty; not one of them is afraid to speak up … and I am so proud of their commitment and passion.”
“I thought this was a great opportunity to really get more involved, but also have this guide me through how I could potentially be and give my best to the organization,” said Kerren Roth of Framingham, Mass.
Donor Spotlight: Sheri, Wayne, NJ
As a young mother, Sheri was looking for a way to connect. In 1999, Sheri was chosen to go on a young leaders’ trip to Israel, and she has been a committed volunteer and donor ever since.
Recently, Sheri faced a family crisis and asked herself, “What can I do to feel better, to help myself?” As it turned out, “My mind went to charity because I’ve always been raised that when something good happens, give to charity. When something bad happens, give to charity.” She decided to become a Founder. “I know it might sound corny, but I always found that helping other people makes me feel better, too. Whatever I’ve ever given to Hadassah, whether it’s money or time, I’ve gotten so much more in return.”
Hadassah Hospitals Staff Tour the States
Like the superstars they are, a group of medical professionals from the Hadassah Medical Organization set out on a nationwide tour over the summer, with stops in a dozen cities. They met with Hadassah “fans” old and new and shared how Hadassah hospitals have provided hope and healing since October 7, 2023, and how they have been personally affected by the war.
“We saw the human toll the war has taken on the medical professionals at Hadassah [hospitals],” said Michelle Hubertus, who hosted a program in her home. “We hope that they [our donors] understood that, with their support, they are making a difference.”
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and Associates
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