Ties to Israel:
Lifechanging Connections
Since its founding by Zionist visionary Henrietta Szold in 1912, Hadassah has inspired a passion for and commitment to the land, the people and the future of Israel. Hadassah supports at-risk youth in Israel and helps to ensure a strong Jewish diaspora. Through its members, Hadassah educates and advocates for robust foreign aid, security cooperation, bipartisan legislation to fight the delegitimization of Israel and collaborative initiatives such as US-Israel medical partnerships.
Supporting Israel at 75 and Beyond
.svg)
The strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, which advances mutual security and enables cultural exchange, is strengthened by the average American’s understanding of its importance and impact. That’s why it is critical that we are united in our advocacy for the US-Israel relationship, regardless of our different backgrounds.”
Michelle Rojas-Tal
Hadassah’s then-Zionist-scholar-in-residence, at a congressional briefing
To read more download the full Annual Report here
For me, public service and Jewish values are intertwined.... We are part of such an incredible tradition, and I’m so grateful to Hadassah and Young Judaea for keeping that alive.”
Shelley Greenspan
White House Liaison to the American Jewish Community (and Young Judaean), at a June 22 Hadassah-Young Judaea online discussion
To read more download the full Annual Report here
I feel that I went through a significant process during my years of education at Hadassah Neurim. I developed, and my confidence grew stronger. I believed in myself and reminded myself never to give up.”
Hodaya Crystal
One of 13 recipients of the 2023 Scholarship Award at at the Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliyah Village in Israel
To read more download the full Annual Report here
Hadassah & Israel — Standing Together
From spotlighting powerful Zionist women to advocating for a strong US-Israel relationship, Hadassah affirmed its unwavering support for Israel in 2023.
18 American Zionist Women You Should Know
To mark 75 years of Israeli statehood, Hadassah spotlighted a diverse selection of Zionist women for its inaugural list of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know, which launched just before Yom Ha’atzmaut and was featured in the Forward and The Times of Israel, among other US and Israeli media outlets. All the women on this list are doing important work building bridges, making an impact and shaping the future of Zionism as activists and educators, newsmakers and journalists, and scientists and entrepreneurs.
#Hadassah18: Amy Albertson • Mayim Bialik • Shiva Beck • Laura Ben-David • Daniella Greenbaum Davis • Rayna Rose Exelbierd • Rabbi Rachel Marder • Megan Nathan • Zoya Haynes • Tabby Refael • Danielle Runoff • Ana Sazonov • Emily Schrader • Naava Shafner • Leah Soibel • Margot Stern • Chataleah Sufrin • Melissa Weiss
Inspire Zionism Symposium: Tech, Trailblazers and Tattoos
Hundreds of people joined Hadassah for this two-day virtual symposium in late October 2023. The speakers — Zionist innovators, artists and influencers — led tough yet inspiring conversations about identity, perceptions of Israel, antisemitism and empowerment, notably in the wake of October 7. “The Jewish community, both on and off campus, is experiencing antisemitism, and we as Americans must address it head-on together,” said then-Israel Campus Coalition National Outreach Director Destiny Albritton.
Watch a video from the event
American Women Standing With Israel
Hadassah hosted an impactful congressional briefing, in partnership with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, featuring four exceptional women who spoke powerfully about why America needs policies that support a strong alliance with Israel. “As someone who spends her days fighting for democracy and the American experiment, I believe strongly that support for the largest democracy in the Middle East is in America’s best interest,” said Danielle Rugoff, a life member of Hadassah, head of movement activation, product and partnerships at Starts With Us, and one of Hadassah’s 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know.
Giving At-Risk Youth a Bright Future
It was a milestone year for Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah villages in Israel, as Meir Shfeyah celebrated its 100th anniversary and Hadassah Neurim its 75th. The villages provide an entire range of services — food, shelter, education, counseling and love — for young immigrants, refugees and at-risk Israelis. In 2023, the two villages hosted a total of 1,036 students, with Meir Shfeyah celebrating its largest graduating class ever — 120 students — in June. At the virtual program “Rise Up! Youth Aliyah Jubilee” on September 13, alumni shared their inspirational stories and why they attribute their success to Hadassah.
Support for Israel at Hadassah One Global Benefit
In December, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Hadassah International and the Hadassah Medical Organization gathered in Miami as one global community for the Hadassah One Global Benefit, inspiring generous donors to collectively pledge more than $6 million that evening. The gala program included a special focus on the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, which, when completed, will care for 10,000 patients annually. Honorees at the event included Malia and David Litman of Dallas, TX; Vicky and Alberto Saba of Mexico City, Mexico, and Pauline and John Gandel of Melbourne, Australia.
Statement on a Democratic Israel
In response to months of protests in Israel surrounding judicial reform, Hadassah released the following statement in July:
“As a devoted supporter of our beloved land of Israel and her people for over a century, Hadassah has continuously expressed our values regarding Zionism, democracy and respect for all. We believe Zionism can best flourish in a democratic Israel that includes checks and balances and inclusive, open-minded dialog to reach consensus, compromise and mutual understanding.”
.jpg)
.svg)
.svg)
.png)
.svg)