Honoring 100 Years of Hadassah

Floor Speech

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, and to recognize its 100 years of service in our communities. As a lifetime Hadassah member, it is a great privilege to recognize the important work the organization continues to do, both in the United States and around the world.

Founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, Hadassah has the extraordinary distinction of being the largest volunteer organization, as well as the largest women's organization, in the United States. A century later, Hadassah has maintained its commitment to Judaism, Zionism, and American ideals, promoting health care, education, youth institutions, volunteerism, and land reclamation in Israel, as well as Jewish and Zionist education programs, Zionist Youth programs, and health awareness programs in the United States. Hadassah remains a critical voice of the Jewish community, advocating for issues of importance to women and to American Jews.

The Hadassah Medical Organization operates state-of-the-art medical facilities in Israel, including the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center at Ein Kerem and the Hadassah University Hospital at Mount Scopus. Hadassah also maintains an extensive healthcare network including community healthcare programs, specialized outpatient clinics and services, and consultation clinics in the center of Jerusalem and in Tel Aviv. Hadassah's medical services continue to set the standard for health care in Israel, providing over 1 million people with hospital care each year.

Hadassah's critical services extend far beyond health care. The organization offers continuing education in fields such as nursing, medicine, business, and law, offering women in those professions the opportunity to join profession councils and to affiliate on a national level with other members who share the same vocation. Further, Hadassah College Jerusalem has, for over 35 years, been providing Academic and Associate degrees in a variety of subjects.
Within our own communities, Hadassah strengthens Jewish identity and support for Israel through community programs for both youth and adult members to foster community bonds, create volunteer opportunities, and develop Jewish leaders. Hadassah members organize and advocate on issues including hate crimes, anti-Semitism, reproductive choice, and genetic discrimination, as well as support for Israel, Middle East peace, and Israeli security.

For the past century, Hadassah has been a critical voice for women and the Jewish community and has translated that voice into powerful action around the world. I congratulate Hadassah and its more than 300,000 Members, Associates and supporters on their successes of the past 100 years, and I look forward to continuing to work together to build communities and improve lives in the United States, Israel, and throughout the world.

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