The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

Description

Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA), is the largest women’s organization and the largest Zionist membership organization in the United States. HWZOA’s more than 300,000 members are “motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, and realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society.” In Israel, Hadassah has founded numerous health care, medical research, education, and youth institutions. In the United States, Hadassah runs education, advocacy, and youth programs, promoting the health and betterment of the American Jewish community.

History

In 1909, founder Henrietta Szold took a trip to Palestine where she experienced first-hand the poor living conditions of women and children. Upon returning to New York, Henrietta’s mother convinced her to mobilize her Zionist study group to improve the situation. During the season of Purim in 1912, the organization’s first meeting took place at Temple Emanu-El. The twenty-eight women present committed themselves to “the propagation of Zionism in America, and the establishment of health and welfare for women and children in Palestine.” That commitment remains Hadassah’s mission today.

Organizational Structure

The organization operates at the local, regional, national, and international levels. At the local level, Groups of Hadassah members comprise chapters, with activities and programs in cities throughout the United States. Geographic regions encompass all groups and chapters located within their boundaries, representing them on the National Board. National offices are located at Hadassah’s headquarters in New York and at the Washington Action Office. Hadassah International, which is active in over 30 countries, is a fundraiser for the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Jerusalem, and a sponsor of medical exchange programs. Finally, Hadassah-Israel was established in 1983 as an affiliated medical relief organization.

Member Benefits

Members living in the United States have opportunities to connect directly with Hadassah’s programs and projects in Israel such as HMO, Hadassah College Jerusalem, Young Judea clubs, and programs for children at risk. At home they can participate in health education, community projects, leadership development, professional networks, study groups, research, and other special interest programs. Additionally, Hadassah runs a number of advocacy programs on issues such as reproductive choice, domestic violence, hate crimes, ecological concerns, and foreign policy. Hadassah’s Israel, Zionist and International Affairs (IZAIA) Policy Statements, approved by the National Board, set the organization’s agenda. Through its website and print materials, the organization provides its members with a wide array of issue-specific tools and resources for effective education and advocacy.

Youth

In order to prepare the next generation, Hadassah focuses a number of its programs on the needs of young people in the United States and Israel. Opportunities are available for study and growth through Hebrew courses, summer camps, year-long programs in Israel, and special events. Programs for at-risk children in Israel are vital to the organization’s mission. Members ages 18-35 are invited to get involved in Young Hadassah International, a branch of the global network mentioned above.

Resources

Hadassah produces a number of press releases, publications, and videos that help its membership to stay abreast of current events and issues. Its website is also an incredible source of information about the organization’s history and ongoing work, its coalitions, and partners, and a storehouse of tools and resources for getting involved. As a result, the organization continues to remain vital and vibrant, attracting new members and expanding its programs and projects. Ellen Marson, former national executive director, reflected, “Perhaps our not specifically religious and not specifically denominational approach is especially attractive to a number of American Jews who might feel inhibited approaching a Synagogue or a school, and are willing to come to us and receive Jewish education for themselves and for their children.”