“Hadassah is all about doing.”‍

Its nickname may be Sin City, but for three days last week, Las Vegas was all about doing good and impact. About 400 Hadassah leaders, members, donors, Associates and staff went all in to show their support for Hadassah, descending upon the desert oasis for the July 2024 National Conference at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Attendees arrived with eyes and hearts wide open and returned home knowing they can always bet on Hadassah.

The tightly scheduled conference made time for official business and fun: only-in-Vegas experiences, plenaries with top-tier speakers, workshops, networking opportunities and donor events, as well as National Board, Assembly and Business meetings.

Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz welcomed attendees, likening the current moment to Charles Dickens’ “the best of times” and “worst of times.” The worst of times: the inhumane atrocities of October 7 in Israel and the surge of antisemitism. The best of times: the resilience of the Jewish people and the lifesaving work of Hadassah to heal Israel and the world. Ever since Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah, said Schwartz, “We apply the best of our talents or wisdom and our energy.”

“You who are here today are the changemakers. You are the heirs … of this legacy. You are on the ground. And we are there in peace and war, ever ready for the worst of times that face us. And we are there together.”

In closing, she said, “If we do nothing, nothing will change. Hadassah is all about doing, in Israel, in America and especially here in Vegas.”
WATCH National Conference Opening and National President Carol Ann Schwartz's Welcome >

Schwartz introduced the conference’s keynote speaker, award-winning actress, singer, dancer, philanthropist and social media activist Montana Tucker. Known for speaking out for Israel and against antisemitism on the red carpet and beyond, Tucker brought her passion to Hadassah’s stage.
WATCH: Keynote Speaker Montana Tucker >

“There have been many attempts to completely wipe off Jews from this planet. But guess what? We’re still here. We are strong, we are powerful and we are resilient. And we are proud. And we will never, ever, ever give up.”

The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Tucker is continuing the legacy of her grandmother, a Hadassah member who taught her to stand up for what is right and her beliefs. Hadassah, Tucker said, “continues to prove the immense impact that can be achieved when philanthropy and women’s leadership come together.”

“This gathering in this room in Las Vegas is a testament to our collective strength, our shared commitment to justice and our unwavering hope for a better future,” she said, praising Hadassah’s “beautiful, incredible community of passionate, dedicated individuals.”

Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz welcomed attendees, likening the current moment to Charles Dickens’ “the best of times” and “worst of times.” The worst of times: the inhumane atrocities of October 7 in Israel and the surge of antisemitism. The best of times: the resilience of the Jewish people and the lifesaving work of Hadassah to heal Israel and the world. Ever since Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah, said Schwartz, “We apply the best of our talents or wisdom and our energy.”

“You who are here today are the changemakers. You are the heirs … of this legacy. You are on the ground. And we are there in peace and war, ever ready for the worst of times that face us. And we are there together.”

In closing, she said, “If we do nothing, nothing will change. Hadassah is all about doing, in Israel, in America and especially here in Vegas.”
WATCH National Conference Opening and National President Carol Ann Schwartz's Welcome >

Schwartz introduced the conference’s keynote speaker, award-winning actress, singer, dancer, philanthropist and social media activist Montana Tucker. Known for speaking out for Israel and against antisemitism on the red carpet and beyond, Tucker brought her passion to Hadassah’s stage.
WATCH: Keynote Speaker Montana Tucker >

“There have been many attempts to completely wipe off Jews from this planet. But guess what? We’re still here. We are strong, we are powerful and we are resilient. And we are proud. And we will never, ever, ever give up.”

The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Tucker is continuing the legacy of her grandmother, a Hadassah member who taught her to stand up for what is right and her beliefs. Hadassah, Tucker said, “continues to prove the immense impact that can be achieved when philanthropy and women’s leadership come together.”

“This gathering in this room in Las Vegas is a testament to our collective strength, our shared commitment to justice and our unwavering hope for a better future,” she said, praising Hadassah’s “beautiful, incredible community of passionate, dedicated individuals.”

Hadassah launched Everyday Antisemitism: Women’s Stories, its first-ever antisemitism survey. Findings from the survey, which asks women across the country to share their personal experiences with antisemitism, will be used in Hadassah’s discussions with Congress, the Jewish community, the media and more. If you haven’t yet, please take the survey now.

Hadassah launched Everyday Antisemitism: Women’s Stories, its first-ever antisemitism survey. Findings from the survey, which asks women across the country to share their personal experiences with antisemitism, will be used in Hadassah’s discussions with Congress, the Jewish community, the media and more. If you haven’t yet, please take the survey now.

Dalia Itzik, chair of the Hadassah Medical Organization’s Board of Directors, spoke first at The Two Faces of the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) plenary, expressing gratitude for the miracles Hadassah performs every day. “Those of you already in the HMO circle, you really should be extremely proud of being part of one of the most prestigious and important institutions in Israel. We pride ourselves on our world-leading specialists and cutting-edge equipment but, above all, on our soul, our neshama.” Itzik invited the audience to visit the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, where wounded soldiers regain their basic abilities. “It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see this,” she said. Prof. Yoram Weiss, HMO director general, spoke about 112 years of innovation at Hadassah hospitals, including AI, CAR T-cell therapy and 3D printing. “Israel will continue to lead in innovation despite all the others who don’t want that to happen, and Hadassah will be part of the story.” He stressed how Hadassah hospital staff have persevered during the war, even with many staff out on reserve duty. “This shows you the dedication of the people who work at Hadassah.” A surprise guest, IDF medic Shlomo Demma, shared his harrowing experience of being critically wounded by an IED in the war. After months at Hadassah hospitals, including the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, with the help of doctors, nurses and therapists, he told the audience, “Because of you I can walk again.”
WATCH Two Faces of HMO, Patient Stories >
WATCH Session Video: Two Faces of Hadassah Medical Organization >

The UN Update: Pushing Back Against Attempts to Delegitimize Israel plenary featured Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz in conversation with Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, who spoke about the UN's biased treatment of Israel, despite being established in the aftermath of the Holocaust by countries that vowed never again. Speaking of the shift in the UN’s makeup, Ambassador Erdan said: "We all believe in democratic values. How many countries within the UN are democracies? I can tell you it's less than half." Segueing to the war in Israel, he said, "This war cannot end without the full obliteration of Hamas and the release of all of our hostages." He continued, thanking “all of you for partnering with us on an important initiative to pressure not only the UN but the entire world to recognize the sexual atrocities that were committed by Hamas on October 7.” And when it comes to fighting antisemitism and hate, Ambassador Erdan believes "words are not enough. We must demand action. We have the power to demand action.” Read more about this conversation in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
WATCH Ambassador Gilad Erdan Background Video >
WATCH Session Video: UN Update: Pushing Back Against Attempts to Delegitimize Israel >

Israeli-born master storyteller, pro-Israel and women’s rights advocate Talia Carner spoke with Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein about her newest novel, The Boy with the Star Tattoo, during the One Book, One Hadassah Live plenary. An important look at Zionist history and Jewish history, the novel portrays the rescue of Holocaust-era Jewish orphans by Youth Aliyah. She spoke of her own experiences being attacked on social media. “Antisemitism has become big in the publishing industry,” she said, pivoting to her more positive reflections on Jewish identity and belonging.
‍WATCH Session Video: One Book, One Hadassah: Talia Carner, The Boy with the Star Tattoo >

During the Free Speech, Exclusion and Campus Climate plenary, David Schizer, JD, of Columbia Law School, addressed concerns about campus antisemitism and the enforcement of laws surrounding discrimination and disruptive protests. A co-chair of Columbia University’s new task force on antisemitism, Schizer highlighted students who have faced on-campus antisemitism and some of the people who have stood up for Jewish students. Should we keep sending our family members to Columbia, National Conference Chair Michelle Hubertus asked Schizer. “Absolutely, yes…. What if Jewish students decide not to go to these schools anymore, just because they don’t want to? You then have very influential young people who are going to go on and do important things, not interacting with Jewish people or not meeting Jewish people. So is that a good thing for the Jewish community?”WATCH Session Video: Free Speech, Exclusion and Campus Climate >

“It was incredibly painful,” said Dr. Omri Sender of the Public International Law Practice Group at S. Horowitz & Co. when asked by OPI cofounder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann during the Responding to the Rise of Global Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism plenary how it felt as an Israeli Jew to defend Israel against South Africa’s allegations of genocide. Said Weiss-Fischmann: “Who sends tons of food to their enemy during a war? We’re Jews, we care.” Said sports reporter Emily Austin, a social media influencer and actress: “If you’re gonna attack me for being a Jew, I’m gonna double down on it.” She asked the hundreds of conference attendees to return to their communities energized: “If you weren’t proud before October 7, be ultra.”
WATCH Session Video: Responding to the Rise of Global Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism >

Still just teenagers, but Mina Levine, going on 16, and Shalhevetya Tannenwald, 17, were leading ladies in the Youth Aliyah: A Safe Haven for Israeli Youth at Risk and Jewish Youth Finding a Home in Israel plenary. Interviewed by Youth Aliyah Co-Chairs Marcie Natan and Michele Rubin, the teens shared their experiences overcoming challenges and finding their paths at Hadassah Neurim. "I was really depressed because my main bullies were my teachers and my peers. I was really lost,” said Tannenwald about her life before Neurim. Now starting her third year at the village, she’s thriving, taking advantage of Neurim programs like surfing and training rescue dogs. “Now I enjoy school,” she said. Levine was performing poorly in her previous school but now runs the village radio station and is student council president. She credits the Hadassah Neurim staff for her transformation. "They help you. They teach you the ways so it’s easy to succeed. And they really care about you.” The teens were joined by Ami Magen, Hadassah Neurim’s CEO, who spoke about the village’s history as a refuge, and how it provides refuge today, including to more than 100 students from the south on October 7.
WATCH Session Video: Youth Aliyah: A Safe Haven for Israeli Youth at Risk >
WATCH: Youth Aliyah Students Mina and Shalhevetya Tell Their Stories >

WATCH: Youth Aliyah Student Nikola's Journey to Meir Shfeyah‍ >

Conference attendees were wowed by several superhero Hadassah hospital staff who spoke of treating the wounded in the aftermath of October 7. Dr. Oded Cohen Arazi, a trauma surgeon at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, treated his nephew, a soldier wounded by a bomb: “We had all the facilities …. we needed to treat not only him but everybody else in the trauma bay and everybody else that came before and after him. Thank you for enabling us to treat all these people.” Dr. Ruth Elimelech, who heads the psychological service at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, said that mental health is becoming a greater priority in the medical world, and is crucial for war victims. “We want them to go and live full and meaningful lives.” Hila Shmuel, an ICU nurse at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, spoke on behalf of 2,350 nurses at Hadassah: “I always knew how strong we can be, how united we can be and what we were all doing that same day. We were fighting for each of our soldiers and each of our citizens.” Dr. Sheer Shabat, senior resident in rehabilitation at Hadassah Mount Scopus, spoke of how rehab therapy helped soldiers heal: “I'm just representing a very, very big team that is doing our best to treat these brave individuals and give them everything they need because they deserve it.”
WATCH Session Video: Hadassah Brings Israel to the US >

Dalia Itzik, chair of the Hadassah Medical Organization’s Board of Directors, spoke first at The Two Faces of the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) plenary, expressing gratitude for the miracles Hadassah performs every day. “Those of you already in the HMO circle, you really should be extremely proud of being part of one of the most prestigious and important institutions in Israel. We pride ourselves on our world-leading specialists and cutting-edge equipment but, above all, on our soul, our neshama.” Itzik invited the audience to visit the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, where wounded soldiers regain their basic abilities. “It is both heartwarming and heartbreaking to see this,” she said. Prof. Yoram Weiss, HMO director general, spoke about 112 years of innovation at Hadassah hospitals, including AI, CAR T-cell therapy and 3D printing. “Israel will continue to lead in innovation despite all the others who don’t want that to happen, and Hadassah will be part of the story.” He stressed how Hadassah hospital staff have persevered during the war, even with many staff out on reserve duty. “This shows you the dedication of the people who work at Hadassah.” A surprise guest, IDF medic Shlomo Demma, shared his harrowing experience of being critically wounded by an IED in the war. After months at Hadassah hospitals, including the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, with the help of doctors, nurses and therapists, he told the audience, “Because of you I can walk again.”
WATCH Two Faces of HMO, Patient Stories >
WATCH Session Video: Two Faces of Hadassah Medical Organization >

The UN Update: Pushing Back Against Attempts to Delegitimize Israel plenary featured Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz in conversation with Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, who spoke about the UN's biased treatment of Israel, despite being established in the aftermath of the Holocaust by countries that vowed never again. Speaking of the shift in the UN’s makeup, Ambassador Erdan said: "We all believe in democratic values. How many countries within the UN are democracies? I can tell you it's less than half." Segueing to the war in Israel, he said, "This war cannot end without the full obliteration of Hamas and the release of all of our hostages." He continued, thanking “all of you for partnering with us on an important initiative to pressure not only the UN but the entire world to recognize the sexual atrocities that were committed by Hamas on October 7.” And when it comes to fighting antisemitism and hate, Ambassador Erdan believes "words are not enough. We must demand action. We have the power to demand action.” Read more about this conversation in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
WATCH Ambassador Gilad Erdan Background Video >
WATCH Session Video: UN Update: Pushing Back Against Attempts to Delegitimize Israel >

Israeli-born master storyteller, pro-Israel and women’s rights advocate Talia Carner spoke with Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein about her newest novel, The Boy with the Star Tattoo, during the One Book, One Hadassah Live plenary. An important look at Zionist history and Jewish history, the novel portrays the rescue of Holocaust-era Jewish orphans by Youth Aliyah. She spoke of her own experiences being attacked on social media. “Antisemitism has become big in the publishing industry,” she said, pivoting to her more positive reflections on Jewish identity and belonging.
‍WATCH Session Video: One Book, One Hadassah: Talia Carner, The Boy with the Star Tattoo >

During the Free Speech, Exclusion and Campus Climate plenary, David Schizer, JD, of Columbia Law School, addressed concerns about campus antisemitism and the enforcement of laws surrounding discrimination and disruptive protests. A co-chair of Columbia University’s new task force on antisemitism, Schizer highlighted students who have faced on-campus antisemitism and some of the people who have stood up for Jewish students. Should we keep sending our family members to Columbia, National Conference Chair Michelle Hubertus asked Schizer. “Absolutely, yes…. What if Jewish students decide not to go to these schools anymore, just because they don’t want to? You then have very influential young people who are going to go on and do important things, not interacting with Jewish people or not meeting Jewish people. So is that a good thing for the Jewish community?”WATCH Session Video: Free Speech, Exclusion and Campus Climate >

“It was incredibly painful,” said Dr. Omri Sender of the Public International Law Practice Group at S. Horowitz & Co. when asked by OPI cofounder Suzi Weiss-Fischmann during the Responding to the Rise of Global Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism plenary how it felt as an Israeli Jew to defend Israel against South Africa’s allegations of genocide. Said Weiss-Fischmann: “Who sends tons of food to their enemy during a war? We’re Jews, we care.” Said sports reporter Emily Austin, a social media influencer and actress: “If you’re gonna attack me for being a Jew, I’m gonna double down on it.” She asked the hundreds of conference attendees to return to their communities energized: “If you weren’t proud before October 7, be ultra.”
WATCH Session Video: Responding to the Rise of Global Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism >

Still just teenagers, but Mina Levine, going on 16, and Shalhevetya Tannenwald, 17, were leading ladies in the Youth Aliyah: A Safe Haven for Israeli Youth at Risk and Jewish Youth Finding a Home in Israel plenary. Interviewed by Youth Aliyah Co-Chairs Marcie Natan and Michele Rubin, the teens shared their experiences overcoming challenges and finding their paths at Hadassah Neurim. "I was really depressed because my main bullies were my teachers and my peers. I was really lost,” said Tannenwald about her life before Neurim. Now starting her third year at the village, she’s thriving, taking advantage of Neurim programs like surfing and training rescue dogs. “Now I enjoy school,” she said. Levine was performing poorly in her previous school but now runs the village radio station and is student council president. She credits the Hadassah Neurim staff for her transformation. "They help you. They teach you the ways so it’s easy to succeed. And they really care about you.” The teens were joined by Ami Magen, Hadassah Neurim’s CEO, who spoke about the village’s history as a refuge, and how it provides refuge today, including to more than 100 students from the south on October 7.
WATCH Session Video: Youth Aliyah: A Safe Haven for Israeli Youth at Risk >
WATCH: Youth Aliyah Students Mina and Shalhevetya Tell Their Stories >

WATCH: Youth Aliyah Student Nikola's Journey to Meir Shfeyah‍ >

Conference attendees were wowed by several superhero Hadassah hospital staff who spoke of treating the wounded in the aftermath of October 7. Dr. Oded Cohen Arazi, a trauma surgeon at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, treated his nephew, a soldier wounded by a bomb: “We had all the facilities …. we needed to treat not only him but everybody else in the trauma bay and everybody else that came before and after him. Thank you for enabling us to treat all these people.” Dr. Ruth Elimelech, who heads the psychological service at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, said that mental health is becoming a greater priority in the medical world, and is crucial for war victims. “We want them to go and live full and meaningful lives.” Hila Shmuel, an ICU nurse at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, spoke on behalf of 2,350 nurses at Hadassah: “I always knew how strong we can be, how united we can be and what we were all doing that same day. We were fighting for each of our soldiers and each of our citizens.” Dr. Sheer Shabat, senior resident in rehabilitation at Hadassah Mount Scopus, spoke of how rehab therapy helped soldiers heal: “I'm just representing a very, very big team that is doing our best to treat these brave individuals and give them everything they need because they deserve it.”
WATCH Session Video: Hadassah Brings Israel to the US >

• In opening remarks at Monday’s National Assembly meeting, Schwartz focused on the remarkable ability of the Jewish people to achieve so much with so little, starting with Henrietta Szold. “It all started with the energy of a few women, who kept attracting more women… Explaining the cause, inviting them to join us. More women to show up and more women to make a difference. We stepped up when we were ready and sometimes when we weren’t exactly ready, but we made it work,” she said, noting how Hadassah continues to welcome like-minded women today. “I challenge each of you to share what you’ve heard here. Do not let it stay in Vegas.”
• Hadassah passed three policy statements at the National Business Meeting: Ending the Silence on Gender-Based Violence, Safeguarding the Full Continuum of Reproductive Health Care and Denouncing Efforts to Exclude Jews and Zionists. Read our press coverage in JNS.
• At the National Business Meeting, Hadassah delegates elected Dale Marcus, Dana Waxler and Deborah Wiskind as national vice presidents and thanked outgoing national vice presidents Peg Elefant, Valerie Lowenstein and Jill Sapperstein for their dedicated service. The three-year VP terms will begin January 1, 2025.
• Education & Advocacy and Engagement Divisions, Grassroots Fundraising and Associates honored chapters, regions and individuals for outstanding contributions to advancing Hadassah’s mission.
• Bringing Israel to Vegas, Hadassah displayed a portion of “October Seventh,” an exhibit at Tel Aviv’s ANU Museum of the Jewish People. The capsule featured 19 panels showcasing artwork, audio/music and video reflecting the atrocious times Israeli society has faced since October 7. “Walking into this room, I had to stop for air,” said Evolve liaison Gabrielle Clayman of Calabasas, CA. “We all need to bear witness to what happened. Hadassah has a family of 300,000, that’s 300,000 more people that see the real truth.”
• Among the 20 Hadassah Associates in Vegas was Associates President Alan Lipschultz of Bethesda, MD, who led the Associates Business Meeting. He spoke of the Associates’ fundraising and how it’s “extremely important” and how he wants to “build bridges” between Hadassah leaders and Associates on the local level. Hadassah Medical Organization and Youth Aliyah staff shared stories of how the war has impacted them professionally and personally.
• Young Judaea Chair Greta Rothschild and Vice Chair Elaine Silver hosted a breakout session covering YJ's impact through its Israel programs and alumni outreach, and its Hadassah connection.
  WATCH: The Young Judaea Journey >
• Hadassah memorialized the family members of the Hadassah Medical Organization and Youth Aliyah village staff as well as village graduates who perished on or since October 7. Cantor Jessica Hutchings, from a Nevada-based synagogue, sang “Hatikvah” and led attendees in the prayers for Israel, the IDF and the hostages.
  

• In opening remarks at Monday’s National Assembly meeting, Schwartz focused on the remarkable ability of the Jewish people to achieve so much with so little, starting with Henrietta Szold. “It all started with the energy of a few women, who kept attracting more women… Explaining the cause, inviting them to join us. More women to show up and more women to make a difference. We stepped up when we were ready and sometimes when we weren’t exactly ready, but we made it work,” she said, noting how Hadassah continues to welcome like-minded women today. “I challenge each of you to share what you’ve heard here. Do not let it stay in Vegas.”
• Hadassah passed three policy statements at the National Business Meeting: Ending the Silence on Gender-Based Violence, Safeguarding the Full Continuum of Reproductive Health Care and Denouncing Efforts to Exclude Jews and Zionists. Read our press coverage in JNS.
• At the National Business Meeting, Hadassah delegates elected Dale Marcus, Dana Waxler and Deborah Wiskind as national vice presidents and thanked outgoing national vice presidents Peg Elefant, Valerie Lowenstein and Jill Sapperstein for their dedicated service. The three-year VP terms will begin January 1, 2025.
• Education & Advocacy and Engagement Divisions, Grassroots Fundraising and Associates honored chapters, regions and individuals for outstanding contributions to advancing Hadassah’s mission.
• Bringing Israel to Vegas, Hadassah displayed a portion of “October Seventh,” an exhibit at Tel Aviv’s ANU Museum of the Jewish People. The capsule featured 19 panels showcasing artwork, audio/music and video reflecting the atrocious times Israeli society has faced since October 7. “Walking into this room, I had to stop for air,” said Evolve liaison Gabrielle Clayman of Calabasas, CA. “We all need to bear witness to what happened. Hadassah has a family of 300,000, that’s 300,000 more people that see the real truth.”
• Among the 20 Hadassah Associates in Vegas was Associates President Alan Lipschultz of Bethesda, MD, who led the Associates Business Meeting. He spoke of the Associates’ fundraising and how it’s “extremely important” and how he wants to “build bridges” between Hadassah leaders and Associates on the local level. Hadassah Medical Organization and Youth Aliyah staff shared stories of how the war has impacted them professionally and personally.
• Young Judaea Chair Greta Rothschild and Vice Chair Elaine Silver hosted a breakout session covering YJ's impact through its Israel programs and alumni outreach, and its Hadassah connection.
  WATCH: The Young Judaea Journey >
• Hadassah memorialized the family members of the Hadassah Medical Organization and Youth Aliyah village staff as well as village graduates who perished on or since October 7. Cantor Jessica Hutchings, from a Nevada-based synagogue, sang “Hatikvah” and led attendees in the prayers for Israel, the IDF and the hostages.
  

• Recognizing the urgency of the moment in Israel, participants at the conference, including attendees at the Major Donor Experience at The Mob Museum, gave close to $2 million to support Hadassah’s life-changing work. Around 150 Hadassah major donors toured the museum. They heard from leaders of the Hadassah Offices in Israel and the Hadassah Medical Organization, getting an insider’s glimpse into the construction underway at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus and the operating rooms and ICU at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
  WATCH Construction Update at Gandel Rehabilitation Center, Round Building and Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower >
  WATCH: The Donor Experience at The Mob Museum >
  

• At the Keepers of the Gate reception, Linda Freedman Block, Keepers of the Gate chair, announced an anonymous donor pledged a 2:1 match for every increased level of giving, up to $100,000. That night, 48 members gave a new annual gift or a step-up gift, raising $43,000, and with the match, Hadassah raised a total of $86,400. “My biggest inspiration, summarized in one word is ‘commitment,’” Dalia Itzik said. “Israel is facing one of its most difficult times, and Jews worldwide carry a heavy weight on our shoulders. It is thanks to your commitment that we continue to provide lifesaving care. Your commitment to Hadassah is what inspires me the most.” Keepers of the Gate Vice Chair Cheryl Sperber also offered attendees words of inspiration.

• Recognizing the urgency of the moment in Israel, participants at the conference, including attendees at the Major Donor Experience at The Mob Museum, gave close to $2 million to support Hadassah’s life-changing work. Around 150 Hadassah major donors toured the museum. They heard from leaders of the Hadassah Offices in Israel and the Hadassah Medical Organization, getting an insider’s glimpse into the construction underway at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus and the operating rooms and ICU at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem.
  WATCH Construction Update at Gandel Rehabilitation Center, Round Building and Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower >
  WATCH: The Donor Experience at The Mob Museum >
  

• At the Keepers of the Gate reception, Linda Freedman Block, Keepers of the Gate chair, announced an anonymous donor pledged a 2:1 match for every increased level of giving, up to $100,000. That night, 48 members gave a new annual gift or a step-up gift, raising $43,000, and with the match, Hadassah raised a total of $86,400. “My biggest inspiration, summarized in one word is ‘commitment,’” Dalia Itzik said. “Israel is facing one of its most difficult times, and Jews worldwide carry a heavy weight on our shoulders. It is thanks to your commitment that we continue to provide lifesaving care. Your commitment to Hadassah is what inspires me the most.” Keepers of the Gate Vice Chair Cheryl Sperber also offered attendees words of inspiration.

Fun moments peppered the conference, bringing out the lighthearted, yet still warmhearted, side of Hadassah.

• A skit performed by Hadassah’s third-year region presidents, which received hearty applause, portrayed the presidents questioning whether to hit the casino tables after a long day of conference business, instead deciding to play the “Game of Hadassah,” a Chutes and Ladders-type game with a Hadassah twist. "It always goes for good, and you always win,” said Susan Cohen Grossman of Hadassah Central Pacific Coast.
• Being a multigenerational organization helps fuel Hadassah power and pride. Hadassah arranged for those who came to Vegas with a parent, grandparent, child, sister, niece or grandchild to join in a group photo to capture their connections to Hadassah l'dor v'dor (from generation to generation).
• Evolve members, the next generation of Hadassah women, made a splash at the Vegas Vibes Splash Bash, a poolside party celebrating this community of empowered women who are shepherding Hadassah into the future. Dr. Deborah Villanueva, 50, of Long Beach, CA, was among some 60 revelers. An Evolve member for about two years, she said that attending Hadassah’s conference “really confirmed that, yes, this is where I want to invest my time.”

Fun moments peppered the conference, bringing out the lighthearted, yet still warmhearted, side of Hadassah.

• A skit performed by Hadassah’s third-year region presidents, which received hearty applause, portrayed the presidents questioning whether to hit the casino tables after a long day of conference business, instead deciding to play the “Game of Hadassah,” a Chutes and Ladders-type game with a Hadassah twist. "It always goes for good, and you always win,” said Susan Cohen Grossman of Hadassah Central Pacific Coast.
• Being a multigenerational organization helps fuel Hadassah power and pride. Hadassah arranged for those who came to Vegas with a parent, grandparent, child, sister, niece or grandchild to join in a group photo to capture their connections to Hadassah l'dor v'dor (from generation to generation).
• Evolve members, the next generation of Hadassah women, made a splash at the Vegas Vibes Splash Bash, a poolside party celebrating this community of empowered women who are shepherding Hadassah into the future. Dr. Deborah Villanueva, 50, of Long Beach, CA, was among some 60 revelers. An Evolve member for about two years, she said that attending Hadassah’s conference “really confirmed that, yes, this is where I want to invest my time.”

International and national political leaders who couldn’t join in person paid tribute to Hadassah’s critical work via video and letter.

• Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman welcomed guests. "As you gather to celebrate your heritage and faith and to continue a tradition of stalwart advocacy aimed at making the world a better place, I extend congratulations to all participants for your diligence, dedication and hard work," she wrote in a letter in the event program.
  

• Israeli President Isaac Herzog said via video, “You have raised your voices loudly for the women who were silenced, raped and butchered forever on October 7. And this, dear friends, is what responsibility looks like. This is what deep resilience looks like. And this is the great legacy of Henrietta Szold, which you've been carrying from generation to generation with outstanding leaders and fantastic membership.”
  

• US Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada thanked Hadassah via video for being a partner in efforts to protect women's rights and combat antisemitism.

Bringing the conference to a close, National Conference Vice Chair Geri Lipschitz called up to the stage all of Hadassah’s Israeli staff and guests to join the audience in a prayer for IDF soldiers and the singing of “Hatikvah” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“First and foremost, we are grateful to the entire Hadassah network that we have from Boston to southern California, Oregon to Naples, FL, from Brooklyn to Houston, Miami to Long Island and Long Island to everywhere in between,” Michelle Hubertus, National Conference chair, said in her closing remarks. “Yesterday, now and always, you can bet on Hadassah. Our hope is that what just happened in Vegas, you tell everyone. Because the diaspora needs Israel, Israel needs Hadassah and Hadassah needs you.”

International and national political leaders who couldn’t join in person paid tribute to Hadassah’s critical work via video and letter.

• Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman welcomed guests. "As you gather to celebrate your heritage and faith and to continue a tradition of stalwart advocacy aimed at making the world a better place, I extend congratulations to all participants for your diligence, dedication and hard work," she wrote in a letter in the event program.
  

• Israeli President Isaac Herzog said via video, “You have raised your voices loudly for the women who were silenced, raped and butchered forever on October 7. And this, dear friends, is what responsibility looks like. This is what deep resilience looks like. And this is the great legacy of Henrietta Szold, which you've been carrying from generation to generation with outstanding leaders and fantastic membership.”
  

• US Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada thanked Hadassah via video for being a partner in efforts to protect women's rights and combat antisemitism.

Bringing the conference to a close, National Conference Vice Chair Geri Lipschitz called up to the stage all of Hadassah’s Israeli staff and guests to join the audience in a prayer for IDF soldiers and the singing of “Hatikvah” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“First and foremost, we are grateful to the entire Hadassah network that we have from Boston to southern California, Oregon to Naples, FL, from Brooklyn to Houston, Miami to Long Island and Long Island to everywhere in between,” Michelle Hubertus, National Conference chair, said in her closing remarks. “Yesterday, now and always, you can bet on Hadassah. Our hope is that what just happened in Vegas, you tell everyone. Because the diaspora needs Israel, Israel needs Hadassah and Hadassah needs you.”