WASHINGTON, DC – Today on Capitol Hill, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Jewish Women International (JWI) and the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) hosted a reception celebrating the leadership of the Jewish women of the 119th Congress. The honorees included Senator Jacky Rosen and Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, Laura Friedman, Sara Jacobs, Kim Schrier and others.
These members of Congress were recognized for their leadership on issues ranging from protecting women’s health and reproductive rights to fighting hatred and antisemitism and championing the United States’ alliance with Israel. At the event, the hosts remembered and honored the late Representative Nita Lowey, a remarkable Jewish woman leader and a trailblazer in Congress as the first women to chair the House Appropriations Committee.
“Hadassah is inspired by the incredible Jewish women in Congress who are leading the charge to heal our world,” said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President, Hadassah. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments alongside our friends and partners at Jewish Women International and the National Council of Jewish women. Together, we continue to lift up the voices of women across the country to advocate for a strong US-Israel relationship, call for justice for the victims of sexual violence, advance reproductive choice and women’s health and combat the rising tide of antisemitism. We also recognize the indelible legacy of Representative Nita Lowey, who shattered many glass ceilings and was one of the strongest champions in Congress of support for Israel.”
"As we diligently work to support domestic violence survivors and their families, fight the denial of sexual violence against Israeli women and combat rising antisemitism, Jewish Women International is grateful for the support of all its partners in Congress who help us build a better world for women and girls,” said Meredith Jacobs, CEO, Jewish Women International. “The challenges American Jews face right now are in many ways unprecedented, but so is the power of our strength together. We thank the Jewish women in Congress for their leadership and our friends at NCJW and Hadassah for their vital work."
“Jewish women leaders in Congress are a source of hope and strength for our community," said Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women. “They lead with Jewish values, championing policies that support women, children and families across our communities. In a time of rising antisemitism, relentless attacks on our rights and growing threats to democracy, their courage and moral clarity inspire countless others to raise their voices and take action. National Council of Jewish Women is proud to stand with our partners at Hadassah and Jewish Women International to honor the leadership, conviction and lasting impact of Jewish women members of Congress."
About Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America:
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health care. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year as well as world-renowned medical research. Hadassah’s hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and in 2005 earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports two youth villages that set at-risk youth in Israel on the path to a successful future. Visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and X.
About Jewish Women International (JWI):
JWI is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI's National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Jewish Community is the hub of resources, trainings, and research to support the field. It convenes The Collaborative, the network of all Jewish domestic violence agencies in the U.S. and established and hosts the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community. A Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence. www.jwi.org.
About National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW):
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), is the oldest Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 210,000 grassroots advocates and 50 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.