Knesset's First Woman Speaker Dalia Itzik Confirmed for Hadassah's 98th National Convention (July 25-28) in Atlanta, GA

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2016 - NEW YORK — Dalia Itzik, the first woman Speaker of the Knesset and formerly President (Interim) of Israel, is confirmed for Hadassah's 98th National Convention announced Ellen Hershkin, National President, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA). Hershkin states, "Dalia Itzik has made a historic contribution to the ever-expanding role of women in international politics as the first woman Speaker of the Knesset and President (Interim) of Israel. As a political leader, educator, wife and mother of three, Itzik exemplifies the vision, vitality and engagement of 'Hadassah, The Power of Women Who Do™' to affect change in all aspects of their lives." Hadassah's 98th National Convention takes place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA. For registration and schedule information, please visit: http://www.hadassah.org/convention.

Itzik, who was recently named Chair of the Board, Hadassah International in Jerusalem, will lead two plenary sessions on Tuesday, July 26th: "Building Global Partnerships for Hadassah" and "Increasing the Power of Women in the Knesset."

The theme of Hadassah's 98th National Convention — "The Power of Our Dreams" — incorporates the philosophy of Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold, "Dare to dream...and when you dream...dream big." Hadassah's four-day, biennial conference will engage, inspire and educate Hadassah members from across the US. Dalia Itzik joins Oscar^®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrated mother-daughter authors Letty and Abigail Pogrebin, Iron Dome weapons system developer Natan Barak and a distinguished roster of inspirational speakers, best-selling authors, world-renowned medical experts, charismatic political leaders and passionate social activists. Hadassah's 98th National Convention will showcase the vibrant, thriving organization of 330,000 members, Associates and supporters as a leader in national conversations and programs on health, medicine, Zionism and Israel, and advocacy for women's issues.

Dalia Itzik, the first woman Speaker of the Knesset (2006-2009), and President (Interim) of Israel (January 1-July 15, 2007), represented three different Israeli political parties in the Knesset over a 20 year period including: Labor (1992-99; 2001-06); One Israel (1999-2001); and Kadima (2006-13), later becoming party chair. Formerly Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem in charge of Education, she also served Israel as Minister of Environment (1999-2001); Minister of Industry and Trade (2001-2002); and Minister of Communications (2005). She has a B.A. in History and Literature (Hebrew University), a Teachers Diploma (Efrata Teaching School) and a Law Degree (Herzliya).

For registration and schedule information, visit: www.hadassah.org/convention.

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.