FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2017 - NEW YORK — Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc., (HWZOA) will confer its highest honor, the Henrietta Szold Award, on Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, announced Hadassah National President Ellen Hershkin. According to Hershkin, "Malcolm Hoenlein, one of the most well-respected and influential leaders in the American Jewish community, is one of Israel's most ardent and fearless champions. He exemplifies the passion and commitment which Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold had for the security and well-being of Israel." Hoenlein will accept the 2016 Henrietta Szold Award at gala banquet on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30 PM. Hadassah's 98th National Convention (July 25-28) takes place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Atlanta, GA. For registration and schedule information, please visit: http://www.hadassah.org/convention.
Since its inception in 1949, the Henrietta Szold Award has honored individuals who represent the ideals and beliefs of Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold (1860-1945). Over the years, a distinguished roster of statesmen, elected officials and other humanitarians have received the award, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Elie Wiesel, George Schulz, Golda Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu. The nominating committee is comprised of past Hadassah national presidents.
In 1986, Malcolm I. Hoenlein was elected Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the coordinating body of international and national concerns for 52 major Jewish organizations. Previously, he served as the founding Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater New York, the central coordinating agency for Jewish organizations in the metropolitan New York area. Prior to that, he was the founding Executive Director of the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry.
Mr. Hoenlein has been the recipient of many awards and tributes including a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Yeshiva University and a Doctorate of Laws from Touro College. He has been honored by, among others, State of Israel Bonds, the Private Sector Initiative Award from President Ronald Reagan, American ORT's "Man of the Millennium" Tribute, the Quittman Award for Jewish Professional Excellence, the Defender of Jerusalem Award, the Millender Fellowship at Brandeis University, Fellow of the Jerusalem College of Technology, the Jack D. Weiler Award for Jewish Communal Service, and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations National Service Award. Mr. Hoenlein was the recipient of Jerusalem's highest honor, the "Neeman Yerushalayim" (Trustee of Jerusalem) Award. Mr. Hoenlein was also appointed by three Presidents as a U.S. delegate to the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe.
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. Malcolm Hoenlein joins Oscar®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, renowned cardiologist Dr. Nannette Wenger, celebrated mother-daughter authors Letty and Abigail Pogrebin, Iron Dome weapons system developer Natan Barak, 1st female Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik 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.
For registration and schedule information, visit: www.hadassah.org/convention.