Civil rights. Holocaust education. Women’s health equity.
It’s a comprehensive list. But not complete.
These are just some of the issues where Hadassah has had a strong voice throughout our country’s history. And as we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May, it’s the perfect time to kvell over the contributions Hadassah has made. Founded and fueled by passion and vision, Hadassah is empowered to continue to drive change in the US for generations to come — all while continuing to have a major impact in Israel and the rest of the world.
Here are a few examples of the ways we've made a difference:
1915: Under the direction of Zionist and poet Jesse Sampter, Hadassah’s School of Zionism trains leaders for Zionist girls’ clubs and adult speakers for Hadassah and other Zionist organizations. Sampter was not only Henrietta Szold’s friend but also her protégé.
1942: Hadassah becomes the fifth-largest contributor to the war effort during World War II, establishing blood banks, volunteering and selling war bonds, ultimately raising over $200 million in bonds.
1963: By organizing members to lobby their local politicians to vote for the legislation, Hadassah passes a resolution backing what would become the Civil Rights Act of 1963.
1989: Hadassah participates in the March for Women's Lives in Washington, DC (which they repeat in 1992 and in 2004, when Hadassah National President June Walker, z"l, addresses 1 million people).
1992: Hadassah launches Check It Out, an early detection program for youth to raise awareness of body awareness, breast cancer and healthy lifestyles. Across the country, over a million young people have participated in high schools, Jewish community centers and youth programs.
1997: The Hadassah-Brandeis Institute becomes the first university-based research institute devoted to the study of Jewish women, supporting interdisciplinary study, underwriting scholarly research, publications and conferences to promote Jewish women’s historical and contemporary experiences.
2008: Hadassah members and chapters around the country build support for the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals in health insurance and employment based on genetic information.
2018: Hundreds of Hadassah members, supporters and leaders come together for Hadassah’s Women's Health & Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC, united by their commitment to empowering women, to Israel, to health and to women's health equity.
2019: Hadassah is one of the leading nonprofits championing the Never Again Education Act, which is signed into law, bringing America closer than ever to ensuring we will never forget the Holocaust.
2024: Hadassah’s report, “From Fear to Resilience: Women Facing Antisemitism,” shows that two-thirds of the Jewish women we surveyed said antisemitism is affecting their lives, relationships and work.
