Named for a symbol of righteousness and compassion, Hadassah’s Myrtle Wreath Awards honor those who have made a profound impact on Hadassah and the Jewish world. For Hadassah Greater Atlanta, the passionate work of four outstanding recipients inspired organizers to present these awards for the first time in over 15 years.
Phyllis Mayson Cohen, Rita and Bill Loventhal, and Georgia State Rep. Esther Panitch received Hadassah Greater Atlanta’s 2025 Myrtle Wreath awards for leadership, philanthropy and advocacy, respectively, in front of nearly 300 people at the Hyatt Perimeter Hotel on February 2. The event –– Greater Atlanta’s first, large-scale in-person gathering since before the pandemic –– raised over $350,000 to support the completion of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus.
“It was really an opportunity to educate the community about the breadth and depth of Hadassah,” event co-chair Rachel Schonberger said. “It gave us a chance to really talk about that.”
Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz congratulated the four honorees, whose award certificates each featured a specially selected Chagall window, modeled after the magnificent stained-glass windows in the Abbell Synagogue at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. “Together, in Hadassah, we can make things happen,” Schwartz said.
In her acceptance remarks, Cohen spoke about Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah villages in Israel and its support of Young Judaea and about what Hadassah means to her personally. “Hadassah has enriched my life in many ways, over many decades. The opportunity to gain new skills, create new programs, be part of a powerful and impactful organization to express my Judaism, Zionism, and advocate for values and issues important to me, to support lifesaving research, and most importantly work with smart, caring women (and men) and gain lifelong friends is why I’m very grateful and passionate about Hadassah,” Cohen said.
The Loventhals spoke about the important work taking place at the Hadassah Medical Organization that has inspired them to support Hadassah for so many years. “Our research is saving lives and healing,” Rita said in her remarks. “Hadassah has meant so much to us,” Bill continued. “We are humbled by this amazing honor and grateful that so many have come to support this event for the Gandel Rehabilitation Center and all Hadassah projects.”
Rep. Panitch, a Hadassah life member and the only Jewish member of the Georgia House of Representatives, spoke about how she believes the entire fabric of our democratic society is enhanced by women leading with a united purpose to achieve a better tomorrow for all. In politics Jewish voices are essential to bring a unique perspective and both parties need strong Jewish representation, she said, quoting Hadassah’s founder Henreitta Szold: “There is no ending that is not a beginning.”
The brunch also featured a special tribute to Anat Sultan-Dadon, consul general of Israel to the Southeastern US, for her six years of service and dedication to the Hadassah community.
“I kind of take Hadassah wherever I go on a personal level because my two oldest daughters were born in Hadassah Mount Scopus and so I have a personal appreciation, but really a tremendous appreciation for Hadassah and for all of you,” the consul general said in her remarks. “It is always an honor to be among proud Zionist women, and a few men. As women of Hadassah, you are part of a long and powerful tradition of active Zionism.”
“The honorees are truly outstanding community and Hadassah leaders, and it was my pleasure to help honor them and at the same time raise funds for our Gandel Rehabilitation Center,” said Terry Nordin, Hadassah Greater Atlanta president, who stepped in as co-chair after the death of co-chair Shirley Michalove, z"l. “On a personal level, it was the opportunity of a lifetime to get to work with and learn from these inspiring Hadassah leaders.”
Putting together the event became a whole chapter project, in fact, with people calling to volunteer before they were even asked.
“When you have amazing honorees that have made an impact in Hadassah and the local community, fabulous chairs, awesome volunteers and the strong support of the Geographic Area staff, success is the only outcome,” said Robin Hyman, director of Geographic Area engagement for Hadassah Super South. “We are so proud!”
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