In September, Hadassah volunteers participated in shaping the conversation around Israel and holding Hamas accountable for war crimes at the United Nations. As world leaders gathered in New York City to attend United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings, Hadassah leaders spoke out, urging the UN and individual countries to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and hold them accountable for their crimes against humanity, including the weaponization of sexual violence on October 7. Hadassah also weighed in with a powerful opinion piece pushing back against a problematic UN resolution that effectively strips Israel of its right to self-defense.
Not. One. More. Rally: On September 20, Hadassah cosponsored the Hostage Family Forum’s “Not. One. More.” Rally in New York City. Frieda Unger Rosenberg, co-coordinator of Hadassah’s Education & Advocacy Division, proudly attended alongside other Hadassah leaders to call on Hamas to safely release the hostages immediately.
“The UN Again Reveals Its True Colors” Opinion in Newsweek: Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz authored a powerful opinion piece in Newsweek, highlighting how the UN’s actions have emboldened Hamas terrorists and failed to hold their own employees responsible for colluding with Hamas. Carol Ann urged foreign leaders to take independent action to hold Hamas accountable.
Meetings with Foreign Ministers and Leaders: Throughout the week, Hadassah members attended meetings where they urged foreign leaders to help hold Hamas accountable for crimes against humanity, including sexual violence. Rosenberg represented Hadassah in a diplomatic meeting with Moldova, and Joyce Laiter, co-coordinator of Hadassah’s Education & Advocacy Division, attended the American Jewish Committee’s annual Global Jewish Diplomacy Reception.
Fighting Antisemitism Around the World: Hadassah National Board Member Cheryl Sperber and Hadassah Nassau President Rachel Rosen attended a powerful event co-hosted by UNESCO and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs where Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt spoke about her efforts to fight the alarming rise in antisemitism through education around the world.
Speaking out at NGO Meetings: Hadassah members engaged in other productive sessions. Sperber spoke at the newly formed UN-affiliated End Antisemitism and Promote Peace Committee about Hadassah’s efforts to end the silence around Hamas’ sexual violence. Dr. Pennie Sessler Branden, Hadassah member, attended high-level UN sessions focused on gender equality.
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Hadassah Op-Ed in Newsweek: The United Nations Again Reveals Its True Colors Regarding Israel
Hadassah’s #EndTheSilence Campaign Sparks Global Movement
