[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          TRIBUTE TO HADASSAH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2002

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th 
anniversary of an outstanding organization: Hadassah, the Women's 
Zionist Organization of America.
  Many Americans recognize Hadassah as the premier organization for 
Jewish women. Others know of its many achievements in health care and 
social justice. But few realize that Hadassah is both the largest 
women's and the largest Jewish organization in the United States, with 
over 300,000 members. Every single Member of Congress represents 
members of Hadassah.
  It has been my distinct pleasure and privilege to have had a long and 
fruitful professional relationship with Hadassah. When I first began 
working on genetic discrimination issues in 1995, Hadassah stepped 
forward to pledge its support. At my first press conference, Hadassah 
was one of just four organizations that endorsed that first genetic 
nondiscrimination bill. Today, this initiative has the support of over 
200 organizations--but Hadassah is still leading the way as a key 
player.
  Indeed, I have found Hadassah to be among the most consistent and 
persistent allies any legislator could ever hope for. When Hadassah 
decides that an issue is a priority, it will work ceaselessly until its 
goal is achieved. Its members are well educated, savvy, and tenacious. 
Its leadership is focused, smart, and sophisticated. Few organizations 
are as effective.
  Through our partnership on issues including genetic discrimination, 
women's health, and colorectal cancer, my respect and admiration for 
Hadassah has only grown. In 1998, I was proud to receive the Hadassah 
Nassau Region's Myrtle Wreath Achievement Award for ``outstanding 
achievement in all areas of public service and . . . dedication to 
improving the health and well being of all Americans.'' This award 
hangs in a place of honor in my office. I was equally proud to be named 
a Lifetime Member of Hadassah for my work on issues important to their 
members.
  Perhaps Hadassah's greatest achievement is the Hadassah Medical 
Organization, a network of 2 hospitals, 90 outpatient clinics, and 
numerous community health centers throughout Israel. These facilities 
provide state-of-the-art health care to 600,000 patients each year, 
regardless of race, religion, or creed. They often treat the most 
critically wounded victims of the region's ongoing conflicts.
  I would like to invite my colleagues to join me in saluting the 90th 
anniversary of Hadassah. May Hadassah and its members enjoy another 90 
years of activism.

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