[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S656-S657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HADASSAH

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me today 
in congratulating Hadassah upon its 90th anniversary. Originally 
founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold as a woman's study circle, Hadassah 
has grown into an organization with over 300,000 members involved with 
1,500 chapters across the country. Today, Hadassah is not only the 
largest woman's group in the country, but also the largest Jewish 
membership organization in the United States.
  Since its inception, Hadassah has been an advocate on behalf of 
women, Israel and the Jewish diaspora. However, Hadassah has done more 
than advocate on behalf of these issues, it has taken concrete steps to 
help people throughout the world. In particular, Hadassah is to be 
lauded for its provision of world class health care to the people of 
the Middle East, irrespective of race, religion or nationality. Every 
year, more than 600,000 patients are treated at the centers operated by 
the Hadassah Medical Organization, HMO, which includes two hospitals, 
90 outpatient clinics, and numerous community health centers. Under the 
auspices of the HMO, Haddassah also provides medical training during 
international health crises, including the recent events in Bosnia-
Herzegovina and Rawanda.
  Though Hadassah's medical efforts are primarily in the Middle East, 
the organization also has other important initiatives. One of the most 
notable is a nationwide breast cancer detection and awareness campaign 
conducted by the Women's Health Department. This campaign includes the 
Check it Out high school program which strives to educate teens about 
the dangers of cancer and how to screen oneself for early signs. In 
addition, Hadassah produces quality educational programs that help 
Jewish families learn about and celebrate their Jewish culture and 
heritage.
  Hadassah is also affiliated with numerous other programs which 
provide such services as technical and vocational training and 
environmental

[[Page S657]]

preservation. Of particular note is Youth Aliya, which assists 
disadvantaged and at risk youth. Through a system of residential 
villages and day centers these teens have the opportunity to take part 
in health education programs, vocational training and are offered 
exposure to and encouragement in art, dance, music and athletics.
  The long and storied history of Hadassah and the record of public 
service by its members is truly commendable. I know that my Senate 
colleagues will join me in congratulating Hadassah on this significant 
occasion.
 Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay homage to 
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, on the occasion 
of its 90th anniversary.
  As you may know, Hadassah is the largest women's and the largest 
Jewish membership organization in the United States. Hadassah's 300,000 
volunteers are active throughout the world, including 800 U.S. 
communities in 48 different States, as well as the District of Columbia 
and Puerto Rico.
  Since 1912, Hadassah volunteers have played a lead role in advancing 
the cause of social justice, particularly in the areas of education and 
health. One such endeavor, the breast cancer detection and awareness 
campaign, ``Check It Out,'' has had powerful, positive effects on women 
nationwide. The success of Hadassah's youth programs, particularly 
Young Judaea and Youth Aliya, proves that volunteerism can affect 
change.
  The organization's commitment to a peaceful future in Israel and 
Palestine also deserves praise. Hadassah has earned accolades for its 
work in Israel, where they operate a world-renowned medical complex in 
Jerusalem, made up of two advanced hospitals, with a clientele of more 
than 600,000 patients of all races, religions and creeds. In addition, 
the Hadassah Medical Organization is actively involved in global 
outreach programs in scores of other countries, particularly those in 
Africa. These international campaigns focus on public health awareness, 
particularly AIDS education, as well as on treatment of eye diseases.
  As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian 
Affairs, I have learned a great deal about the important work of 
Hadassah. I respect their contributions and appreciate all they have 
done to advance the legislative agenda of women and Israel.
  The spirit of founder Henrietta Szold lives on today, through the 
dedication and commitment of Hadassah's volunteers. I am proud to offer 
my commendation on 90 years of quality service.

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