[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HADASSAH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 90th 
anniversary of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. 
This esteemed organization has grown to become the nations largest 
woman's and Jewish membership organization. Today, we celebrate 
Hadassah having dedicated 90 years to pursuing a most worthy 
humanitarian mission.
  It was in 1912 that the educator and visionary Henrietta Szold 
founded Hadassah. In the time since, it's members have not only been 
committed to promoting a peaceful and prosperous Israel, ensuring 
Jewish continuity and pursuing social justice, but also providing for 
the health, education, and well-being of American Jewish women and 
their families. This organization has helped build Israel's medical 
infrastructure from the foundations laid by two American nurses in 1913 
through a combination of hard work and professionalism. Today the 
Hadassah Medical Association supports the region's most advanced 
medical center, treating 600,000 patients a year from all religious and 
ethnic backgrounds, and assisting in the training of greatly needed 
doctors and nurses.
  On home soil, Hadassah has also had a historic impact, easing the 
concerns of women and the Jewish Community. In response to some 43,000 
breast cancer deaths each year, Hadassah has joined the battle to 
diagnose cases early, by running screening and awareness programs. 
Furthermore, the organization sponsors Jewish family programs across 
the nation, encourages civic participation and has devoted considerable 
effort to educating members and the general public alike, on important 
public policy issues.
  Mr. Speaker, for nine decades Hadassah has served communities 
worldwide improving the lives of women and their families. Now I ask my 
colleagues to join with me in honoring this organization and its 
members past and present, for their perseverance and many remarkable 
accomplishments.

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