[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E211-E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF HADASSAH--THE WOMEN'S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hadassah, on the 
occasion of the organization's 90th anniversary.
  In February of 1912, Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah, presently the 
largest women's and largest Jewish membership organization in the 
United States. During the past nine decades, thousands of members from 
throughout the United States have set forth to promote a prosperous and 
peaceful Israel, ensure Jewish continuity, pursue social justice, and 
provide for the health, education, and well-being of American Jewish 
women and their families.
  Since the group's humble beginning as a women's study circle, 
dedicated members have helped Hadassah to become one of the world's 
leading humanitarian organizations. In Israel, Hadassah's flagship 
project, the Hadassah Medical Organization, is the most advanced 
medical center in the region. This state-of-the-art healthcare facility 
is comprised of two hospitals, 90 outpatient clinics, numerous 
community health centers, and annually services over 600,000 patients 
regardless of race, religion, or creed.
  The compassion of Hadassah is not only illustrated by their 
healthcare efforts. Hadassah funds and maintains four major Israeli and 
American programs--Young Judaea, Young Allya, Hadassah Israel Education 
Services and the Jewish National Fund. Each of these programs strives 
to support and promote Jewish life for Israelis and Americans of all 
ages. In addition to these programs, Hadassah is engaged in a wealth of 
educational, advocacy, training, and community service initiatives both 
in the U.S. and in Israel.
  In honor of more than 300,000 members of Hadassah, I am privileged to 
pay tribute to their selflessness, incalculable hospitality, and 
success. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and my colleagues of the 
U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Hadassah and 
its dedicated members for nine decades of social action and noble work.

[[Page E212]]



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