[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 27, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HADASSAH

  Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, this week marks the 90th anniversary of 
Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. With over 
300,000 members and 1,500 chapters across the country, Hadassah is the 
largest women's and largest Jewish membership organization in the 
United States. Over the last nine decades, its devoted members have 
exhibited the best of the American philanthropic and volunteer spirit 
in pursuing the organization's mission of a peaceful and secure Israel, 
a vital Jewish culture, and the Jewish imperative for social justice.
  Today in Israel, Hadassah continues to add to a well-established 
humanitarian record that has fostered peace, understanding, and 
prosperity for all Israeli citizens. The Hadassah Medical Organization 
(HMO) operates two hospitals, ninety outpatient clinics, and numerous 
community health centers that provide state of the art health care to 
600,000 patients a year--regardless of race, religion, or creed. These 
medical facilities often treat the most critically wounded in the 
region's on-going conflicts and the support they receive from Hadassah 
members allows them to save lives. The HMO reaches out beyond Israel, 
providing medical personnel and training during international health 
crises, enhancing the welfare of communities around the globe.
  Here in United States, Hadassah's women's health and education 
initiatives have enhanced the health and well being of the American 
Jewish community and our Nation. Its informative awareness campaigns on 
breast cancer, osteoporosis, and eating disorders have empowered women 
of all ages to make healthy lifestyle decisions. Hadassah has 
strengthened American Jewish culture through sponsorship of Jewish and 
Hebrew educational classes and study groups.
  Mr. President, for ninety years Hadassah has brought Jewish-American 
women together to explore their shared faith and connection to Israel. 
On this week of their 90th anniversary, I commend their good work and 
wish them many more years of success.

                          ____________________