[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 19 (Thursday, February 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF HADASSAH'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2002

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the 90th anniversary of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist 
Organization of America. As the largest Jewish membership organization 
in the United States, Hadassah exemplifies the true spirit of 
voluntarism.
  Founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, a Jewish scholar and activist, 
Hadassah is committed to unifying Jewish people throughout the world. 
Its mitzvot, or good deeds, are felt at home in America and abroad in 
the land of Israel.
  In Israel, Hadassah funds and maintains two hospitals and 90 
outpatient clinics that treat 600,000 patients each year regardless of 
ethnicity or religious background. Hadassah also supports four other 
major organizations in Israel and the United States. The Hadassah 
Israel Education Services group provides cutting-edge technical and 
vocational training for Israeli citizens, while the Youth Aliyah 
program provides education and support to immigrant youth. The Young 
Judea program builds connections between American teenagers and Israel 
through student exchange partnerships and the Jewish National Fund 
works to preserve Israel's natural resources by constructing parks and 
planting trees.
  The impact of Hadassah can also be felt throughout the United States. 
The organization is represented in every congressional district and 
members work with political leaders on matters ranging from U.S.-Israel 
relations to women's health and equality issues. Hadassah volunteers 
are active in community service projects, educational initiatives, and 
programs benefitting women and their families.
  In my district of California, there are over 250 Hadassah members and 
six active chapters. These chapters have raised over $5 million for the 
Hadassah Hospital and educational programs in Israel.
  On this, its 90th anniversary, I salute Hadassah's efforts to promote 
education, welfare, and women's rights, that have helped preserve 
strong cultural ties with Israel.

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