[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TO COMMEMORATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HADASSAH

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America.
  Hadassah is a voluntary women's organization whose members dedicate 
their time to creating a stronger relationship with Israel, while 
ensuring Jewish continuity in the world. With over 300,000 members in 
total, they are one of the largest women's volunteer organizations in 
the world.
  Hadassah was founded by Henrietta Szold in 1912, a woman whose life's 
work was shaped by the ignorance, injustice, and anti-semitism she 
faced every day. In founding Hadassah, Henrietta gave the Jewish people 
a means to unify and fight back against these trepidations and hatreds. 
Ultimately, she played an integral role in unifying Jewish people all 
over the world, something that was desperately needed in the midst of 
the Shoah (Holocaust).
  From the time of its establishment, Hadassah has managed to 
accomplish many goals. In 1918, the organization sent medical units 
across the globe to provide American medical care to people of all 
races, creeds, and ethnicities. Hadassah was also instrumental in 
organizing the rescue of thousands of children during Germany's darkest 
years, bringing them to safety in the land of Palestine. This act, 
along with many others helped to further the development of the modern 
state of Israel.
  The Hadassah Organization's humanitarian efforts have become a 
pivotal part of our society and should never be forgotten. I am honored 
to be speaking on the organization's behalf today, and on behalf of the 
thousands of people Hadassah managed to help over the last 100 years.

                          ____________________