[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E670-E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING 100 YEARS OF HADASSAH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hadassah, the 
Women's Zionist Organization of America, and to recognize its 100 years 
of service in our communities. As a lifetime Hadassah member, it is a 
great privilege to recognize the important work the organization 
continues to do, both in the United States and around the world.
  Founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, Hadassah has the extraordinary 
distinction of being the largest volunteer organization, as well as the 
largest women's organization, in the United States. A century later, 
Hadassah has maintained its commitment to Judaism, Zionism, and 
American ideals, promoting health care, education, youth institutions, 
volunteerism, and land reclamation in Israel, as well as Jewish and 
Zionist education programs, Zionist Youth programs, and health 
awareness programs in the United States. Hadassah remains a critical 
voice of the Jewish community, advocating for issues of importance to 
women and to American Jews.
  The Hadassah Medical Organization operates state-of-the-art medical 
facilities in Israel, including the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical 
Center at Ein Kerem and the Hadassah University Hospital at Mount 
Scopus. Hadassah also maintains an extensive healthcare network 
including community healthcare programs, specialized outpatient clinics 
and services, and consultation clinics in the center of Jerusalem and 
in Tel Aviv. Hadassah's medical services continue to set the standard 
for health care in Israel, providing over 1 million people with 
hospital care each year.
  Hadassah's critical services extend far beyond health care. The 
organization offers continuing education in fields such as nursing, 
medicine, business, and law, offering women in those professions the 
opportunity to join profession councils and to affiliate on a national 
level with other members who share the same vocation. Further, Hadassah 
College Jerusalem has, for over 35 years, been providing Academic and 
Associate degrees in a variety of subjects.
  Within our own communities, Hadassah strengthens Jewish identity and 
support for Israel through community programs for both youth and adult 
members to foster community bonds, create volunteer opportunities, and 
develop Jewish leaders. Hadassah members organize and advocate on 
issues including hate

[[Page E671]]

crimes, anti-Semitism, reproductive choice, and genetic discrimination, 
as well as support for Israel, Middle East peace, and Israeli security.
  For the past century, Hadassah has been a critical voice for women 
and the Jewish community and has translated that voice into powerful 
action around the world. I congratulate Hadassah and its more than 
300,000 Members, Associates and supporters on their successes of the 
past 100 years, and I look forward to continuing to work together to 
build communities and improve lives in the United States, Israel, and 
throughout the world.

                          ____________________