[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1027]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF HADASSAH

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me today 
in congratulating Hadassah upon its 90th anniversary. Originally 
founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold as a woman's study circle, Hadassah 
has grown into an organization with over 300,000 members involved with 
1,500 chapters across the country. Today, Hadassah is not only the 
largest woman's group in the country, but also the largest Jewish 
membership organization in the United States.
  Since its inception, Hadassah has been an advocate on behalf of 
women, Israel and the Jewish diaspora. However, Hadassah has done more 
than advocate on behalf of these issues, it has taken concrete steps to 
help people throughout the world. In particular, Hadassah is to be 
lauded for its provision of world class health care to the people of 
the Middle East, irrespective of race, religion or nationality. Every 
year, more than 600,000 patients are treated at the centers operated by 
the Hadassah Medical Organization, HMO, which includes two hospitals, 
90 outpatient clinics, and numerous community health centers. Under the 
auspices of the HMO, Haddassah also provides medical training during 
international health crises, including the recent events in Bosnia-
Herzegovina and Rawanda.
  Though Hadassah's medical efforts are primarily in the Middle East, 
the organization also has other important initiatives. One of the most 
notable is a nationwide breast cancer detection and awareness campaign 
conducted by the Women's Health Department. This campaign includes the 
Check it Out high school program which strives to educate teens about 
the dangers of cancer and how to screen oneself for early signs. In 
addition, Hadassah produces quality educational programs that help 
Jewish families learn about and celebrate their Jewish culture and 
heritage.
  Hadassah is also affiliated with numerous other programs which 
provide such services as technical and vocational training and 
environmental preservation. Of particular note is Youth Aliya, which 
assists disadvantaged and at risk youth. Through a system of 
residential villages and day centers these teens have the opportunity 
to take part in health education programs, vocational training and are 
offered exposure to and encouragement in art, dance, music and 
athletics.
  The long and storied history of Hadassah and the record of public 
service by its members is truly commendable. I know that my Senate 
colleagues will join me in congratulating Hadassah on this significant 
occasion.

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