Hadassah-Israel, a new women’s organization intended to support and implement Hadassah projects in Israel, was established here this week. The 500 delegates attending the inaugural ceremonies at the Hadassah Hospital on Mt. Scopus, elected Rose Joshua, president.
Hadassah claims a membership of 370,000 which makes it the largest American Jewish organization and the largest single Zionist body in the world. It is based exclusively in the U.S. But at its national convention in Washington, D.C. six months ago, the delegates endorsed a national board recommendation to authorize “persons residing outside the U.S. to express their support for the Hadassah programs.”
That was the green light for efforts to organize Hadassah-Israel. So far it has enrolled more than 1,000 new immigrants who had been associated with Hadassah in the U.S. and many Israeli women. Among the latter is Aura Herzog, wife of President Chaim Herzog of Israel. She and Nellie Lewis, wife of U.S. Ambassador Samuel Lewis, have been made honorary charter members of Hadassah-Israel.
Mrs. Joshua noted at the inaugural ceremonies that the new organization intends to support Hadassah institutions in Israel and improve the quality of life in Israeli society. “Hadassah is not a new name in this country,” she said. “But this day marks the opening of our ranks to all of the women of Israel, enabling them to share in both our duties and joys, building an even better Hadassah.” Sylvia Shapiro will continue to serve as chairperson of the Hadassah Council in Israel.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
