ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
hey, SEE WHAT’S BRAND NEW AT HADASSAH After launching Hadassah’s rebranding, in 2015 we created awareness of our new look and focus, internally to our members and externally, via print and digital advertising. Our mission remains the same, but it was time to update our look and our language to more effectively communicate with a younger Jewish population who will be our leaders in the near future. Research shows us that women today want to be involved, to be challenged, to feel that they are making a difference through hands-on experience and advocacy. But their time is limited. Careers and families, and the pace of living and communicating, mean they choose issues and organizations with care. This led us to refocus, too, on core values and goals, and cut through the clutter with a simple, strong message. We have increased member engagement with online education programs and use social media extensively to support an ongoing conversation with a new and even wider audience. And we have created eMembership for women who are short on time but long on caring.
Hadassah: the power of women who DO
The focus of our work
Hadassah’s new tagline—the power of women who DO—expresses who and what we are. It
The three focus areas that
speaks to a century of “practical Zionism” and captures the dynamism and spirit of Hadassah
encompass and crystalize our
women. We believe in building a world where our Jewish values in action create strong
work are:
community and an enduring Israel. Our members, located in every congressional district in the
p Promoting Israel and Zionism
US, are everywhere, working and learning together, building leaders, empowering women to
p Supporting Hadassah Medical
effect change locally, nationally and internationally. Hadassah is the largest Jewish women’s membership organization in the country. Hadassah women are activists, fundraisers, builders, visionaries, professionals and volunteers. They don’t just talk. Hadassah women DO.
Organization and Health p Mobilizing for Domestic Advocacy
the power of women who
DO
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. was founded over a century ago, before Israel was a State, and before women could vote. Since that time, the organization has remained unwavering in its commitment to Israel, to women’s health and well-being, and to Jewish values and continuity. OUR MISSION: Hadassah is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel. It enhances the health of people worldwide through its support of medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Hadassah empowers its members and supporters, as well as youth in Israel and America, through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and Jewish continuity.
CONTENTS
3 the power of women for ISRAEL
5 t he power of women who HEAL
he power 10 tof women
who ADVOCATE
the 12power
of GIVING
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
the power of women for
ISRAEL feature scholars, activists and community leaders. Hundreds of viewers also watch the events in person. Those who missed the session can take advantage of the archived videos on Hadassah’s website. Just a few of the dynamic guests since our 2014 launch include:
Love for Israel is in the DNA of Hadassah. “Practical Zionism”—putting our Jewish values into action—has been Hadassah’s mission for over a century. Our contributions in healthcare and medicine, youth development, and the environment are evident everywhere in Israel.
HOW DO WE CONNECT TO ISRAEL? We are showing a new generation of women why the land and people of Israel matter more than ever. They see it with their eyes, learn it with their minds, feel it in their hearts. We connect through missions to Israel, Zionist education, youth programs, Israel advocacy in the halls of Congress and at the United Nations, and support of extraordinary medical facilities and research at Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Jerusalem.
Hadassah Missions: Creating Powerful Connections We believe that to know Israel is to love Israel—the land, the people, the history. Hadassah has revamped its travel program to offer a variety of missions focusing on diverse interests, designed for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. Hadassah’s HAPII (Hadassah Active
p Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent and Analyst for The Jerusalem Post in conversation with Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Publisher of The Jewish Week p Jasmine Patihi, High School Program Coordinator at Stand With Us Program in Israel) includes opportunities to volunteer, learn from dynamic speakers, and tour the country. Other Hadassah missions offer optional extensions—visiting Europe or enjoying a cruise on the seas. Every Hadassah mission is a powerful cultural, emotional, and spiritual adventure—a journey through the distant past and vibrant present, and a clear-eyed, thrilling look into Israel’s future. Visitors return home with a connection that remains with them for a lifetime.
Defining Zionism in the 21st Century: Online Speaker Series We’re speaking to a new generation about Israel. Each month, Hadassah invites its members and the greater Jewish community to experience a remarkable speaker talking about Zionism on a diverse array of subjects. Sessions are engaging, interactive conversations, designed to encourage thinking in new ways about Israel and Zionism. Online discussions
p Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Hillel International p Arnold Eisen, Chancellor, Jewish Theological Seminary of America p Sara Greenberg, Graduate Student Representative, Harvard Hillel Board of Directors p Gil Troy, author, journalist, Professor of History at McGill University, Shalom Hartman Engaging Research Fellow in Jerusalem
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the power of women for ISRAEL Hadassah National Convention
Hadassah National Convention 2014: Imagine, Ignite, Inspire In the last 102 years, the Hadassah community has gathered together 97 times to elect their leaders, celebrate with colleagues and learn from experts in international affairs and issues of importance to Israel and to women. Attendees take all that they have learned back to their regions and chapters. The 2014 National Convention featured speakers on women’s heart health, philanthropy, advocacy and other topics. Some of the speakers included: p Ari Shavit, Senior Correspondent, Haaretz and author of New York Times bestseller My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel pR andi Zuckerberg, CEO, Zuckerberg Media and former Director of Market Development, Facebook p Daniel Silva, #1 New York Times best-selling author p Bret Louis Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winner, Foreign Affairs Correspondent and Deputy Editorial Page Editor, The Wall Street Journal p Marcia Riklis, Philanthropist, Founding Member, Jewish Women’s Foundation of NY
Youth Aliyah: Caring for Israel’s Children Youth Aliyah was founded in the early 1930s, on the eve of the Holocaust, as a rescue program for refugee children from Europe. Today, Youth Aliyah villages are havens that provide a safety net of services—food, shelter, education and love—to immigrants and at-risk children from poor or abusive homes in Israel. Hadassah supports three youth villages: Meir Shfeyah, Hadassah Neurim and Ramat Hadassah Szold.
Young Judaea: Connections that Last a Lifetime Young Judaea, the premier Zionist youth movement, develops the next generation of vibrant Jewish leaders through programs for young men and women, ages 7-35, including summer camps in the US for children and teens, and a variety of programs in Israel for teens and young adults. Hadassah supports Young Judaea with funding and scholarships that enable participation by more children and teens. After 70+ years as part of Hadassah, Young Judaea Global, Inc. is now responsible for Young Judaea programs.
Youth Aliyah students
Hadassah & Young Judaea Leaders of Tomorrow Hadassah selects two extraordinary young women, currently in their sophomore or junior year of high school, to receive the merit-based Hadassah & Young Judaea Leaders of Tomorrow Award. Recipients are awarded full tuition to attend a life-changing, four-week Young Judaea summer program in Israel.
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HADASSAH ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
Maille Biederman and Leor Rosen (r) 2015 recipients of Hadassah & Young Judaea Leaders of Tomorrow Award
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
the power of women who
HEAL Hadassah’s first mission was
The healing of the daughter of my people JEREMIAH 8:21-22
In 1912, Jerusalem was crumbling. Babies were born with highly infectious trachoma, a contagious disease that can lead to blindness. Mothers were unaware of basic hygiene. Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold vowed to change the situation. Within two years, Hadassah sent nurses and doctors to serve the population in what was then Palestine. In the years that followed, Hadassah established clinics, hospitals, and medical schools, and laid the groundwork for Israel’s healthcare system.
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the power of women who HEAL
Marcie Natan and Associates Executive Vice President Burton Krull visit patient at HMO
ISRAEL Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) Hadassah Medical Organization has built bridges to peace through medicine since its beginning in 1921. HMO’s two hospitals—one in Ein Kerem and one in Mt. Scopus, Jerusalem—serve the largest population group in Israel. They treat one million patients a year, without regard to race, religion or nationality. The Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower in Ein Kerem, dedicated in 2012, is home to state-of-the-art patient rooms, operating theaters, and trauma services. Five below-ground floors, housing the Surgical Center, are fortified against chemical, biological and traditional weapons. They can be converted into a self-sufficient hospital in case of attack or natural disaster. Medical personnel from around the world come to HMO and to Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School to watch and learn about extraordinary patient care in virtually every medical field. HMO is renowned for its research; it receives more than 50 percent of Israel’s medical research budget, performs half of all hospital research in Israel, and receives 60 percent of National Science Awards given in Israel.
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HADASSAH ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
Fundraising for the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower We continue our efforts to fully equip and furnish the 19-story Tower, and especially to complete the Tower’s 20 ultra-modern operating rooms and the accompanying surgical intensive care units. A fundraising “blitz” brought in $3.7M in 90 days. A grassroots Million Dollar Match campaign to complete the ORs in the Tower was announced as the most recent Doctors on Tour visits began. Revenues were triple the million dollar goal before the Tour ended.
Doctors on Tour Some of HMO’s leading physicians visit cities around the US, conversing with Major Donors, potential contributors and members about the cutting-edge research and patient care happening at HMO. The events range from one-on-one meetings to intimate informal breakfasts to black-tie galas. Recent visits have included: p Prof. Eyal Mishani, Head of Research & Development Division and the Cyclotron/ Radiochemistry Unit, discussed some of the most exciting research developments at HMO. These include the encouraging outlook for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and macular degeneration, utilizing stem cells; and the future of “personalized” medicine, in which treatment is customized for each patient with his own cells, enabling his immune system to fight the disease. He said that HMO is training the next generation of Palestinian
physicians in the most advanced medical procedures, and continues to build bridges to peace.
treatments for MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and cancer.
p Prof. Rami Mosheiff, Head of Orthopedic Trauma at HMO, explained his pioneering use of computerized imaging as a surgical tool, and his trailblazing use of stem cells to heal complex fractures and bone loss faster and more successfully.
p Prof. Asher Salmon, Deputy Director of Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem and a Senior Oncologist at HMO’s Sharett Institute of Oncology, discussed leading a team of researchers that developed a blood test able to predict the presence of harmful BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations. His novel technique, called gene expression profiling, has major implications for those with a high risk for developing breast cancer.
p Prof. Yoram Weiss, Medical Director of Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem, shared groundbreaking developments from Hadassah Medical Organization in stem cell therapies and new
p Prof. Michal Lotem, Head of HMO’s Center for Melanoma and Cancer
Immunotherapy, and one of the world’s leading researchers in malignant melanoma, explained her groundbreaking work with Stage III and IV patients. She successfully treats patients with individualized vaccines that strengthen their immune systems to fight the cancer and prevent recurrence. p Prof. Tamar Peretz, Interim Director General of HMO and Head of the Sharett Institute of Oncology, discussed her groundbreaking research on BRCA 1 gene mutations in the Ashkenazi Jewish community, and new approaches to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Hadassah International Through their active support of Hadassah Medical Organization, the men and women of Hadassah International—representing all faiths and nationalities—create a worldwide network for healing. With extraordinary philanthropists, dazzling special events, and creative partnerships, Hadassah International continues to play a key role in supporting HMO and building the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower.
Prof. Yoram Weiss Medical Director of Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem
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the power of women who HEAL
UNITED STATES Health and Well-Being for Women, Men, Families New research discoveries and medical techniques from HMO are used around the world to help heal patients. In the US, Hadassah educates women and men on the risks, signs and symptoms of many diseases, as well as preventative measures, that reflect the work being done at HMO in Israel.
Every Beat Counts, Hadassah’s Heart Health Program®
Health Program™ nationwide held 95 events and reached thousands of women.
Hadassah is teaching women everywhere about heart health, because heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. 82% of heart disease is preventable. It is critical that women learn how their symptoms differ from men’s, and how to live a heart healthy life. In its first year, 2014, the Every Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart
Every Step Counts, Hadassah’s Walking Program Every Step Counts: Hadassah’s Walking Program, launched early in 2015, challenged women and men—both Hadassah members and nonmembers—to track their daily walking for six months and start living healthier
lives. (150 minutes per week, or 21 minutes per day, is recommended to improve heart health.) This initiative comes under the umbrella of Every Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart Health Program™. The road is virtual but the challenge is real. Participants are walking on a virtual route from Hadassah’s New York headquarters to Hadassah’s hospitals in Jerusalem. Over 1,000 walkers are tracking their steps, and walking their way to healthy hearts.
1,000+ participants joined our virtual walk from New York to Israel
Breast Cancer Awareness
In Israel, Hadassah Medical Organization has done extensive research with the BRCA gene mutations, which significantly increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. It was HMO researchers who discovered a 10% greater frequency of BRCA gene mutations among Ashkenazi Jewish women. In the United States, breast health and breast cancer awareness have been concerns of Hadassah for decades. We have educated women about the importance of early detection, selfexamination, and healthy diet. Several local grassroots programs continue to flourish around the country: The Uplift Project™ has Hadassah members and friends decorating bras and posting the photos on the Hadassah website for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Celebrate the TaTas, our most innovative fundraiser, features talented artists who capture women’s beauty and strength by painting their naked torsos and raising money for breast cancer research at HMO in Israel. Check It Out® for Adults and Teens. Hadassah developed the Check It Out® breast cancer awareness program for teens 20 years ago. Over one million students have been reached through high school and college programs. Check It Out® for Adults began more recently, and includes male breast cancer and the latest information, procedures, and statistics for women.
Men’s Health Initiative: Hadassah Associates Hadassah Associates are educating men about heart disease, and prostate and lung cancer, while they raise funds for cardiac research at HMO. The combination education/fundraising effort adds to the millions of dollars previously raised by 33,000+ Associates for stem cell research.
over 33,000 Associates raised $2,000,000+ for stem cell research 9
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
the power of women who
ADVOCATE Hadassah has had a long history of influencing legislation because of its deep and sustained commitment to advocate on issues of importance to women and the Jewish community. Drawing on its expertise in health research, women’s rights advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, Hadassah’s domestic advocacy agenda provides a multitude of opportunities for its community of 330,000 members, Associates, and supporters—found in every congressional district—to bring about substantive policy change. Hadassah keeps members informed through its Email Action Network and mobilizes members through the 50 State Advocacy Network and National Action Center. After training in the basics of lobbying and Hadassah policy priorities, members visit their elected officials by participating in a Day on the Hill in Washington, DC or a Date with the State in their state capitals. Members can also spend a Day in the District visiting their federal legislators in their home district offices.
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HADASSAH ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)—to create a guide for speaking accurately and persuasively about Israel to media, students, community groups, and critics of Israel. The guide addresses the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict, US support for Israel, and other action issues.
Curriculum Watch Katherine Nasielski, Director of National Initiatives, Public Diplomacy Department, Israeli Embassy, addresses Hadassah Leadership Fellows during Advocacy training in Washington DC
ZIONIST AFFAIRS & ISRAEL ADVOCACY
Semitism around the globe. Hadassah is a nongovernmental organization in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC).
Zionist Advocacy
How to Talk About Israel: A Tool for Advocates
Central to Hadassah’s advocacy efforts is its commitment and dedication to the State of Israel.
Hadassah urges Congress and the White House to maintain support for Israel at the United Nations and on the international stage, including funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system, preventing a nuclear Iran and combating anti-
Hadassah collaborated with the Israel Action Network—a strategic initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), in partnership with the Jewish
Anti-Israel sentiment in the US has been promoted by special interest groups working to revise school textbook content. If Jewish history disappears from textbooks, how will future generations interpret the Holocaust, World War II and the Israel-Palestine conflict? Hadassah’s Curriculum Watch team takes errors to the publishers and works with them to get corrected versions of the textbooks published and distributed.
DOMESTIC ADVOCACY AGENDA Under the umbrella of “Women, Health & Family,” Hadassah is pursuing initiatives on the issues of gender equity in medical research, human trafficking, women’s preventive health and affordable child care.
Hadassah Leadership Fellows in Washington DC
Gender Equity in Medical Research
Combating Human Trafficking
Many diseases can be misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely in women because medical research, diagnostic tools, and treatments are frequently based on male physiology. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet women only represent one-third of participants in cardiovascular clinical trials. Hadassah created the Gender Equity in Medical Research Initiative to advocate for legislation on this issue, and help ensure that medical treatments benefit women and men equally. Hadassah joined with the Society for Women’s Health Research to promote awareness and legislative change on this issue through social and traditional media.
Tragically, slavery remains a modern-day reality for an estimated 27 million people worldwide—more than any other time in history. Hadassah encourages Congress to pass legislation supporting victims of both sex and labor trafficking, and to penalize those profiting from the trafficking enterprise. Hadassah joined with the National Council of Jewish Women to sponsor the Jewish Day of Action to mobilize our communities.
Women’s Preventive Health Four in ten women are unaware of the preventive health services that are now available to them under federal health care law. Hadassah advocates for a national public awareness campaign to educate women about access to these services.
Affordable Child Care A lack of access to quality, affordable child care is a major barrier to worklife balance and financial stability for women and families. Hadassah urges Congress to act on legislation to help ease the financial burden on families who seek access to high quality care for their children.
Hadassah Leadership Fellows: Engaging Leaders of Tomorrow’s Jewish Community The dynamic Hadassah Leadership Fellows followed their enlightening mission to Israel with three days in Washington, DC. They had training sessions on how to advocate; a briefing at the White House; a tour of the Supreme Court; and heard presentations on advocating for women and for Israel. Finally, they lobbied on behalf of key Hadassah issues with Members of
Congress. They are currently planning individual “Impact Board” projects: creative pilot programs designed to become “vehicles of change” related to Hadassah’s advocacy agenda. One project is developing an app for medical professionals to identify victims of human trafficking. The second group of Fellows will be selected for 2016/17.
Know Your Worth: Own Your Future Hadassah has for many years worked in coalitions to influence legislation on women’s economic equity. The most recent: Know Your Worth: Own Your Future, created in partnership with Jewish Women International, helps women in transition gain an understanding of their finances and teaches the steps necessary to plan for a secure future. The workshops are now available nationwide, after a four-city pilot program.
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HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
the power of
GIVING THE TRUDY MANDEL LOUIS CHARITABLE TRUST
has been a consistent and generous donor to Hadassah, innovative in its approach to grant making. The trustees, honoring the wishes of Trudy Mandel Louis, look for Hadassah projects that are progressive and cutting edge. One of the trustees read about the stem cell work of Professor Orly Elpeleg, Director of the Department of Genetic and Metabolic Diseases at Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), and knew the Trust wanted to be part of it.
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Trudy Mandel Louis was a Hadassah member who knew she could make a difference. The Charitable Trust that she established honors her memory through funding lifesaving work at Hadassah.
Professor Elpeleg might be described in lay terms as a “genetic detective,” armed with a Deep Sequencer, the only one in Israel. This device reads genetic code quickly and more deeply than other technologies. It enables the identification of genetic anomalies that will result in specific negative developmental outcomes. The early detection can result in earlier treatment.
sophisticated genetic tests. In addition, important genetic counseling can be provided to couples considering starting a family. This is an expensive process that is not covered by medical insurance in Israel. The Trudy Mandel Louis Charitable Trust provided the necessary funding for individuals who could not afford the test.
Many patients have had lifesaving treatment based on the findings of these
When the trustees learned that Professor Benjamin Reubinoff, Head of HMO’s
HADASSAH ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center was working on a special project with Professor Shulamit Levenberg of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Technion, they knew they wanted to be part of this collaboration. Professors Reubinoff and Levenberg are focusing on the regeneration of spinal cord neural pathways in patients with spinal cord injuries. This regeneration is based on the implantation
of stem cells, in what is called a biodegradable scaffolding, which is destined to heal those damaged pathways. Their groundbreaking work provides hope to those with spinal cord injuries. Most recently, the Louis Trust has chosen to fund a study into Systemic Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SOJIA) being done by Eli M. Eisenstein, M.D., a pediatric rheumatologist in HMO’s Department of Pediatrics. This specific type of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis appears to be different from other forms of the same disease, and in some cases, Deep Sequencing has found mutations that may account for the SOJIA. This study is just beginning, but it could lead to novel and rapid diagnostic tests and treatment. Trudy Mandel Louis was a Hadassah member who knew she could make a difference. The Charitable Trust that she established honors her memory through funding lifesaving work at Hadassah.
annual report 2015 UPDATE
THE POWER OF WOMEN WHO DO Aligning Everyday Efforts Our three national priorities—Zionism & Israel, HMO & Health, and Domestic Advocacy— are resonating deeply with Hadassah members and supporters, and forming the umbrella under which we define and coordinate our work. In 2015, we aligned our new brand identity and expression, “The Power of Women Who DO,” with day-to-day efforts, working closely with leaders around the country to ensure that all our programs and initiatives have brand relevance and help further the Hadassah mission.
New Leaders Making Headlines Several new leaders have brought fresh vision to revitalizing Hadassah, including the election of a new national president for Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., as well as new leadership at the Hadassah Medical Organization and at Hadassah Magazine.
“I am energized to continue Hadassah’s critical work in saving lives through groundbreaking medical research at the Hadassah Medical Organization, and in empowering Jewish women to be leaders by addressing today’s most relevant issues.” —Ellen Hershkin (quoted in the Jewish Daily Forward)
Ellen Hershkin Hadassah’s 26th National President (elected in July 2015) A member since 1973, Ellen Hershkin has served nationally as vice president, secretary, coordinator of the PRAZE* division and Young Judaea, and national chair of Membership Outreach, Public Affairs, Young Leaders, Hadassah’s Office in Israel, and Convention. She was a travel consultant for 20 years and specialized in Israel travel.
Zeev Rotstein, MD Director General of HMO (announced in November 2015) Zeev Rotstein came to HMO with recommendations from Israel’s Ministries of Health and Finance. Immediately prior to Hadassah, he was the director general at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer, where he began in 1984 as a senior cardiologist.
Lisa Hostein Executive Editor, Hadassah Magazine Lisa Hostein served for nearly 15 years as editor in chief of JTA, the global Jewish news agency, and eight years as the executive editor of the Jewish Exponent in Philadelphia.
* PRogramming, Advocacy, Zionism and Education
In July 2015, Dianne Gottlieb, Rhoda Smolow, and Kacy Spivack were elected onto the Executive Committee as national vice presidents, joining National Treasurer Roni Schwartz, National Secretary Gail Hammerman, National Portfolio Officer Roz Rosen, and national VPs Kathy Hershfield, Frieda Rosenberg, and Carol Rosenthal.
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
HADASSAH.ORG
WOMEN’S HEALTH & WELLNESS IN THE UNITED STATES
IN ISRAEL: HEALTH & WELLNESS FOR ALL
Gender Equity in Medicine
At HMO: Research in Service to Humanity
Hadassah joined allies in advocating for congressional resolutions (S.Res 242 and H.Res. 458) —cosponsored by over 100 female legislators—celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Office of Research on Women’s Health and urging continued action to address gender disparities in research. Through our Day in the District program, we promoted Hadassah’s Gender Equity in Medical Research (GEM) Initiative in 21 congressional district offices from Southern California to Fargo, ND, to NYC. We are proud that Hadassah’s volunteers, through these district visits, were able to secure six co-sponsors for GEM legislation, the Research for All Act. In 2015, we began planning for the creation of a new national coalition to address gender inequities in women’s research, prevention, treatment and cure.
At Hadassah Medical Organization, trailblazing researchers and doctors made the kind of medical breakthroughs that have earned HMO a reputation as one of the world’s top research hospitals with awardwinning doctors, including 12 who have won the Israel Prize. In 2015, for example, we saw game-changing advances in stem cell research. In clinical trials at HMO, Dr. Dimitrios Karussis was able to slow the progression of ALS, with nearly 90% of subjects showing improvements to muscle or respiratory function. In 2015, he shared his results at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting while preparing his findings for a report to be published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Every Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart Health Program® a woman is
10X more likely to die of heart disease
very Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart E Health Program® (EBC) continues to educate, engage, and empower women to live healthy lifestyles by learning symptoms and prevention tips for women’s heart disease. In 2015, we presented Every Beat Counts programming in 50 areas, bringing our cumulative reach to 10,000 people since late 2013.
than breast cancer
rom April through September 2015, more F than a thousand people signed up for Every Step Counts: Hadassah’s Walking Program (ESC), logging 720 million steps, which is the same as 14.4 laps around the earth. Many walkers described significant health benefits and increased their connection and commitment to Hadassah. To engage more women in our heart health initiatives, we began an EBC partnership with the Jewish Community Centers of North America, in which local JCCs provide our EBC and ESC programs to JCC participants.
Breast Cancer Health Summit
From left: Naomi Rabinowitz, Michelle Conwisar, Lauren Rothman, Tamar Peretz, Fran Drescher, Dorothy Lasensky.
As a co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Summit of Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Movement at the Skirball Center in Los Angeles, Hadassah brought a sense of humor and a celebrity splash to empowering women to take charge of their health, their bodies and their environment. As one of the summit’s main events, worldrenowned cancer authority Dr. Tamar Peretz, interim HMO Director General and Director of Hadassah’s Sharett Institute of Oncology in Jerusalem, spoke about groundbreaking cancer research at HMO.
To help build awareness and support, we launched a cross-divisional campaign to engage our members and donors in advancing trailblazing medical science that saves lives around the world. In conjunction with our Hadassah Doctors on Tour, we brought HMO doctors to the United States, including Dr. Yoram Weiss, Medical Director of Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem; Dr. Karussis, and Prof. Eyal Mishani, HMO Director of Research and Development. “We know that by investing in research, we can give our patients of today the medicine of tomorrow,” Prof. Mishani said during an interview on the Jewish Broadcasting System (JBS Channel). Case in point: In 2015, a Hadassah oncologist developed a blood test that can predict the presence of harmful BRCA mutations in otherwise healthy women using a novel technology called gene expression profiling. HMO has done extensive research since 1995 with the BRCA gene mutation, which significantly increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This breakthrough joins other HMO research advances in cancer, obstetrics, neurodegenerative diseases, immunotherapy, melanoma and cardiac disease. In addition, the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Institute for Women, part of HMO’s Heart Health Institute in Ein Kerem, is leading the way in advancing awareness about how heart disease and heart attacks present differently in women vs. men, work mirrored by our outreach efforts in the United States.
The Sarah Westman Davidson Hospital Tower Thanks to our generous donors—especially in a targeted campaign that raised $3.7 million in just a few months— we completed final construction and the installation of surgical equipment for 13 of 20 cutting-edge underground operating rooms in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower. Dr. Ofer Gofrit, a senior Hadassah urologist who heads the committee that planned this new surgical environment, says it’s “the best surgical facility in Israel and ranks with the best in the world.”
HMO BY THE NUMBERS
EMPOWERING WOMEN Attracting New Members In 2015, our “Share the Power” membership gifting campaign exceeded annual goals by 50%, bringing in more than 7,800 new members. Our members live in every state, engaging at the national and local level, including in more than 800 chapters around the country.
Training Leaders HOSPITALIZATIONS
AMBULATORY VISITS
+5,633 FROM 2014
+19,384 FROM 2014
86,400
631,053
As part of our commitment to empowering Jewish women to effect change, training leaders is essential to our mission. Through Hadassah’s broad-based speakers bureau, webinars, mentoring sessions, leadership trainings and more, thousands of our leaders received the kind of skills training that empowers them to have a bigger impact in their communities.
A Global Approach Hadassah’s UN Team presented an event for the 59th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, a forum on “Women: Financial Security and Independence.” Co-sponsored with Jewish Women International, the event featured speakers from JWI, Hadassah and UNESCO and included segments on financial literacy based on the Hadassah/JWI program “Know Your Worth,” on projects for women’s empowerment supported by the Hadassah Foundation, and on UNESCO’s support of women in underdeveloped countries. The team also attended multiple UN and NGO briefings, meetings and events as well as monthly meetings of the informal caucus of Jewish NGOs.
Hadassah Leadership Fellows LABORATORY TESTS
3,983,076
DAY CARE IVF
3,968
+229,000 FROM 2014
+232 FROM 2014
SURGERIES
BIRTHS
33,510
11,204
+2,581 FROM 2014
+652 FROM 2014
The Hadassah Leadership Fellows (HLF) program is a two-year leadership experience designed to inspire and cultivate future leaders. It offers participants opportunities to learn and grow, and to engage as volunteers with Hadassah’s mission and the larger community.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS TO ISRAEL AND ZIONISM In 2015, we reenergized our Israel advocacy and Zionism programs, built up our rapid response efforts, and revitalized our missions. Additionally, we created a new resource guide for effective pro-Israel advocacy in partnership with the Israel Action Network, “How to Talk About Israel,” which helps individuals and communities combat BDS and antiSemitism.
RADIOLOGY/ ULTRASOUND
EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS
421,745
136,369
+33,949 FROM 2014
+10,767 FROM 2014
Defining Zionism in the 21st Century We adopted a new format for our Defining Zionism series, intended to help us to significantly increase views and broaden our reach, including online and at in-person events around the country. We featured a selection of diverse perspectives—including from Gil Troy, Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, Gil Hoffman, Susannah Heschel, Sara Greenberg, Eric Fingerhut, Mehnaz Afridi, and Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum—with nearly 17,000 online views.
Speaking out Against a Nuclear Iran We held about 20 educational meetings in nine states to inform legislators about the Iran agreement and the issues to be addressed in evaluating the bill’s language.
Rapid Response “We can’t stop the bloodshed. But we can stop the bleeding.” In response to hundreds of terror attacks against Israeli citizens and soldiers, as well as visitors—with cars, knives, hatchets, stones and guns—Hadassah stepped up. We ran campaigns to generate solidarity with Israel and to support Hadassah’s hospitals that treated victims, including a digital and print ad campaign that included a half-page ad in the Wall Street Journal. We led an emergency advocacy campaign calling on President Obama and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to increase pressure on Palestinian leadership to denounce violence and end incitement. And our advocates sent 15,000 letters to elected officials and elicited public pro-Israel awareness on social media.
Next Generation: Youth Focus We allocated $370,000 in scholarship funds to enable 240 recipients to participate in 2015 Young Judaea camps and Israel programs. Two exceptional high school women—Maille Biederman and Leor Rosen—received full scholarships to Young Judaea’s Summer Israel program through our second annual Leaders of Tomorrow Award.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS BY ALIGNING ORGANIZATIONAL PRIORITIES The nuts and bolts of organizational operations and programmatic fine-tuning aren’t sexy, but they’re what make so many of our accomplishments possible. In 2015, we restructured our operations functions and aligned our programs for greater access and efficiency to optimize Hadassah’s organizational health.
pE stablished a proactive approach to donor cyber-security and safety protocols.
pS et groundwork for operations/systems
overhaul to keep pace with evolving best practices. pD eveloped a new website, targeted communications, and more robust social media presence engaging new audiences while creating deeper connections with members. p I mproved online experiences, with a more user-friendly interface and new resources and tools to give members and donors more control and transparency. pM ade myHadassah an online hub for Hadassah resources, allowing every member and donor to tailor their user experience and every leader to access important resources. pS trengthened our presence on Capitol Hill and among Washington-area organizations and coalitions, including through our membership in the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the Jewish Coalition Against Trafficking. pC reated the first steps in transition to a high-functioning national, grassroots Advocacy Communications Network.
pL ed social media campaigns
for #Research4All and to #EndHumanTrafficking and Hadassah signed onto 6 amicus curiae briefs and over 30 letters to support our domestic policy priorities. pF ully launched Missions program with four oversold trips to new locations. pC onnected to the Cloud and began outsourcing credit card processing for better security and efficiency.
GIVING HIGHLIGHTS: NEW DEVELOPMENTS Our 2015 giving year saw strong support from 50,891 donors.
pW e celebrated increased funding from
key supporters, including a sizeable bump in our USAID/ASHA grant to $1 million for 2015, representing a $250,000 increase from 2014. pW e opened 194 new estates in 2015, compared to 166 opened during 2014. pW e have kept our status as one of the largest charitable gift annuity programs in America with 2,100 annuities and $64 million in planned gifts. pW e expanded annual giving during our 18th anniversary of Keepers of the Gate, while establishing new funding opportunities.
IN THE NEWS: A SMALL SAMPLING OF HIGHLIGHTS pW hether you live in Fort Lauderdale,
Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston or New York, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or São Paulo, your local papers have featured Hadassah’s community forums, educational health and Zionist events, advocacy efforts, and galas in thousands of articles showcasing the Power of Women Who DO.
pA s debates around genetic testing of
Ashkenazi women for BRCA mutations took hold of the Jewish community in 2015, Dr. Tamar Peretz—then Interim Director General of HMO—provided a crucial perspective in national and international articles about the need for women to make informed decisions. Her expertise provided crucial guidance to readers of the Times of Israel, Jewish Daily Forward, JTA, New York Jewish Week, Haaretz, the Jewish Voice and more. pH onoring Legacy: In a January 2015 obituary, the New York Times highlighted the accomplishments of a past Hadassah national president: “Ruth Popkin, who emerged from a secular background to lead two major Jewish organizations...in work that benefited Israelis and refugees in the 1980s and ’90s, died on Jan. 2 at her home in Manhattan. She was 101.” In April, the Times celebrated the life and legacy of another past Hadassah national president in an obituary whose headline read: “Bernice Tannenbaum, Who Fought U.N. Resolution on Zionism, Dies at 101.” pO n the JBS Channel (Jewish Broadcasting Service, formerly Shalom TV) show “L’Chayim,” host Rabbi Marc Golub interviewed Prof. Eyal Mishani, Director of Research and Development at HMO, and Hadassah Executive Director/CEO Janice Weinman to discuss HMO medical breakthroughs and to promote the work of Hadassah in the US and Israel. pT o help raise awareness of HMO’s role in responding to violence and terror in Jerusalem, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio held a press conference in Jerusalem at Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem. pT hen-Hadassah National President Marcie Natan’s letter to the New York Times, published in October 2015, urged women to rely on science, family history, and informed experts when it comes to making decisions about genetic testing for BRCA.
PRESIDENT’S
BUILD, PLANT, SERVE America is a beacon of freedom and prosperity. Apple is famous for computers and smartphones. Hadassah is renowned for medical care and research, advocating on behalf of important women’s issues, and educating on Zionism and Israel. But the successes of nations, businesses, and philanthropic organizations don’t happen by themselves. They are the product of harnessing the wisdom, creativity and dedication of leaders, citizens, shareholders and members.
message
Throughout 2015, Hadassah was busy engaging and mobilizing its community of members, donors and Associates. Among our many initiatives, a gifting campaign brought in 7,500 new members—50 percent higher than our goal. In 2015, we set the stage for 21 “Day in the District” events, in which groups of members visit their congressional representatives in their home communities, and advocate for important domestic issues as well as for Israel’s security. We launched a major campaign for Gender Equity in Medical Research (GEM) to end an embedded form of discrimination that has life-and-death consequences for women. We also conducted a pilot project with the Jewish Community Centers of North America to expand the reach of Hadassah’s “Every Beat Counts” heart health program beyond Hadassah’s membership. To better connect our members to Israel, we reinvigorated our missions department. We received a $1 million USAID/ASHA grant (33 percent higher than the previous year) for much needed equipment at HMO. And while all of this was happening, we were strengthening our governance, streamlining our National Board, better defining the different roles and areas of synergy between the Board and our Portfolio Council—a select group of leaders who work with Hadassah volunteers and staff around the country to educate, strategize, fundraise and manage projects. Meanwhile, the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem continued to provide worldclass treatment and conduct groundbreaking clinical research, while opening new sections of the gleaming Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower—even as the pressures of renewed terrorism mounted. Hadassah’s values—strengthening the Jewish people, building the Jewish state, empowering Jewish women—have been steady for 104 years, but our projects and operating procedures have changed with the demands of the times and the needs of the people we serve. Internal improvements we put in place in 2015 planted seeds for a future in which we endeavor to expand and better fund our American agenda, maintain our medical center as the flagship of Israeli health care and also enhance the connection between Hadassah women and Israel. As the year came to an end, we made the smooth transition—as we do every four years—to new leadership. I am honored to have been elected National President of Hadassah, with a mandate to build upon this organization’s proud record of service to the Jewish people, Israel and the world.
Ellen Hershkin, National President HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
(see reverse side)
HADASSAH.ORG
CEO’S
In 2015, Hadassah defined, refined and established clear priorities for the organization: Zionism & Israel; HMO & Health and Wellness; and American Advocacy. Within each of these pillars, we conducted our agenda through agreed-to and meaningful activities that impact lives in the US, Israel and around the world.
message
Our commitment to Israel manifested itself in our Defining Zionism in the 21st Century series, our “How to Talk About Israel” publication, and our initiatives with other organizations to combat BDS. Over the course of the year, we had eight Defining Zionism speakers, including Susannah Heschel, Gil Troy, Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, Sara Greenberg, Eric Fingerhut, Mehnaz Afridi and Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum. The formats varied from one-hour videos, to short 5-10 minute segments, to live, audience participatory events. The number of viewers increased from an average of 600 at the beginning of the year to more than 8,000 by the end. As we move into 2016, we are launching an outreach program to our units around the country to hold parlor meetings, synagogue discussions, and study groups. We believe it is very important to expand the reach of the program more deeply into our communities. Our focus on HMO & Health and Wellness encompassed continued fundraising to ensure the quality of treatment and care provided at Ein Kerem and Mt. Scopus hospitals and the expansion of HMO research work on MS, macular degeneration, ALS, and cardiology at the hospital. During 2015, we held a major press conference to launch the findings of clinical trials on ALS conducted at HMO in which the disease was arrested in nearly 90% of those included in the trials. Our commitment to health and wellness included new dimensions of our Every Step Counts, with more than a thousand walkers tracking over 720 million steps and amazing strides made in our new campaign on Gender Equity. 2015 brought with it the creation of a coalition of like-minded organizations interested in working with us to address inequities in medical research, prevention and treatment. Our focus on American advocacy saw new developments in the record number of responses on Action Alerts to such issues as combating human trafficking, women’s health and economic equity. Finally, throughout our organization we are feeling a new sense of pride around the strides being made at HMO. At the end of 2015 a new Director General was chosen who took the helm of our hospitals in the beginning of 2016. But, prior to his arrival, the institution had already made major developments in turning around its fiscal and operational viability. Working closer with the Government of Israel, and in greater partnership between HWZOA and HMO, a renewed sense of purpose and credibility began as we moved from one year to the next. We are so deeply grateful to all of our donors, members and Associates who continued their commitment to, and faith in, the jewel in our crown. With all best wishes,
Janice Weinman, Executive Director/CEO
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of Funds 2015 ($99M) Unaudited
of funds
$ 40M
Hadassah Medical Organization
$16M
The Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower
$15M Program Expenses $1M Young Judaea $1M Hadassah College Jerusalem $1M Youth Aliyah $16M Overhead $9M Development IRS Form 990 and Audited Consolidated Reports are available at hadassah.org.
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
HADASSAH.ORG
national BOARD MEMBERS
NATIONAL OFFICERS President Ellen Hershkin Vice-Presidents Dianne Gottlieb Kathy Hershfield Frieda Rosenberg Carol Rosenthal Rhoda Smolow Kacy Spivack Portfolio Council Officer Roz Rosen Treasurer Roni Schwartz Secretary Gail Hammerman Honorary Vice-Presidents Nancy Falchuk Carmela E. Kalmanson Deborah B. Kaplan Bonnie Lipton Marcie Natan Marlene E. Post All officers are members of the National Board and the Executive Committee NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS Liz Alpert Haidi Appel Miriam Aron Sue Beller Mindy Bloom Aileen Bormel Pennie Sessler Branden Sharon Cadoff Sheila Derman Karen Ezrine Rena Feuerstein Ruth Ann Freedman Clara Gillman Michelle Goldberg Phyllis Hartstein Lynda Heyman Roz Kantor Marlene Kaplan Michelle Kaplan Rebecca Krasnegor Marcia Gabrilove Ladin Anita Levy Valerie Lowenstein Dale Marcus Sheree Mirochnik Susan Moye Melanie Nasberg Benita Ross Carol Ann Schwartz Merna Shapiro Shelley Sherman Robin Shuman Barbara Shurberg Diane Sigel Jane Strom Fern Tannenbaum Carol Weiss Jean Weitz Laurie Werner NATIONAL PORTFOLIO COUNCIL Beth Saltzman Aaronson Renee Albert Sandra Alfonsi Lynn Altshuler Sherry Altura Sara Aronson Wendy Backelman Ginni Baird Liz Bazini
Phyllis Berlas Bettye Berlin Phyllis Berlow Esther Yelen Berman Janice Bernstein Elaine Binder Nancy Bluth Leona Brauser Fredi Brown Caren Caplan Gail Cohen Leona Cohen Ruth G. Cole Lisa Davidson Lynn Davidson Janet Deixler Rhoda Dombchik Madelyn Donoff Rochelle Edelman Sandy Einberg Ann Eisenberg Marsha Eisenberg Joan Epstein Karen Everett Sherri Ades Falchuk Carol Fasman Carol Fein Karen Feit Frances Feldman Nikki Feldman Francine Fettman Judi Finkelstein Barbara Fleischer Elizabeth L. Fox Connie Cirillo Freeman Debbie Friedman Leslie Gaffin Dorothy Ganz Doris Geller Norma S. Gindes Lynn Gold-Benjamin Zandra Goldberg Karen Goldman Beverly Goldsmith Dawn Goldstein Jill Bernhardt Goldstone Rita Gottlieb Elissa Grebber Adele Greenblatt Carole Greenfield Janice Greenwald Ruth Grossberg Rae Gurewitsch Ruth Gursky Haren Haber Linda Hakerem Ruth Hendelman Sylvia Herman Jill Hershbein Roz Holberg Barbara Horwitz Diane Issenberg Jane Jacobson Beatrice Johnson Teri Junker Deborah Kahn Lee Kansas Ann Karty Carol Goodman Kaufman Sherryl Kaufman Eddyse Kessler Sandra King Josie Kivort Janet Klein-Young Vivian Kovacs Sharon Krischer Dorothy Lasensky Rickie Leiter Barbara Levin Patricia Levinson Judith Levy Gail Lieb Dina Lipschultz Karen Lustig
Ellyn Lyons Sheila Macks Judith Mann Fern Marks Ellen Masters Debra Mazon Annette Meskin Dafna Michaelson Linda Minkes Deborah Minkoff Barbara Mishkin Sue Mizrahi Holly Moskowitz Miffie Nagorsky Jane Nyce Suzanne Offit, Hadassah Foundation Chair Helaine Ohayon Tobey R. Olken, Esq. Judy Padolf Judith L. Palkovitz Emily Pinchuk Carolyn Plessner Stacie Podos Sue Polansky Hanna Pollack Joy E. Pollock, Esq. Joyce Rabin Ada Rabinowitz Edria Ragosin Sonia Raizes Nancy Rapoport Lonye Rasch Leah Reicin Sharon Richman Renee Rosenhech Marlene Rosenthal Carol Rotenberg Loren Roth Michele Rubin Barbara Sabin Joan Walder Sacarob Alecia Sachs Tamar Sadeh Fred Safer, National Associates President Jill Sapperstein Judith Saxe Laura Schiff Sharon Schneider Rachel Schonberger Maureen Schulman Sima Schuster Jill Schwartz-Chevlin Gillian Sescoe Betty Shapiro Rita Shapiro Deborah Shendelman Judy Shereck Nancy Shuman Natalie Silverman Ellen Silverstein Belle Simon Sharon Sisselsky Barbara Spack Ceil Stern Tema Sternberg Diane Taub Iris Tishkoff Melanie Topper Anastasia Torres-Gil Mindy Tucker Rosalyn Tuton Roselle Ungar Ruthanne Warnick Dana Waxler Helen Weisberg Judy Weiss Laurie Weitz Marcia Weller Nancy Wiadro Elaine Winograd Deborah Wiskind Jamie Zelig
Ruth Zimbler Jane Zolot PRESIDENTS Boston Varda Farber Brooklyn Barbara Katz Central States Lynn Furness Chicago-North Shore Luisa Ellenbogen Connecticut Sally Kleinman Desert-Mountain Cathy Olswing Florida Atlantic Marion Aronheim Florida Broward Dorrie Kahn Florida Central Susan Lafer Great Plains Teree Farbstein Greater Baltimore Julie Bernstein Greater Detroit Carol Ogusky Greater Miami Linda Goldstein Greater Philadelphia Patsy Gruenberg Joyce Laiter Greater Pittsburgh Barbara Scheinberg Greater Southwest Amy Applebaum Greater Washington Judy Erdheim Lower New York State Amy Solomon Nassau Tracey Drayer New York Rita Lourie-Galena Northern New England Rhoda Saunders Northern New Jersey Stephanie Z. Bonder Northern Seaboard Luisa Narins Pacific Northwest Peg Elefant Southeastern Toby Parker Southern Bonnie Boring Southern California Sandra Sadikoff Southern New England Susan Shikora
Westchester Rachel Freedman Michele Lippin Honorary Council Chris Adler Gerry Sue Arnold Claire Baer Elaine Baker Naomi R. Barsky Rhoda Bernstein Shirley Blumberg Rhoda Breverman Freda Brode Dorothy R. Bucksbaum Judith R. Clements Karen Dannin Roberta M. Ebert Elaine H. Ellish Barbara Extein Bobbie Feinstein Linda Elfmon Fleishman Arlene Freedman Rae G. Gelfand Rae M. Ginsburg Carol Goldsmith Sandra Goldstein Anna E. Greenberg Doris Greenberg Betty Rapoport Hamburger Marjorie G. Housen Ruth B Hurwitz Sharon Jacobson Paula Jarnicki Leah-Dee Kahn Helene Karpa Joyce C. Kitey Bea Klein Bobbee Slotsky Kramer Sheila Lebowitz Marilyn Levine Bobbie Limor Seema Liston Lee Lobel-Zwang Susan Mark Barbara G. Melamed Dovie Melnick Julie Morris Linda Glesser Morris Soraya Nazarian Barbara Pailet Renee Resnik Corinne Ravel Retchin Lisl Schick Elaine M. Senter Rhesa E. Shapiro Andrea Silagi Eva Silberman Jacqueline Silverberg Lois Slott Annette Sondock Judith Swartz Barbara Tirschwell Barbara Topol Karen Venezky Susan Weinberg Mona Wood Susan Yorke Edith Zamost Susan Zimmerman Theda Zuckerman
Southern New Jersey Michelle Krasner Southern Seaboard Gail Moskowitz Suffolk Phyllis Abramson Upper Midwest Anna Walter
HADASSAH THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC.
(see reverse side)
HADASSAH.ORG
EXECUTIVE/MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE TEAM Janice Weinman was appointed in June 2012 as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hadassah. She came directly from her post as President of K.I.D.S., an organization supporting millions of children in need in communities across the United States and overseas. Prior to her position at K.I.D.S., she served as Vice President for External Affairs of The Mount Sinai Hospital/NYU Medical Center and Health System in New York, where she was responsible for government and community relations, marketing, communications and public affairs of the five hospital consortium. Weinman also previously served as Executive Director and CEO of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a nationwide grassroots network of more than 200,000 members and 600 college and university partners and was Executive Vice President of the College Board, which works to ensure all students in the United States have adequate preparation and the opportunity to enroll in and graduate from college. She also served as the assistant to US Secretary of Education in both the Carter and Clinton administrations. Among the many leadership positions Weinman has held in civic and community organizations, she was an inaugural board member of the Hadassah Foundation, has served as Chairman of the Board of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, Chairman of the Board of the Women’s Leadership Board of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and member of the Visiting Committee of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She holds doctorate and master’s degrees from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University. Rick Annis served on the Board of Hadassah Medical Organization prior to his tenure at HWZOA and has served on non-profit boards and governmental committees in numerous states and internationally. Sheryl Zeligson, Hadassah’s General Counsel, has been with Hadassah since 1992. Prior to Hadassah, Zeligson served as an associate at the law firms of Fulbright and Jaworski, LLP and Kelley Drye & Warren, LLP. She graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science. Sheryl was awarded a J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law. She is a member of the New York and New Jersey State Bars, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jersey. She has been a member of the Committee on Non-Profit Organizations, Association of the Bar of the City of New York. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
team
Naomi Brunnlehrman is the Director of the PRogrammaning, Advocacy, Zionism and Education (PRAZE) Division. Naomi has been an advocate for over 30 years and is a co-founder of The Jewish Deaf Resource Center, which builds bridges between individuals who are deaf and hard-of-hearing and the wider Jewish community. She is a trilingual interpreter, a past Assistant Vice President at KeyCorp, a Software Conversion Project Specialist for over 10 years and most recently worked at DOROT as their Education Director. Naomi has her MA in Jewish Studies from the Graduate School of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Nantambu Brown is Director of Operations for the Data Processing Center and Information Technology, and has worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years.
Nantambu received a BA from Lehigh University. Prior to joining Hadassah, provided technical expertise and performed workshop facilitation for a Harlembased life-skills and career training organization.
and the JTS Cantorial School Task Force. Sheryl graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Communications.
Melissa Karachalios is the Director of the Member & Unit Services Division. Before coming to Hadassah in Sheryl Hoffman October 2013, Melissa served is the Director of Marketing as the Director of Membership and Communications. and Communications at the Sheryl has over 30 years’ National Council of Jewish experience in marketing Women (NCJW). There she agencies, corporate and non- launched a new membership profit organizations. Prior campaign nationally and to Hadassah, Sheryl was the with local chapters, and had Director of External Affairs at responsibility for leadership Teachers College, Columbia training, direct marketing University and the Executive activity and media relations. Director of Marketing and Melissa has over 20 years Communications at Jewish of nonprofit experience. National Fund. Sheryl is Prior to her tenure at the a past president of her National Council of Jewish synagogue, and has also Women, Melissa held several served on various boards management positions in and committees including the for-profit sector and the NJ regional board in the non-profit sector at of United Synagogue of the American Society for Conservative Judaism, the Microbiology, the American Jewish Theological Seminary Society of Civil Engineers and Cantorial School Focus Group the Society for Neuroscience.
Melissa has a BS in Communications from SUNY Oneonta. David Pasternack brings 30 years of experience to his role as Chief Development Officer. David received a BA from the University of Georgia. David spent most of his career in various sales and marketing positions including New Business Development at Kimberly-Clark where he won the ‘Employee of the Year’ Award. He later worked at the American Heart Association where he brought in more donations than anyone in the organization’s history at the time. Additionally, he helped develop and fund the award-winning GO RED FOR WOMEN campaign. Most recently, David was Executive Director at Israel Bonds NY, where his team sold over $214 million dollars of investments in the State of Israel in 2013 alone.
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2016 Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Hadassah, the H logo, © Hadassah the Power of Women Who Do, Every Beat Counts: Hadassah’s Heart Health Program, Check It Out, and The Uplift Project are registered trademarks of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Young Judaea is also a federally registered trademark.