4 minute read
Make my eyes look to the future
From two nurses to a global organization
Diane Schwartz, Presidents Council for Collier/Lee Chapter
Change can impact so many aspects of our lives. Maturing or coming into “our own” some would say. Founded 113 years ago, Hadassah's first effort for pre-state Israel was to send two nurses to treat those with trachoma, an eye disease. Through two world wars and the war for Israel's independence, Hadassah grew and matured. Our volunteer leaders and members followed the words of Founder Henrietta Szold when she said to a sculptor, “Make my eyes look to the future.” Through our social, educational and Jewish values, and learning through research, Hadassah did look to the future.
Hadassah now focuses on advancing global health care and medicine; Connecting members to Israel and Zionism and advocating our values. Supported by generous donors in the United States and around the world, the Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) two Jerusalem hospitals — Mount Scopus and Ein Karem — are innovative and compassionate global leaders in medical care, treatments and research serving more than a million women, men and children a year, regardless of religion, race or nationality. I am sure you have heard of these hospitals; however, they have grown and changed over time.
Hadassah International was established in 1983 as the global arm of Hadassah outside of the United States. It consists of groups of men and women, of many faiths, around the world who raise money to support Hadassah’s outstanding Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO).
Recipient of a 2025 Newsweek medical award, HMO oversees world-class research, clinical care, and education at Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital campuses in Jerusalem. At the Mount Scopus Campus, The Gandel Rehabilitation Center was initially funded with a most generous gift from the Australian Gandel Family Foundation. It was under construction when the tragic Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack occurred. Hadassah Medical Organization leadership accelerated the schedule to open the facility to serve the needs of the country.
When completed, the 26,000-squaremeter, eight-story Gandel Rehabilitation Center will care for 10,000 patients annually in four in-patient’s units with a total of 140 beds — a 250% increase for HMO — and an out-patient clinic able to serve 250 patients a day. The Gandel Rehabilitation Center will offer a host of the latest and most advanced specialized treatments along with physical and occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, respiratory and orthopedic rehabilitation. There will be a PTSD center and rehabilitation for neurological problems caused by brain, spinal cord and nervous system injuries. Our Collier/Lee Chapter raised more than $93,000 for the Gandel Rehabilitation Center during its February Inspiring Women event.
The Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women raises awareness of women's distinctive heart attack presentation and undertakes successful outreach to high-risk Jewish and Arab women. The Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Center for Women is actively engaged in research and education concerning gender health issues, as well as advocacy for women’s health.
Using stem cell research, HMO doctors and researchers are rapidly developing new treatments and cures for diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. With continued help from our generous donors, we hope to have new options for patients. Researchers developed a new approach to Alzheimer’s disease, creating a cognitive health mobile app to achieve faster diagnosis and earlier intervention.
What would Henrietta Szold say if she were with us today? Perhaps, “Keep looking to the future! Together we can heal the world.”
SAVE THESE DATES
April 23 – The Collaboration presents a program sponsored by Temple Shalom and Collier/Lee Hadassah.
“Antisemitism: How it Impacts Us II,” presented by Rabbi Ariel Boxman and Gail Marks Jarvis will take place in the Sacks Room at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.
May 5 – A Cookie Swap Celebration. The Collier/Lee Chapter is hosting a party to recognize the 43rd anniversary of the chapter receiving its charter and service to our communities.
July 14 – We will enjoy a pot-luck book swap.
Dec. 14 – Join us for brunch as we welcome Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz to the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. All are welcome to enjoy this unique opportunity.
For further information, email collierleehadassah@gmail.com.
