Message from the President, Ellen Burke

This message was a very hard one to write. Rosh Hashanah for me has been a time to look back on the past year, but more importantly, to commit to be better in the new year and consider all the possibilities; much more time on possibilities than on what’s done.

This past year was too consequential, too enormous, to just gloss over, ask to be forgiven for my trespasses, and move on. Last month I expressed my appreciation of Hadassah and how being part of Hadassah has allowed me to contribute to the literal healing of Israel. I know that many of you will be reflecting on Israel this Yom Kippur, as will I.

This Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of the importance of hope, resilience, and unity, especially in these challenging times. I wish you all the comfort of community and the courage to stand together for peace and healing.

This month, something a little different. Cool Israel Facts from the Hadassah Education & Advocacy Division. Try the quiz.

Hadassah - One of The Smartest Hospitals in the World

Newsweek has named Israel’s Hadassah Medical Organization a global leader in cardiology and oncology in their list of “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2025.” This marks the fifth consecutive year that Hadassah has earned a spot among the top hospitals for cardiology and the fourth year for oncology. 

Newsweek’s “World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025” recognizes Hadassah for its pioneering use of smart technologies, including digital imaging, artificial intelligence and robotics. The magazine's choice comes after one of the most challenging years for Hadassah's hospitals, which have been so involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of war wounded. 

The ranking was determined by a global survey in which tens of thousands of medical professionals were invited to make recommendations in their field of expertise. The survey also considers accreditation data and patient-reported outcome metrics. 

Ms. Dalia Itzik, Chairperson of Hadassah’s Board of Directors, emphasized the staff and management's commitment to the many complex tasks facing the Medical Center. "Hadassah allocates many resources to smart technological development and advancement, which serves all the residents of Israel. The wonderful people at Hadassah are saving lives, rehabilitating wounded soldiers over the past year at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Mount Scopus, and performing innovative surgeries. They are determined to maintain the highest activity level alongside compassion and humanity. Hadassah's board of directors and management will continue to ensure they have the most innovative tools and broadest support to act on behalf of its patients." 

Hadassah Director General, Prof. Yoram Weiss: "We at Hadassah are proud of the oncology and cardiology teams that appear again on the prestigious list, as well as the technological, scientific, and research development teams at the institution. We are thankful we were chosen as one of the smartest hospitals in the world. Hadassah strives to accompany the performance of its excellent professionals with the most advanced technologies in all areas of medicine, such as integrating artificial intelligence, building international databases, and collaborating with the world's leading companies in science and medicine. Our reward for these efforts is thousands of patients yearly who recover from pain and illness and return home."

We are prepared because of you...

Hadassah’s position on the front lines of the ongoing battles from multiple fronts is only assured because of your support. Click here to watch this recently released video about the Gandel Rehabilitation Center.

The need is urgent to:
• Equip six additional underground operating theaters that will be functional during an attack of any kind in Central Israel;
• To ensure our ICU in the newly re-imagined Round Building is ready to take in patients who need critical care in our hospital;
• To ensure our Youth Villages stand prepared to welcome displaced youth from across Israel and to protect the hundreds of students who are residents of these programs;
• And to ensure that long after the war is over, our Gandel Rehabilitation Center will serve as the premier rehab facility in the region for both the soldiers and civilians who have been impacted by this war. 

Click here to donate to Hadassah greatest need. A donation to greatest need allows Hadassah to use your donations for their most pressing needs. 

Or click here to donate to the Gandel Rehabilitation Center.

Bring Them Home Now

Attention all members: Please call on Congress and the White House to secure the immediate release of the hostages held by Hamas! October 7, 2024, marked 365 days since they were kidnapped. You can reach the White House at (202) 456-1111. To email your representatives, click here.

It’s 5785. Isn’t it time to learn Hebrew?

Hebrew@Hadassah: Fall 2024

These classes are a continuation of our existing classes, but new students are welcome. Each 50-minute session will cover vocabulary and conversational Hebrew. This is a wonderful opportunity for Hadassah Members and Associates to practice speaking Hebrew.

Classes are $99.00 for the semester from September 9th – December 16th. 

Click here to register for a New Beginner class.
Click here to register for the Beginner class.
Click here to register for the Intermediate class.

Answers to the Cool Israel Facts Quiz

1. Motorola
2. The glue in Israeli stamps is kosher and is made from plant starch.
3. There are approximately 2000 archaeological sites in Jerusalem.
4. Uzi
5. Photographers refused to use underweight models.
6. There is no charge for up to 4 babies.
7. Ima (mother), Abba (father), Bamba (a peanut snack which is credited for minimizing peanut allergies in Israel).
8. Israel recycles 90% of their water.
9. The company, Watergen, created a machine that creates clean water out of thin air. See this video showing how Watergen is at the forefront of Israel’s army Search and Rescue humanitarian missions.
10. Israel is about the size of New Jersey, and half the size of Lake Michigan.