March 2024

President's Message

Friends,

March 1st marks 147 days since the attacks on October 7th. There are still 130 hostages – not all of them alive - being held in Gaza. It is heartbreaking, and as I say a prayer each morning for their safety and release, I cannot begin to imagine what they and their families are feeling as the days pass.

As many of you know, I participated on the first Hadassah Solidarity Mission to Israel in early January. Many of you watched the Zoom presentation about the mission that I presented last month (if you have not yet had the opportunity to watch, the Zoom recording is here to watch the one-hour presentation). While in Israel, we learned about the gender-based violence that took place on October 7th. Sexual violence as a weapon of war is frequently used as a means of psychological warfare in order to humiliate and terrorize the enemy, and on October 7th, Hamas terrorists raped and mutilated countless women, girls (and some men) using premeditated mass sexual violence and torture as a weapon of war. Rape and sexual violence should never be sanctioned as a weapon of war. Not in Israel. Not in Ukraine. Not in Ethiopia, Rwanda or Bosnia. As a global humanitarian organization, we at Hadassah are shaken to the core by these heinous acts of violence and the fact that these crimes have been justified, denied and even celebrated by some.

In response, Hadassah has launched a multipronged global campaign, End the Silence, designed to raise awareness and demand accountability for Hamas’ war crimes. During the first phase of the campaign, we are collecting signatures on a petition that will be presented to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for an independent, trauma-informed, unbiased investigation and to seek justice for the victims. Please sign the petition HERE!

Social media will play a key role in raising awareness. A series of videos and social media advertising will be used with the hashtag #EndTheSilence. Please share and like the posts found on Hadassah’s social media.

The next phase of the campaign will take place on Friday, March 8th, which is International Women’s Day. This is a day that celebrates the achievements of women, but also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

On March 8th, Hadassah groups across the US and around the world will gather and make it known, LOUDLY, that we must End the Silence on Sexual Violence. Groups large and small will gather at or near Holocaust Museums, JCC’s, synagogues, the rooftop of Hadassah Ein Kerem, at the United Nations, in backyards, coffee shops or anywhere that works for you. It is more important to have more gatherings than more people in each group. There is a script provided and groups will videotape and post to their videos to social media.

What can you do? Plan your own gathering with friends and family.

• A guide to the complete campaign, including the March 8th script and printable signs, can be found HERE.
• Register your gathering HERE by March 6th and send your pictures and videos from your personal email to pXNPtryx6NVswAtDTcXd@addtodropbox.com.
• On March 8th, post your event pics and/or videos and share on your social media. Please note that we are strongly urged to NOT contact the press ahead of time or post to social media before March 8th, as we do not want to inadvertently invite protesters to the gatherings. The publicity and social media outreach will take place after the March 8th events.

As a global ONE Hadassah, with an international presence in 18 countries and members across the United States, we must be the leading voice on this issue. When we denounce rape as a weapon of war, when we demand the hostages be released, when we call these acts war crimes against humanity, we are helping build a strong case for justice and accountability and ensuring that the victims of these atrocities are not forgotten.

Take action. Speak loudly. Share widely with friends and family. Together we can make a difference.

Click here to watch the Video of the Month: 
End the Silence: Dr. Bauman

Social Media

Hadassah Southern California:
facebook.com/HadassahSC

Hadassah West:
facebook.com/HadassahWestGeo
instagram.com/HadassahWestGeo

One Book, One Hadassah

Hadassah Southern California was honored to host the first One Book, One Hadassah live event on Thursday, February 22nd at the American Jewish University. We were riveted by the conversation between Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein and award-winning author Ayelet Gundar-Goshen who spoke about her book, The Wolf Hunt, and shared her perspective as a clinical psychologist and mother living in Israel post-October 7th. If you missed the program or wish to watch it again, the recording of the event is available HERE.

Hadassah Advocacy

I hope all our Hadassah Southern California sisters will join us this May for the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California’s (JPAC) Capitol Summit 2024. This year we are hoping for 450 people to join in making this year JPAC's biggest event yet. Please follow this link to sign up. Let me know if you have any questions or if you will be joining me.

Cindy Hailpern, HSC Advocacy Chair
cinhailpern@gmail.com

As JPAC’s premier annual event, Capitol Summit provides an empowering opportunity for Jewish community members and allies to learn, network, and advocate for our community’s priorities.

During this two-day gathering, you will:

• Hear from some of the state’s most powerful lawmakers and activists.
• Practice and participate in direct lobbying.
• Access exclusive networking opportunities with elected officials, Jewish organizational leaders, and lay leaders from across the state.

Join hundreds of Jews and allies in Sacramento, May 14th - 15th, 2024 to amplify the voice of California’s Jewish community. No prior experience necessary. 

Save the Date

for Hadassah Southern California's Inaugural
WALKATHON

Sunday, May 19th, 2024
from 8:30am - 10:30am

Joining together in solidarity to raise funds to rehabilitate the people of Israel.

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:
In-person event at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks
Walk in your community, or wherever you choose

WATCH FOR THE REGISTRATION WEBSITE LAUNCHING SOON!

We welcome corporate sponsors and event volunteers.
Interested? Contact Cindi Feig at cfeig29@gmail.com

Wrestling with PTSD: How Healthcare Providers Can Help Win the Battle

Many people believe that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) only affects veterans of war or victims of major violence. The truth is that it can affect any of us at any time, especially in periods of high anxiety or decision making. In this Wednesday, March 13th at 5:00 pm Pacific, program organized by the Hadassah Physicians Council, you will obtain a better understanding of PTSD, including how to recognize it -- and, crucially, you'll hear proven methods to try to deal with it. This program is free and open to all. Questions? Email physicianscouncil@hadasah.org.

Registration link: events.hadassah.org/PTSDWebinar

Hadassah Physician's Professional Council

Are you a Physician or Physician Assistant? Join the Hadassah Physicians Council’s Zoom steering committee meeting on Monday, March 11th at 5:00 pm Pacific. Learn about our future programming and other initiatives. 

Click here to register: hadassah-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrc-2rrjItGdIecp4PZ7O_IG-0CDAxHFWI. Questions? Email us at physicianscouncil@hadassah.org.

Hadassah Magazine: Henrietta Szold

Join us on Thursday, March 21st at 4:00 pm Pacific for our next Hadassah Magazine Discussion, which will focus on an exciting new biography that brings Henrietta Szold to life and will make an outstanding program for your unit. A pioneer in her own right, best-selling author Francine Klagsbrun joins Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein to discuss her biography, Henrietta Szold: Hadassah and the Zionist Dream. Registering automatically enters members for a chance to win a free copy. A book discussion guide and recording of the interview will be available for programming use after the event. 

More information and registration at events.blackthorn.io/en/8c4sgS87/g/tws32mT8YD/henrietta-szolds-zionist-dream-4a3d8cm7j5/overview

New Podcast Episode! Pulse Check: Beating Heart Disease

Just in time for American Heart Health Month, we’re welcoming back renowned expert Donna Zfat-Zwas, MD, MPH, Director of the Linda Joy Pollin Cardiovascular Wellness Institute for Women of the Hadassah Medical Organization, as she discusses with host Maayan the newest procedures, diet tips, and much more to reduce your risk of heart disease. Click here to access the podcast.

Israel Bonds and Hadassah

Forge a connection to Israel and provide vital funding for Hadassah's essential programs. Purchase a Shalom or eShalom Bond and donate it to Hadassah. Hadassah will receive interest on the bond plus principal upon maturity. You will support Israel’s economy and make a difference. Click here for all the information.

Hadassah Chapters Mobilizing for Israel and Against Antisemitism

Mazel Tov to everyone that has been mobilizing for IHRA definition of antisemitism legislation and against ceasefire resolutions at the state and local levels. Read information here to help you become a more effective advocate, spread the word. Contact advocacy@hadassah.org for support.

The 2024 Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow Award Application is now LIVE!

Hadassah Leaders of Tomorrow is a highly selective merit-based award for young women entering 11th or 12th grade participating in Young Judaea’s Gesher Israel summer program. The application is available online and must be completed by March 15th. Please share with your family, friends, and community who might have a daughter or granddaughter who would benefit from this amazing opportunity. Questions about the award can be directed to youngjudaea@hadassah.org.

Easy Ways to Learn More about Hadassah!

• Podcasts
• Video Library
• Virtual Programming