Hadassah
About Hadassah
Founded in New York, NY in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, emerged from a transformative vision of practical Zionism and community healing. What began as a small study group of 38 women has grown into a 300,000-strong movement united by shared values of health, justice, and women's leadership. Henrietta Szold's legacy of defying convention—she was the first female editor of the Jewish Publication Society and studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary when female rabbis were unheard of—continues to inspire Hadassah's commitment to creating new leadership roles for women today. The organization's history reflects a century of proactive response to each generation's challenges: from sending nurses to pre-state Palestine to provide maternal and infant care, to rescuing thousands of Jewish children during the Holocaust through Youth Aliyah, to currently fighting antisemitism and advancing health equity across America. Hadassah members are changemakers, philanthropists, and advocates who find meaning and connection through collective action. Whether supporting medical innovation that saves lives daily, empowering women to find their voices, or nurturing at-risk youth in Israel, Hadassah embodies a vision of bringing healing and justice to the world. The organization invites individuals who share these values to join a vibrant community where personal commitment translates into tangible, transformative impact.