Hadassah is the Womens
Zionist Organization of America (see
Esther) . It is an all volunteer organization whose members strive to strengthen their partnership with
Israel, ensure
Jewish continuity and realize their potential in American society.
It was founded in 1912 by one Henrietta Szold, a Jewish scholar and activist. She was dedicated to Judaism, Zionism and how they fit into the American ideal.
Hadassah in comitted to the centrality of Israel in wha they consider their homeland. In Israel, Hadassah initiates and supports health care, education, and youth institutions. It also is involved with land development to meet the changing needs of the country. It provides major support and funding for the medical school of Hebrew University and most of the budget for a program called Youth Aliyah, an organization that transports children and youths to Israel and supports them there.
In America, Hadassah's principal activities are educational and charitable work.