Why Hadassah?
Hadassah was founded in 1912. For me, though, my connection happened in 1977 in Corvallis, Oregon when Mimi Orzech z”l invited me to a Hadassah luncheon— in a forest lodge in the middle of Oregon State University’s reseach forest, Peavy Arboretum. My response: Hah-what? “Had-DAH-sah,” replied Mimi. And therein began a lifelong journey of learning about world class medical research in Jerusalem. learning about and loving Israel and, eventually, serving Hadassah as my primary cause. Why?
Hadassah Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem
I love Israel
Hadassah is practical Zionism in action
I love the women I work with
I am continually astounded by the life-saving, pioneering medical research in Hadassah.
That’s a hefty beginning. Fast forward to 1996. Our son, Daniel, was on a Young Judaea summer program in Israel. While strolling along the Willamette River, we received a phone call.
“Hello, Mama— I’m in the hospital.” But don’t worry, I am fine.”
“Dan, what’s going on? Which hospital?”
“Hadassah, of course. But Mama,” says my then 16 yr old, totally distracted by an apparent issue. “I have a problem. It’s my roommate. He’s not Jewish.”
Ah, I thought…teachable moment!
“Danny, don’t ya know? Hadassah serves everyone! By policy, ethnicity, beliefs, creed stay outside the doors of this hospital. ALL are treated equally.” Lesson learned.
Nine years later, in 2005, Hadassah Medical Organization was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Why? Because we serve all. Our staff are diverse, as are our patients. In 2005, Hadassah Medical Organization earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for bringing advanced medical care to all, regardless of race, ethnicity or nationality, in essence creating a bridge to peace through medicine. When you walk in the hospital you see the different ways the people are dressed, and you realize how many different ethnic groups are in the hospital. It is completely normal to see a Rabbi, Franciscan priest, a girl in a miniskirt, and an Arab sheik all sitting waiting to be served by the same physician. That’s why we were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
And that is only the beginning of Why Hadassah! More later about how Hadassah helped save my husband’s life!
Hag Sameakh l’Pesach!
