Hadassah Advocacy was founded on two principles—that, as American citizens and Zionists, Hadassah members must work to strengthen both the United States and Israel, and by extension the ties between the two nations and their people.
In keeping with these imperatives, Hadassah Advocacy—which includes American Affairs and Israel, Zionist and International Affairs (IZAIA)—promotes civic engagement and advocates for foreign and domestic policies in line with Hadassah's platform of Policy Statements.
Hadassah stays current with domestic policy issues on topics such as hate crimes, anti-Semitism, reproductive choice, genetic discrimination and more. Hadassah stands in solidarity with Israel by advocating for issues critical to the Jewish people, such as Middle East peace and Israeli national security.
Hadassah's 300,000 Members, Associates and supporters—found in every Congressional district across the country—take action by participating in exciting local advocacy programs and activities across the country. Get involved today, link up with the Hadassah community nearest you. For more information, email programming@hadassah.org.
An alert distributed by the Jewish Council of Public Affairs—of which Hadassah is a member—addressing the accuracy of Sunday's 60 Minutes report on Christians in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Women's employment rights are center stage, with the introduction of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) today and the pay equity debate among pundits, the press, and possibly the Senate in the coming months.
It has been nearly 40 years since the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed. Hadassah is proud of it's history as a vocal advocate for the victims' families and the memory of their loved ones.
An alert distributed by the Jewish Council of Public Affairs—of which Hadassah is a member—addressing the accuracy of Sunday's 60 Minutes report on Christians in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Hadassah joins the international Jewish community in marking Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Independence Day) this week, and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) next month.
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is finally expected on the Senate floor for a vote this week! The legislation currently has 61 co-sponsors—a filibuster-proof majority—but is still lacking wide-spread bipartisan support.
Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) passed a resolution to establish a "Fact Finding Mission on the Influence of Settlements on Palestinians," prompting Israel to suspend all ties with the Council. Thirty-six countries voted in favor, the United States opposed and 10 abstained.
Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) passed a resolution to establish a "Fact Finding Mission on the Influence of Settlements on Palestinians," prompting Israel to suspend all ties with the Council. Thirty-six countries voted in favor, the United States opposed and 10 abstained.
Conference of presidents condemns continuing rocket fire from Gaza on southern Israel calls upon international community to denounce attacks, prevent weapons flow and financial support enabling future attacks.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference took place from March 4-6, featuring key speeches by President Barak Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Iran was a key focus of the speeches, and of the meeting between Obama and Netanyahu at the White House yesterday afternoon.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with new updates coming to light with each passing day.
Yesterday, Haaretz released details from the Israeli Foreign Ministry's annual intelligence estimate, which was presented to Israel's security cabinet a few weeks ago. The report assessed Israel's relationship with its neighbors—focusing specifically on Iran's nuclear plans, the status of peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, and the potential escalation of violence from the Palestinians. Mid-East leaders and analysts are also closely following the situation in Syria and how that is affecting the balance of power in the region.
On January 20, after several months of public debate and internal review, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced women's preventive health coverage regulations, requiring most employers to provide full contraceptive coverage (without co-pays).
Last week, terrorists targeted Israeli diplomats in India and Georgia. Yesterday, the United Nations Security Council released a press statement condemning the attacks and the Israeli Ministry for Foreign Affairs distributed the following:
Today, in honor of Tu B'Shvat, Hadassah reaffirms its commitment to the environment and proudly announces its participation in the Jewish Energy Covenant Campaign. Hadassah National President Marcie Natan was one of 50 Jewish leaders—from across the political and religious spectrum—to join the campaign earlier this week by signing the "Jewish Environment and Energy Imperative" declaration.
Yesterday, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed out of committee and is now one step closer to reauthorization. Hadassah joined nearly 1,000 coalition members in submitting a letter to Congress in support of VAWA’s reauthorization, which the chairman referenced in his statement to the committee.
January 22nd was the 39th anniversary of the historic Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, which established a woman’s right to reproductive choice. Advocates on both sides of the issue have taken this opportunity to galvanize thousands of supporters, hosting marches across the country and online.
After several months of public debate and internal review, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced its final regulations on women's preventive health coverage, requiring most employers to provide full contraceptive coverage (without co-pays).
In response to recent discriminatory acts against women by extremists in Israel, Hadassah’s National Board voted to enact the following Zionist Affairs Policy Statement.
Hadassah thanks U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) David Killion for his actions opposing anti-Semitism.
Tomorrow, December 10, is International Human Rights Day. Israel is consistently and unfairly criticized for its record on human rights, most often by countries with their own egregious human rights violations. Join fellow Hadassah Members, Associates, and supporters by honoring International Human Rights Day and celebrating Israel’s example as a beacon for human rights in the Middle East and around the world.
On December 2, the Senate voted unanimously for sanctions targeting the Central Bank of Iran (CBI)—which is widely suspected of financing Iran's nuclear program—and banks that do business with it and the United States.
Yesterday, millions of Americans kicked off their online holiday shopping with Cyber Monday. Show your support for Israel while shopping for Hanukkah by participating in Buy Israel Week, which ends Sunday, December 4.
After several months of public debate and internal review, the White House is poised to announce final regulations on women's preventive health coverage as early as next week.
This week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report on the status of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, revealing clear evidence that Iran has continued developing a weaponized nuclear program.
Tomorrow is Election Day and the official start of the 2012 election season. Hadassah—a longtime supporter voter engagement initiatives—is proud to announce its membership in HERvotes, a coalition of women’s organizations mobilizing civic engagement around women’s Health and Economic Rights (HER) for the 2012 election season.
Today, in a vote of 107-14 (with 52 abstentions), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization General Conference approved the Palestinian membership application. The United States, Israel, Canada and Germany were among those who opposed the measure. Notable votes in favor included Brazil, Russia, China, India, South Africa and France. The United Kingdom abstained.
Over the last several weeks, American's have seen a continuous onslaught of attacks against women's reproductive rights. State legislatures across the country are seeking to declare a fertilized egg a person, the House of Representatives passed legislation denying women life saving medical care, and Congress is once again threatening funding for family planning services.
Next Monday, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is expected to approve the Palestinian’s application for membership. State Department lawyers have reviewed existing American legislation and see no way around the laws, which would necessitate an automatic cutoff of U.S. funding to UNESCO should the Palestinians gain membership. U.S. dues and contributions to UNESCO make up 22 percent of the organization's budget.
Since 1987—when Jonathan Pollard was convicted of spying for Israel and sentenced to life in prison—the Jewish community and political leaders from across the spectrum have urged administration officials to release Pollard. In January of 2011, Benjamin Netanyahu was the first Israeli Prime Minister to formally issue a statement urging the US to grant Pollard clemency.
Yesterday, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board voted 40-4 (with 14 countries absenting), approving a draft resolution for Palestinian membership. For the Palestinians to gain actual membership, the final resolution would need to be approved by UNESCO’s 193-nation General Conference, which will be meeting next month.
Last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas submitted an application for full membership at the United Nations, followed by Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's addresses to the United Nations General Assembly.
Today, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas submitted an application for full membership at the United Nations. Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly, criticizing Jewish settlements and ignoring Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Hadassah joins the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and the Israel Action Network in their responses to President Abbas’ speech and his bid for unilateral Palestinian statehood.
Over the last several months, Hadassah leaders and coalition partners have been preparing for this week's United Nations General Assembly meeting—monitoring the possible Palestinian Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) and communicating with key policy makers.
One year ago, I stood at this podium and called for an independent Palestine. I believed then – and I believe now – that the Palestinian people deserve a state of their own. But what I also said is that genuine peace can only be realized between Israelis and Palestinians themselves. One year later, despite extensive efforts by America and others, the parties have not bridged their differences. Faced with this stalemate, I put forward a new basis for negotiations in May. That basis is clear, and well known to all of us here. Israelis must know that any agreement provides assurances for their security. Palestinians deserve to know the territorial basis of their state.
Hadassah joins fellow Jewish and other philanthropic groups in speaking out against plans to decrease charitable giving tax breaks, which encourage donations for countless programs and services in the United States and around the world.
During the last several months, Hadassah and its coalition partners have been advocating for the release of Alan Gross, a Jewish American from Maryland arrested during a humanitarian trip to Cuba. In February, Hadassah joined the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in urging Cuban President Raúl Castro to release Gross. Since then, Gross has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for "actions against the integrity of the state" and has lost his only appeal opportunity.
In order to show solidarity with the people of Israel—particularly the residents of southern Israel who have been under the constant threat of attack—The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations has created a Solidarity with Israel Letter to be sent to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres.
Since the deadly attacks near Eilat last Thursday, Gaza militants have fired over 100 rockets and mortar shells at Israel. A tentative cease-fire was reached with various factions in Gaza—including the Popular Resistance Committee, which took credit for the attacks last Thursday—however, the rockets and shells have not stopped.
This morning, a series of terrorist attacks occurred near Eilat, killing at least seven and injuring as many as 40. The victims of the attacks have been taken to hospitals in Eilat and Be'er Sheva and the Hadassah Medical Organization has offered assistance if needed.
Since the Stand Up for Women’s Health Rally and Lobby Day in April, Hadassah representatives have been closely monitoring additional legislation and regulations that will affect access to women’s health services, domestically and abroad. Show your support for women’s health by taking action on these two critical issues!
Hadassah continues its support of the Community Response to Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) by co-sponsoring the Israel Action Network's online Petition Against a Unilaterally Declared Palestine . The petition calls upon the 193 Members of the United Nations to vote against endorsing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state and to promote the resumption of bilateral negotiations.
Hadassah Israel, Zionist, and International Affairs (IZAIA) and the Hadassah United Nations Team are working closely with coalition partners to monitor the possible Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI) of a Palestinian state and to help coordinate a community response. Click here to read "Community Response to UDI-UN Recognition of Palestine State", a report from the Israel Action Network.
The Middle East Quartet— the U.S., European Union, United Nations and Russia—are meeting today in a final effort to restart direct peace talks between the Israelis and Palestinians. The Quartet affirmed in a statement on July 2 its support for direct negotiations before any declaration of Palestinian statehood. The Palestinian Authority has until July 15 to file papers with the United Nations if they plan to seek recognition by the U.N. General Assembly this fall.
June 20th, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision in the Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., v. Betty Dukes case, denying Wal-Mart's 1.6 million female employees the opportunity to sue the retail giant collectively for gender-based employment discrimination. Hadassah co-signed an amicus brief in the case with the National Women's Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union and others in support the women's class action.
Hadassah joins the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in their call for humanitarian compassion to allow Jonathan Pollard to attend the funeral of his father, who passed away on Sunday.
In his second address to a joint session of Congress, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the sixth Israeli Prime Minister to receive this honor, emphasized Israel’s commitment to peace along with its need for enduring security.
Hadassah joins the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in lauding Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to peace and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship
An op-ed by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was published this week in the New York Times. Nancy Falchuk, National President of Hadassah, the Womens Zionist Organization of America, issued the following statement in response.
In the days following Israel's Yom Ha'Atzma'ut celebrations, thousands of Israel's neighbors marked Yawm an-Naqba (meaning "Day of Catastrophe") by mourning Israel's creation with demonstrations and violence.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 4, the House will vote on the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3)—the most recent attack on women's reproductive rights from Congress and state legislatures across the country
In a Washington Post op-ed, Judge Richard Goldstone, chair of the Goldstone Report on the 2008-2009 Gaza war, retracted the essential findings of that report. Judge Goldstone clarifies, "Unlike Hamas, Israel did not intentionally, as a matter of policy, target civilians in its 2008-2009 war to stop indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza." The JCPA, of which Hadassah is a member organization, welcomed Judge Goldstone's disavowal of the 2009 UN Human Rights Council-sponsored Commission Report bearing his name.
Over the last couple of weeks, the onslaught of anti-choice and anti-family planning legislation has continued to move through Congress. Hadassah has joined forces with its coalition partners to stand up for women’s health and women’s reproductive rights.
Hadassah joins the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in expressing its outrage at the terror attacks which occurred in Israel today.
Our History is Our Strength is the 2011 theme of the National Women's History Project. Today, in honor of the 100th International Women's Day, Women's History Month and a legacy of great female leaders, Hadassah advocates for the rights of women.
An initiative organized by GPI, the Coalition aims to foster public awareness about the promise of embryonic stem cell research and its translation into regenerative medicine, promote robust funding of basic research and translational medicine within ethically responsible and scientifically sound guidelines, and vigorously defend this research from unwarranted restrictions.
Hadassah representatives have been closely following the unrest in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, participating in conference calls and engaging with partner organizations. The Advocacy Department will continue to monitor the transition of power in Egypt and its potential impact on the region, Israel and the United States.
Over the last several weeks, Hadassah representatives have participated in a series of conference calls on the United Nations Durban III Conference, scheduled for September 2011 in New York City.
On January 5, 2011, 18 Hadassah Members and Associates welcomed the 112th Congress to Washington. Of the 112th Congress, 107 were new members, the largest freshman class in more than sixty years. Throughout the day the group introduced themselves—and Hadassah—to the new representatives, senators and Capitol Hill staff.
Hadassah affirms its policy statement against the trafficking of women and strongly supports the passage of the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act (S. 2925/ H.R. 5575).
