Domestic & Israel Zionist and International Affairs Policy Statements
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Hadassah's Policy Statements represent the organization's official stance on a wide variety of issues facing our nation, Israel and other international matters of concern. The Hadassah Advocacy Team presents draft Policy Statements to the delegates at Hadassah National Board Meetings for consideration. Once voted on, they become official policies of the organization and serve to define Hadassah's overall agenda and advocacy priorities. For your convenience, we have divided our policy statements into categories. Some policy statements fall into more than one category. When this occurs, they are cross-referenced by the short abbreviation next to the statement title.
Civic ParticipationBackground Hadassah's mission statement ends with the tenet ". . .encouraging informed and active participation in the American democratic process." As such, Hadassah has always promoted civic responsibility among its members. We have also long supported the unobstructed access to voting and other political processes for all individuals and groups regardless of race, religion, gender, or creed. And recently, we have voiced our particular concern regarding the decline in civic participation among women and the Jewish community. Hadassah's commitment to civic participation is exemplified by the 1949 statement, which directs the National American Affairs/Domestic Policy Department "...towards efforts to preserve and extend democracy." Speaking about the future of the Department, the statement further emphasizes that "Since Hadassah's program is flexible, it is expected that a position will be taken upon ...issues involved in the preservation of the democratic way of life." POLICY STATEMENTS |
1981 | Extension of Voting Rights Act (VRA)* - [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the prior "Voting Rights Act" policy statements dating back to 1965. The VRA is considered "...one of the most important and effective civil rights laws safeguarding the political rights of ...minority groups [by] enabling them to exercise the most precious of our Constitutional rights - the right to vote." |
| 1988 | Voter Registration
Urges support for the "Universal Voter Registration Act of 1987." Voter Registration and Participation
Supports measures to establish easier voting registration in order to remove barriers to increased election participation. |
| 1992 | Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms the 1988 voter registration and participation policy statement. |
| 1996 | Voter Registration and Participation - [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the 1988 voter registration and participation policy statement.
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| 2000 | Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms prior voter registration and participation policy statements. Expresses concern regarding low voter registration and turnout, especially among women and younger generations. Describes the "Hadassah Voter Challenge 2000."
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| 2001 | Voting Modernization* - [SJ/CR]
Expresses concern over the events surrounding the 2000 elections. Calls on Congress and state legislatures to modernize voting equipment, standardize voting procedures and educate citizens.
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Crime, Weapons, and WarBackground Throughout this century, Hadassah adopted many policy statements regarding atrocities against humankind. This category includes those (and other) policy statements regarding related issues such as terrorism, gun control, violence against women, and the desecration of houses of worship. Many of these issues are not within the purview of Hadassah's specific legislative focus. However, the National Board has often found it necessary to issue public statements to convey our strong sentiments. The first statement in this area was made policy by the National Board in 1949, when it called for the "prompt ratification" of the United Nations' Genocide Convention. Also, it is interesting to note that as early as the 1960's, Hadassah's National Board adopted numerous statements opposing the testing of nuclear weapons. POLICY STATEMENTS |
| 1980 | Genocide Convention (GC)
Reaffirms prior United Nations' Genocide Convention policy statements, dating back to 1949, which urge Senate ratification. This Convention makes it an international crime to attempt the extermination of a group of people. Kampuchea (Cambodia)
Expresses compassion for the people's plight and commendation of Israel's aid. Prosecution of Nazi War Criminals in the United States
Commendation of new initiatives by the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute alleged Nazi war criminals living in the U.S. U.S. Hostages in Iran
Expresses outrage at Iran's violation of international law and supports the U.S. government's efforts to gain their release.
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| 1981 | Gun Control
Urges strong federal and state gun control legislation. |
| 1982 | Freedom of Expression
Deplores the charges of dual loyalty stemming from the campaign against AWACS sale to Saudi Arabia. Genocide Convention (GC)
Reaffirms prior Genocide Convention policy statements.
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| 1983 | Nuclear Arms Reduction
Reaffirms prior policy statements regarding nuclear arms reduction, dating back to 1960, which call for an end to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Supports a bilateral and mutually verifiable freeze between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
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| 1984 | Genocide Convention (GC)
Reaffirms prior Genocide Convention policy statements. |
| 1986 | Terrorism
Commends the Administration's forceful stand on terrorism and refusal to negotiate with terrorists. Urges sanctions against states that support terrorists. |
| 1987 | Paramilitary Training Camps
Urges abolition of such extremist camps. Encourages efforts to alert the public to the dangers. Prosecution of Nazi War Criminals in the United States
Reaffirms the 1980 Nazi criminal prosecution policy statement. U.N. War Crimes Commission Archives
Urges opening files to broader public access. |
| 1989 | Assault-Weapons Controls
Urges passage of a bill to control the non-governmental sale and use of assault weapons and to restrict the transfer, importation and possession of new assault weapons. Supports the "Assault Weapons Bill." |
| 1992 | Haitian Refugees* [IR]
Urges the U.S. to grant asylum to and humanitarian treatment of Haitian refugees. |
| 1993 | Somalia
Expresses compassion for the Somalia people, victims of famine and war. War Crimes against Women* [WF]
Expresses outrage over the silence of the international community with respect to the sexual violent crimes committed against the women of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Calls for the recognition of these crimes as war crimes. |
| 1994 | Gun Control
Reaffirms the 1980 gun control policy statement. |
| 1995 | Freedom to Clinic Entrances Act* [HC, RC, WF]
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act." |
| 1996 | Arson Attacks against African-American Churches and Other Houses of Worship* [RL,SJ/CR]
Condemns the rash of fire bombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism perpetuated against African-American churches and other houses of worship. Violence Against Women* [HC, WF]
Reaffirms Hadassah's long standing commitment to women's rights and women's health needs. Condemns all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. Special emphasis on domestic violence in the Jewish community. |
| 1998 | Gun Control
Reaffirms the 1994 policy statement on gun control, noting nation-wide outbreaks of firearm violence, particularly in schools. Urges Congress to take all necessary actions to enact stronger gun control laws to protect the nation, particularly our children, from gun violence. |
| 1999 | Sexual Harassment* [SJ/CR, WF]
Expresses the belief that all individuals have the right to study, volunteer, and/or work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment. |
| 2000 | Gun Control
2000 Reaffirms the 1998 policy statement on gun control. Urges Congress to promptly enact stronger gun control legislation, and enforce current laws to protect our communities and our nation from gun violence. |
| 2005 | Asylum for Victims of Gender-Based Violence [WF]
Hadassah calls upon the U.S. Government to recognize gender-based violence as grounds for asylum; adapt the asylum process to accommodate women fleeing gender-based violence, including providing female officers to hear their cases, and training immigration officers and judges on issues relating to gender-based violence; and create a high-level office within the Department of Homeland Security to oversee all issues relating to asylum and expedited removal. |
| 2005 | Trafficking of Women [WF]
Condemns the trafficking of women when women are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation within and across national borders. | | | back to top ^
Energy and The EnvironmentBackground Hadassah's commitment to environmental preservation and energy conservation is derived from Judaism's traditional view of humans' stewardship of the earth. As such, one of Hadassah's major projects is support for the Jewish National Fund, which promotes ecological conservation in Israel and all over the world. While not a legislative priority for Hadassah's National American Affairs/Domestic Policy Department, we identify strongly with a need to protect the environment and often work in coalition efforts to that end. |
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1980 | Energy Conservation and Development
Urges the adoption of a national program to lessen American dependence on imported fuel. Urges conservation, education, a strategic oil reserve and solar energy research. |
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1981 | Energy Conservation and Development
Reaffirms the 1980 energy conservation and development policy statement. |
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1986 | Energy
Reaffirms prior policy statements regarding energy conservation. |
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1990 | Clean Air Bill
Calls upon Congress to ensure that the "Clean Air Bill" is passed. |
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2002 | Energy and the Environment
Calls upon Congress and the Administration to develop and enact a comprehensive energy policy that decreases U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil while advancing alternative energy solutions to protect our nation's environment. |
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Health Care
Background
Health care issues, particularly women's health concerns, are among Hadassah's top domestic public policy priorities. Hadassah's historic mandate is to bring medical infrastructure to the Middle East through Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), and to provide public health services to countries in need worldwide. That mandate provides the foundation for our work in this area. In fact, research conducted through HMO in Israel often informs our advocacy efforts on behalf of women in America.
Though Hadassah's National Board has adopted numerous policy statements on particular health concerns to highlight their significance, they by no means preclude our work on other noteworthy health issues.
Some policy statements, although not obviously health-oriented at first glance, do indeed relate to attendant health problems (e.g. violence against women and the "Family and Medical Leave Act"). In addition, many policy statements aim to address larger issues including, but occasionally not mentioning, their health components.
Hadassah's National Board was an early Congressional watchdog on issues of medical research. For example, as early as 1969 Hadassah expressed its ". . .deep concern [over] the projected cuts in the sums to be appropriated by Congress. . .in cancer and heart research."
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1980 | U.N. Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
* [RC, SJ/CR, WF]
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights. The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference* [RC, SJ/CR, WF]
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action. |
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1981 | Freedom of Choice* [RC, WF]
Opposes any regulation diminishing individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Regards "choice" as a matter of privacy of the individual to be determined by each woman in accordance with her religious, moral and ethical values. |
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1984 | Freedom of Choice* [RC, WF]
Opposes any regulation diminishing individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Regards "choice" as a matter of privacy of the individual to be determined by each woman in accordance with her religious, moral and ethical values. |
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1985 | United Nations Decade for Women* [WF]
Reaffirms the 1984 United Nations Decade for Women policy statement. Applauds the final document and the success in preventing the inclusion of the word "Zionism" in a resolution branding racism and apartheid as obstacles to development. |
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1987 | Catastrophic Health Care Program Urges Congress to enact legislation that includes provisions for health insurance that will cover short and long-term hospitalization, custodial care in nursing homes, long-term home care, and prescription drugs. Freedom of Choice* [RC, WF]
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement. |
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1988 | AIDS
Urges AIDS education and research as well as increased services for AIDS-afflicted persons. |
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1989 | Freedom of Choice* [RC, WF]
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Long Term Care for the Elderly
Urges federal legislation to assist those in need of home care or long-term institutional/custodial care. Parental Leave Bill* [WF]
Supports the "Family and Medical Leave Act" allowing employees the unpaid time necessary to care for a newborn, seriously ill child, parent or spouse. |
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1992 | AIDS* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the 1988 AIDS policy statement. Calls for more funds for treatment and research. Calls for the adoption of measures that prohibit discrimination against people with AIDS. Basic Level of Medical Care
Urges universal access to basic medical care. Reproductive Choice* [RC, WF]
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. Women's Health Issues* [WF]
Calls on the medical community to focus greater attention on female-oriented diseases. |
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1993 | Breast Cancer* [WF]
Expresses alarm at the rising rate of breast cancer and stresses the promotion of programs for early detection, such as Hadassah's breast cancer campaign, "Hadassah Cares/Check It Out." Moreover, it calls upon federal and state officials to direct increased funding to promote research into the cause, optimal treatment and possible cure for breast cancer. National Health Care Coverage
Calls on the federal government to take necessary steps to assure adequate, affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. Note of Support for President Clinton's Pro-Choice Measures* [RC, WF]
Applauds pro-choice executive orders including: 1. Repeal of the "Gag Rule;" 2. Lifting the RU-486 ban; 3. Lifting the ban on abortions in overseas military hospitals; 4. Lifting restrictions on fetal tissue research; and 5. Rescinding the "Mexico City" policy. President Clinton and Vice President Gore Congratulatory Statement* [RC, SJ/CR, WF]
Wishes Clinton and Gore a successful administration. Notes Hadassah's delight over recent Administration statements and actions concerning women's health care, health care reform, reproductive rights and a myriad of civil liberties issues. |
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1994 | Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW)* [RC, SJ/CR, WF]
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement. Reaffirmation of Breast Cancer Policy Statement* [WF]
Reaffirms the 1993 breast cancer policy statement. Women's Health Care* [WF]
States that the following principles must be included in any health care reform package to assure that women's access, treatment and research needs are met: 1. Universal access; 2. Comprehensive women's health benefits; 3. Choice of providers and settings; 4. Accountability to women; and 5. Increased funding and attention to the needs of health problems particular to women. |
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1995 | Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act * [CWW, RC, WF]
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act." |
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1996 | BRCA1 Gene, Genetic Testing and Insurance Discrimination* [WF]
Opposes health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic factors like the BRCA1 gene mutation found disproportionately in the Ashkenazic Jewish population. Supports federal and state legislative efforts to prohibit such discrimination. Violence Against Women* [CWW, WF]
Reaffirms Hadassah's long-standing commitment to women's rights and women's health needs. Condemns all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. Special emphasis on domestic violence in the Jewish community. |
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1997 | Policy Statement on Genetic Testing* [WF]
Reaffirms the 1996 policy statement on genetic testing and insurance discrimination. Highlights Hadassah's support of genetic research while acknowledging concerns of insurance and employment discrimination and the need for confidentiality of medical records. |
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1998 | Medical Records Privacy
Reaffirms 1997 policy statement on genetic testing. Calls for passage of strong federal legislation to protect the privacy of medical records. Child Abuse* [WF]
Recognizes that child abuse and child maltreatment is also a Jewish problem. Pledges to educate our communities and support resources for children and families. Tobacco* [WF]
Recognizes lung cancer as a leading killer of women, as well as the problem of increasing tobacco use among middle and high school students. Supports federal measures to limit the marketing and availability of tobacco products, particularly to young people, and urges passage of legislation to ensure such federal actions. |
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2000 | Organ and Tissue Donation [WF]
Urges organ donation as a life-saving effort and to counter the shortage of organs available for transplant. Encourages family discussion of organ donation. Pledges to increase efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. |
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2001 | Prescription Equity* [WF,RC]
Recognizes that women pay more in out-of-pocket health care expenses than men because of the lack of insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. Urges Congress to pass legislation requiring all private insurers to provide equity in prescription coverage. Medical Records Privacy
Reaffirms 1998 policy statement on medical records privacy. Calls on Congress and state legislatures to pass legislation that guards the privacy of medical records and health information. Patients' Bill of Rights
Expresses the need for a federal patients' bill of rights to assure that all Americans' access, treatment and research needs are met. Urges Congress to pass a comprehensive patients' bill of rights. Medical Research
Supports government funding for cutting-edge medical and biotechnological research and clinical trials, including gene therapy, cancer and other medical treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and stem cell research. |
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2003 | Nursing Shortage
Resolves to advocate for policies to correct the critical shortage of nurses. Commends the federal government for passing the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002, urges the federal government to fully the programs authorized in the Act. Also, calls on federal and state governments to enact legislation which promotes the training, recruitment and retention of quality nurses; improves working conditions for nurses; encourages training of nurses to be prepared to respond to mass casualties; and helps raise public profile of the nursing profession. Title IX * [WF]
Commends the Administration for rejecting recent recommendations that would weaken Title IX; urges the government to strongly enforce Title IX's standards and to promote advances toward equality for women in sports. Preserving Principles of Science Over Ideology in Health Policy [CS]
Calls on government officials to draw from the best scientific and medical evidence available-- not religious or political ideology -- when shaping health policy. Specifically, it urges the Administration, Congress and state and local governments to fund and promote balanced, accurate sex education programs that inform students about abstinence as well as about contraception and methods of AIDS/STD prevention. It further call on federal, state and local governments to recognize the evidence that condoms prevent transmission of AIDS and STDs and to promote their use for disease prevention both in the U.S. and overseas. |
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2004 | Senior Transportation * [WF, SJCR]
Hadassah calls upon the federal government, state and local governments to address the unique transportation needs of seniors by significantly increasing funding for senior transportation, allocating funds for innovative local senior transportation programs, providing central coordination for all senior transportation programs, allowing more flexibility in the use of existing senior transportation funds, and addressing the needs of seniors in future transportation planning and decision-making. Disease and Environment
Based on a commitment to the advancement of medical research and a concern about potential linkages between certain diseases and environmental toxins, Hadassah calls on the federal government to allocate increased funds to public and nonprofit scientific and medical research entities to study the linkages between environmental exposures and diseases. Hadassah additionally calls on local, state and federal governments to work together to establish and nationwide health tracking system that would monitor the incidence of a wide array of diseases and environmental exposures in a manner that protects patient privacy. |
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2007 | Health Care Reform
Calls upon the federal and state governments to adopt health care reforms that ensure access to affordable, comprehensive coverage for every American, starting with coverage for every child under the age 18. |
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Immigration and Refugee Status
Background
U.S. immigration has long been an important issue for the Jewish people. Throughout history, limits on the number of immigrants allowed to enter the United States have cost many Jewish lives and cost many others their chance to freely practice their religion. As such, we have also been sensitive to non-discriminatory immigration policies for other groups fleeing repressive governments. In fact, the very first American Affairs/Domestic policy statement, adopted by the National Board in 1946, called on the United States government to "... take the initiative in opening the doors to new immigrants."
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1992 | Haitian Refugees* [CWW]
Urges the U.S. to grant asylum to and humanitarian treatment of Haitian refugees. Immigration* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior immigration policy statements dating back to 1946. Calls for the cessation of discriminatory immigration policies and supports non-discriminatory application of U.S. immigration legislation and attendant policies. |
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2002 | Anti-Terrorism, Immigration and Civil Liberties* [SJ/CR]
Calls on the President, Congress and the Administration to continue to employ all efforts to root out international terrorism and its support structure, while ensuring that civil liberties for U.S. citizens and resident aliens are protected in the United States. |
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Religious Liberty and Other Religious Concerns
Background
This category focuses on issues of religious liberty (the unencumbered practice of religion) as articulated in the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Other religious concerns of the Jewish community included in this section are anti-Semitism, Jewish family law, freedom of prayer in Israel, and the desecration of houses of worship.
While this section addresses many issues of religious concern, it does not cover topics that flow from the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment (i.e. church and state separation). Issues of this nature fall in their own category. Although one of the policy statement titles does mention the separation of church and state, it actually contains religious liberty components.
It is unfortunate to note the need for the following two policy statement synopses.
In 1958, Hadassah "...view[ed] with horror and shock the wicked destruction of religious institutions. . ."
And in 1996, Hadassah "expressed our outrage at and strongly condemns the rash of firebombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism that have been perpetrated in recent months against ...houses of worship."
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1981 | Anti-Semitism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior statements dating back to 1962 condemning anti-Semitism. Views with alarm increased anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism worldwide. Pledges support to combat proliferation through educational, legislative and other efforts. |
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1982 | Anti-Semitism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. Jewish Security in the U.S.* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. Global Anti-Semitism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. |
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1984 | Anti-Semitism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. |
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1987 | Jewish Family Law* [WF]
Urges the Rabbinate to devise practical solutions to serious problems of family law such as agunah, halitzah, divorce, women's rights in marriage, and custody of children. |
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1988 | Anti-Semitism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. |
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1990 | Women of the Wall* [WF]
Calls upon the government of Israel to protect the rights of the "Women of the Wall" to pray collectively at the Kotel without harassment. |
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1991 | Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)
Supports RFRA, which restores religious freedom as a fundamental right by requiring the highest legal scrutiny by the government before restricting the free exercise of religion. |
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1992 | Anti-Semitism and Racism* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior policy statements on anti-Semitism. Calls upon elected officials, civic, religious and community leaders to enforce laws and denounce manifestations of all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Separation of Church and State* [CS]
Reaffirms Hadassah's belief in the principle of separation of church and state as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Urges Congress to enact the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." |
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1996 | Arson Attacks Against African-American Churches and Other Houses of Worship* [CWW, SJ/CR]
Condemns the rash of fire bombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism perpetuated against African-American churches and other houses of worship. |
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1997 | Religious Pluralism in the United States
Asserts that no generally recognized branch of Judaism has the right or privilege to negate the validity of any other generally recognized branch of Judaism by denying its Jewish identity. Calls on the American Jewish community to seek a common ground of mutual respect. |
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1998 | Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Reaffirms the 1991 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) policy statement. Views with great concern the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down RFRA. Supports efforts to enhance protection of religion and religious freedom on both the state and federal levels. Hate Crimes* [WF, SJ/CR]
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability. |
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1999 | School Vouchers* [RL]
Reaffirms prior church/state separation statements on tax tuition credits. Opposes the use of publicly funded school vouchers for private and religious schools. Arson Attacks Against Synagogues and Other Hate Crimes* [SJ/CR]
Condemns arson attacks on three synagogues in Sacramento, CA. Urges appropriate government entities to monitor and track activities of groups that encourage and commit hate crimes. |
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2000 | Charitable Choice [CS]
Reaffirms Hadassah's commitment to the separation of church and state. Opposes "charitable choice" initiatives, which would provide public funding for social services programs operated by pervasively sectarian organizations without requiring safeguards to prevent First Amendment violations. |
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2002 | School Prayer Amendment [CS]
Reaffirms Hadassah's opposition to the "School Prayer Amendment," a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit officially-sponsored prayer in public schools and would allow religious symbols to be posted in public schools, courtrooms and other public institutions. |
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Reproductive Choice
Background
The policy statements below detail Hadassah's long standing commitment to a woman's right to choose abortion and other reproductive health care. Hadassah's positions in this area are predicated on the constitutional right to privacy as defined in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, and on First Amendment principles insuring religious liberty, religious pluralism, and the separation of church and state. In other words, Hadassah believes that women are proper moral decision-makers in this area, and that they should be free to make that decision within the context of their own religious convictions, without interference from the state.
These reproductive choice statements have not, however, been listed under the categories of "Separation of Church and State" or "Religious Liberty and Other Religious Concerns" because the arguments are often implicit.
Although reproductive choice is indeed both a women's and a health issue, a specific category has been dedicated to the issue due to the sheer number of statements on the subject and the ensuing advocacy activity.
Although some policy statement synopses included in this section may not mention a reproductive rights issue directly, the full statement does aim to address an aspect of reproductive choice in some way.
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1980 | The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference* [HC, SJ/CR, WF]
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action. U.N. Convention of Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, SJ/CR, WF]
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights. |
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1981 | Freedom of Choice* [HC, WF]
Opposes any regulation diminishing individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Regards "choice" as a matter of privacy of the individual to be determined by each woman in accordance with her religious, moral and ethical values. |
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1987 | Freedom of Choice* [HC, WF]
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement. |
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1989 | Freedom of Choice* [HC, WF]
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. |
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1992 | Reproductive Choice* [HC, WF]
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. |
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1993 | Note of Support for President Clinton's Pro-Choice Measures* [HC, WF]
Applauds pro-choice executive orders including: 1. Repeal of the "Gag Rule;" 2. Lifting the RU-486 ban; 3. Lifting the ban on abortions in overseas military hospitals; 4. Lifting restrictions on fetal tissue research; and 5. Rescinding the "Mexico City" policy. President Clinton and Vice President Gore Congratulatory Statement* [HC, SJ/CR, WF]
Wishes Clinton and Gore a successful administration. Notes Hadassah's delight over recent Administration statements and actions concerning women's health care, health care reform, reproductive rights and a myriad of civil liberties issues. |
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1994 | Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, SJ/CR, WF]
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement. |
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1995 | Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act* [CWW, HC, WF]
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act." |
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2001 | Prescription Equity* [HC, WF]
Recognizes that women pay more in out-of-pocket health care expenses than men because of the lack of insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. Urges Congress to pass legislation requiring all private insurers to provide equity in prescription coverage. |
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2007 | Balancing Religion in the Workplace and Civil Liberties* [SJ/CR]
Calls upon U.S. governments at every level to accommodate religious observance in the workplace to the fullest extent possible, while protecting the rights of women, religious and ethnic minorities and the gay community. With respect to pharmacy moral refusals, calls upon U.S. governments and businesses to put in place mechanisms that ensure patients' access to medication without delay. Where access to medications cannot be provided without delay, the right to health care must supersede the right to religious accommodation. |
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Separation of Church and State
Background
Hadassah has placed a high priority on advocacy work that protects a strict separation of church and state as guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Issues in this category focus mainly on prayer in public schools or other public institutions, and on the use of public money to finance religious institutions' educational services.
Other statements regarding religion may be found in the category entitled "Religious Liberty and Other Religious Concerns."
While much recent attention has been given to the "rise of the radical Right," Hadassah has been concerned about the growing far-right attacks on the separation of church and state since as early as 1966. A policy statement at the time read, "We . . . view with deep concern the rise of a radical right movement whose persistent attacks and decisive maneuvers within the democratic institutions of our country present a serious challenge requiring utmost vigilance."
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1981 | Separation of Church and State
Expresses Hadassah's commitment to the primacy of the First Amendment's establishment clause. Commits to developing educational materials to promote a deeper understanding of this principle. |
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1982 | Prayer in the Public Schools
Opposes public prayer in schools, whether required or voluntary. |
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1983 | Prayer in the Public Schools
Reaffirms the 1982 prayer in public schools policy statement. Tuition Tax Credits
Opposes any direct or indirect public funding of religious and private schools, including tuition tax credits. |
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1984 | Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms the 1981 separation of church and state policy statement. Notes Hadassah's opposition to "equal access" legislation, which would allow religious groups access to public schools. |
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1986 | Separation of Church and State
Calls on elected officials to support the Constitutional principle of the separation of church and state. |
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1987 | Prayer in the Public Schools
Reaffirms prior prayer in public schools policy statements. Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms prior separation of church and state policy statements. |
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1990 | Public School Voluntary Religious Clubs
Reaffirms the 1984 policy statement regarding religious groups' access to public schools. Views with alarm the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to give religious clubs the same access to school facilities as other "non-curriculum related" groups, in violation of the First Amendment. |
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1991 | Child Care* [WF]
States commitment to childcare programs. Opposes legislation that provides voucher systems for day care facilities, including those offering religious instruction, in violation of the First Amendment. |
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1992 | Separation of Church and State* [RL]
Reaffirms Hadassah's belief in the principle of separation of church and state as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Urges congress to enact the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." |
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1994 | Prayer in Public Schools
Reaffirms prior prayer in public schools policy statements. |
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1999 | School Vouchers* [RL]
Reaffirms prior church/state separation statements on tax tuition credits. Opposes the use of publicly funded school vouchers for private and religious schools. |
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2000 | Religion in the Public Schools
Reaffirms our commitment to protecting the wall separating church and state. Opposes the posting of the Ten Commandments, the teaching of creationism as valid scientific theory, and the introduction of officially sponsored, organized or sanctioned prayer at sporting events and programs in public schools. |
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2001 | Charitable Choice [RL]
Reaffirms Hadassah's commitment to the separation of church and state. Opposes "charitable choice" initiatives, which would provide public funding for social services programs operated by pervasively sectarian organizations without requiring safeguards to prevent First Amendment violations. |
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2002 | School Prayer Amendment [RL]
Reaffirms Hadassah's opposition to the "School Prayer Amendment," a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit officially-sponsored prayer in public schools and would allow religious symbols to be posted in public schools, courtrooms and other public institutions. |
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2003 | Preserving Principles of Science Over Ideology in Health Policy [HC]
Calls on government officials to draw from the best scientific and medical evidence available-- not religious or political ideology -- when shaping health policy. Specifically, it urges the Administration, Congress and state and local governments to fund and promote balanced, accurate sex education programs that inform students about abstinence as well as about contraception and methods of AIDS/STD prevention. It further call on federal, state and local governments to recognize the evidence that condoms prevent transmission of AIDS and STDs and to promote their use for disease prevention both in the U.S. and overseas. |
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Social Justice and Civil Rights
Background
Individuals and organizations in the Jewish community know well the impact of discrimination. Jews have faced unequal treatment throughout history and therefore tend to have a heightened sensitivity to the discriminatory treatment of others.
Issues included in this category address discrimination and the denial of equal opportunity based on religion, sex, race and other factors. Hadassah's efforts have often been focused on removing barriers to basic services, education, housing, voting and employment. The policy statements here also address services for the poor, immigration, affirmative action, and other related issues.
As an interesting historical note, in 1968 Hadassah's American Affairs/Domestic Policy program embarked on a "vigorous expansion" of its domestic public policy activities. (Hadassah Annual Report, 1968-1969) This period of dramatically increased activity was a direct response to the "War on Poverty" and in support of President Johnson's Great Society Programs.
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1980 | Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [WF]
Reaffirms the 1979 ERA policy statement which endorses the ERA to the U.S. Constitution and urges its ratification. States that the Amendment is essential to strengthen the position of women. Notes those states which failed to ratify and calls on residents of those states to act. The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference* [HC, RC, WF]
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action U.N. Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, RC, WF]
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights. |
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1981 | Anti-Semitism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior statements dating back to 1962 condemning anti-Semitism. Views with alarm increased anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism worldwide. Pledges support to combat proliferation through educational, legislative and other efforts. Economic and Social Justice* [WF]
Urges the President to insure that government support will not be denied to the needy. Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [WF]
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements. Extensions of Voting Rights Act (VRA)* [CP]
Reaffirms the prior "Voting Rights Act" policy statements dating back to 1965. The VRA is considered "...one of the most important and effective civil rights laws safeguarding the political rights of ...minority groups [by] enabling them to exercise the most precious of our constitutional rights - the right to vote." |
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1982 | Anti-Semitism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [WF]
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements. Global Anti-Semitism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. Jewish Security in the U.S.* [RL]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. |
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1983 | Women's Rights* [WF]
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. Emphasizes the need for economic equality and security. |
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1984 | Anti-Semitism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Reaffirms prior policy statements, dating back to 1949, reaffirming our commitment to the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration enumerates civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that should be the common possession of all mankind. United Nations Decade for Women* [HC, WF]
Endorses the original concept whose goal is to improve the status of women. Expresses hope that the 1985 Nairobi conference will be free of anti-Israel, anti-West propaganda. Women's Rights* [WF]
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. |
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1985 | United Nations Decade for Women* [WF]
Reaffirms the 1984 United Nations Decade for Women policy statement. Applauds the final document and the success in preventing the inclusion of the word "Zionism" in a resolution branding racism and apartheid as obstacles to development. |
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1988 | Anti-Semitism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. |
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1992 | AIDS* [HC]
Reaffirms the 1988 AIDS policy statement. Calls for more funds for treatment and research. Calls for the adoption of measures that prohibit discrimination against people with AIDS. Anti-Semitism and Racism* [RL]
Reaffirms prior policy statements on anti-Semitism. Calls upon elected officials, civic, religious and community leaders to enforce laws and denounce manifestations of all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Immigration* [IR]
Reaffirms prior immigration policy statements dating back to 1946. Calls for the cessation of discriminatory immigration policies and supports non-discriminatory application of U.S. immigration legislation and attendant policies. |
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1993 | President Clinton and Vice President Gore Congratulatory Statement* [HC, RC, WF]
Wishes Clinton and Gore a successful administration. Notes Hadassah's delight over recent Administration statements and actions concerning women's health care, health care reform, reproductive rights and a myriad of civil liberties issues. |
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1994 | Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, RC, WF]
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement. |
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1996 | Civil Rights/Affirmative Action* [WF]
Supports the continued use of federal affirmative action programs to redress past discrimination. Rejects the use of quotas and calls for the continued utilization of "goals and timetables." Economic Justice and Social Welfare
Reaffirms prior policy statements regarding economic and social justice. Calls for the maintaining of a federal social and economic "safety net" for all Americans. Opposes the devolution of social welfare programs to state governments. Arson Attacks Against African-American Churches and Other Houses of Worship* [CWW, RL]
Condemns the rash of fire bombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism perpetuated against African-American churches and other houses of worship. |
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1998 | Hate Crimes* [WF, RL]
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability. |
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1999 | Sexual Harassment* [WF, CWW]
Expresses the belief that all individuals have the right to study, volunteer, and/or work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment. Social Security* [WF]
Urges Congress to ensure that Social Security continues to provide its current guaranteed benefits. Hadassah calls on Congress to assess all proposals aimed at ensuring the solvency of Social Security with due consideration of the impact on the majority of Social Security recipients-women. Arson Attacks Against Synagogues and Other Hate Crimes* [RL]
Condemns arson attacks on three synagogues in Sacramento, CA. Urges appropriate government entities to monitor and track activities of groups that encourage and commit hate crimes. |
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2001 | Voting Modernization* [CP]
Expresses concern over the events surrounding the 2000 elections. Calls on Congress and state legislatures to modernize voting equipment, standardize voting procedures and educate citizens. |
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2002 | Anti-Terrorism, Immigration and Civil Liberties* [IR]
Calls on the President, Congress and the Administration to continue to employ all efforts to root out international terrorism and its support structure, while ensuring that civil liberties for U.S. citizens and resident aliens are protected in the United States. |
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2004 | Senior Transportation * [HC, WF]
Hadassah calls upon the federal government, state and local governments to address the unique transportation needs of seniors by significantly increasing funding for senior transportation, allocating funds for innovative local senior transportation programs, providing central coordination for all senior transportation programs, allowing more flexibility in the use of existing senior transportation funds, and addressing the needs of seniors in future transportation planning and decision-making. |
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2005 | Disability Rights
Hadassah is deeply concerned about the rights of the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Hadassah calls upon the federal government to continue to expand and strengthen the full range of disability rights. |
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2006 | Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans
Supports the passage of state and federal civil rights legislation to protect against hate crimes and discrimination based on sexual orientation. Strongly opposes efforts at the federal and state level, whether through legislation, referendum or constitutional amendment, that would selectively limit or deny civil rights to same-sex couples and their families, thereby abusing the spirit of the amendment process and discouraging further expansion of gay rights. Expresses support equal protections under the law for same-sex couples, comparable to those afforded to heterosexual couples, and supports government action that provides civil status to committed same-sex couples and their families equal to the civil status provided to the committed relationships of men and woman and their families, with all associated legal rights and obligations, both federal and state. |
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2007 | Balancing Religion in the Workplace and Civil Liberties* [SJ/CR]
Calls upon U.S. governments at every level to accommodate religious observance in the workplace to the fullest extent possible, while protecting the rights of women, religious and ethnic minorities and the gay community. With respect to pharmacy moral refusals, calls upon U.S. governments and businesses to put in place mechanisms that ensure patients' access to medication without delay. Where access to medications cannot be provided without delay, the right to health care must supersede the right to religious accommodation. |
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Women and Family
Background
Hadassah is the single largest women's organization in this country. As such, Hadassah has a particular obligation and an unwavering commitment to women's rights and concerns. Whether supporting equal rights, freedom of choice, access to child care or health care, or working to eliminate violence against women, Hadassah has a proud history in support of women and families.
This category also addresses some key concerns in Jewish family life.
Although all health care is crucial to women and their families in some way, only health-related items that have direct impact on women's health are included here.
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1980 | Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the 1979 ERA policy statement which endorses the ERA to the U.S. Constitution and urges its ratification. States that the Amendment is essential to strengthen the position of women. Notes those states which failed to ratify and calls on residents of those states to act. The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference* [HC, SJ/CR, RC]
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action. U.N. Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, SJ/CR, RC]
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights. |
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1981 | Economic and Social Justice* [SJ/CR]
Urges the President to insure that government support will not be denied to the needy. Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements. Freedom of Choice* [HC, RC]
Opposes any regulation diminishing individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Regards "choice" as a matter of privacy of the individual to be determined by each woman in accordance with her religious, moral and ethical values. |
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1982 | Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements. |
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1983 | Women's Rights* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. Emphasizes the need for economic equality and security. |
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1984 | United Nations Decade for Women* [SJ/CR]
Endorses the original concept whose goal is to improve the status of women. Expresses hope that the 1985 Nairobi conference will be free of anti-Israel, anti-West propaganda. Women's Rights* [SJ/CR]
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. |
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1985 | Child Care
Supports measures to provide comprehensive child care programs. Urges adoption of measures to require adequate funding by public and private sectors. United Nations Decade for Women* [HC, SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the 1984 United Nations Decade for Women policy statement. Applauds the final document and the success in preventing the inclusion of the word "Zionism" in a resolution branding racism and apartheid as obstacles to development. |
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1987 | Child Care
Reaffirms the 1985 child care policy statement. Freedom of Choice* [HC, RC]
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement. Jewish Family Law* [RL]
Urges the Rabbinate to devise practical solutions to serious problems of family law such as agunah, halitzah, divorce, women's rights in marriage, and custody of children. |
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1988 | Child Care
Reaffirms prior childcare policy statements. Endorses the "Act for Better Child Care." |
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1989 | Freedom of Choice* [HC, RC]
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Parental Leave Bill* [HC]
Supports the "Family and Medical Leave Act" allowing employees the unpaid time necessary to care for a newborn, seriously ill child, parent or spouse. |
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1990 | Child Care* [CS]
Reaffirms prior child care policy statements. Opposes voucher systems for day care facilities, including those offering religious instruction, in violation of the First Amendment. Women of the Wall* [RL]
Calls upon the government of Israel to protect the rights of "Women of the Wall" to pray collectively at the Kotel without harassment. |
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1991 | Child Care* [CS]
Reaffirms Hadassah's commitment to childcare programs. Opposes legislation that provides voucher systems for day care facilities, including those offering religious instruction, in violation of the First Amendment. |
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1992 | Reproductive Choice* [HC, RC]
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey. Women's Health Issues* [HC]
Calls on the medical community to focus greater attention on female-oriented diseases. |
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1993 | Breast Cancer* [HC]
Expresses alarm at the rising rate of breast cancer and stresses the promotion of programs for early detection, such as Hadassah's breast cancer campaign, "Hadassah Cares/Check It Out." Moreover, it calls upon federal and state officials to direct increased funding to promote research into the cause, optimal treatment and possible cure for breast cancer. Note of Support for President Clinton's Pro-Choice Measures* [HC, RC]
Applauds pro-choice executive orders including: 1. Repeal of the "Gag Rule;" 2. Lifting the RU-486 ban; 3. Lifting the ban on abortions in overseas military hospitals; 4. Lifting restrictions on fetal tissue research; and 5. Rescinding the "Mexico City" policy. President Clinton and Vice President Gore Congratulatory Statement* [RC, SJ/CR, HC]
Wishes Clinton and Gore a successful administration. Notes Hadassah's delight over recent Administration statements and actions concerning women's health care, health care reform, reproductive rights and a myriad of civil liberties issues. War Crimes Against Women* [CWW]
Expresses outrage over the silence of the international community with respect to the sexual violent crimes committed against the women of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Calls for the recognition of these crimes as war crimes. |
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1994 | Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)* [HC, RC, SJ/CR]
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement. Reaffirmation of Breast Cancer Policy Statement* [HC]
Reaffirms the 1993 breast cancer policy statement. Women's Health Care* [HC]
States that the following principles must be included in any health care reform package to assure that women's access, treatment and research needs are met: 1. Universal access; 2. Comprehensive women's health benefits; 3. Choice of providers and settings; 4. Accountability to women; and 5. Increased funding and attention to the needs of health problems particular to women. |
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1995 | Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE)* [CWW, HC, RC]
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act." |
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1996 | BRCA1 Gene, Genetic Testing and Insurance Discrimination* [HC]
Opposes health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic factors like the BRCA1 gene mutation found disproportionately in the Ashkenazic Jewish population. Supports federal and state legislation efforts to prohibit such discrimination. Civil Rights/Affirmative Action* [SJ/CR]
Supports the continued use of federal affirmative action programs to redress past discrimination. Rejects the use of quotas and calls for the continued utilization of "goals and timetables." Violence Against Women* [CWW, HC]
Reaffirms Hadassah's long standing commitment to women's rights and women's health needs. Condemns all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. Special emphasis on domestic violence in the Jewish community. Voter Registration and Participation* [CP]
Reaffirms prior voter registration and participation policy statements. Expresses concern regarding Jewish communal and women's voter registration and turnout. Describes "The Hadassah Voter Challenge 1996." |
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1997 | Policy Statement on Genetic Testing* [HC]
Reaffirms the 1996 policy statement on genetic testing and insurance discrimination. Highlights Hadassah's support of genetic research while acknowledging concerns of insurance and employment discrimination and the need for confidentiality of medical records. |
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1998 | Child Care
Reaffirms the 1991 policy statement on child care, calling for legislation to address the need for affordable, safe, high-quality child care. Hate Crimes* [RL, SJ/CR]
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Child Abuse* [HC]
Recognizes that child abuse and child maltreatment is also a Jewish problem. Pledges to educate our communities and support resources for children and families. Women's Economic Equity and Security
Reaffirms 1983 policy statement on women's rights. Calls for stricter enforcement of pay equity laws, revision of restrictive pension policies, and support for measures that will result in real economic security for women. Minimum Wage Increase
Supports President Clinton's efforts to increase the minimum wage and calls on Congress to pass such legislation. Tobacco* [HC]
Recognizes lung cancer as a leading killer of women, as well as the problem of increasing tobacco use among middle and high school students. Supports federal measures to limit the marketing and availability of tobacco products, particularly to young people, and urges passage of legislation to ensure such federal actions. |
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1999 | Sexual Harassment* [SJ/CR, CWW]
Expresses the belief that all individuals have the right to study, volunteer, and/or work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment. Social Security* [SJCR]
Urges Congress to ensure that Social Security continues to provide its current guaranteed benefits. Hadassah calls on Congress to assess all proposals aimed at ensuring the solvency of Social Security with due consideration of the impact on the majority of Social Security recipients-women. National Museum of Women's History
Supports plans for the establishment of a National Museum of Women's History in Washington, DC to preserve and celebrate the historic contributions and diverse heritage of women. Urges Congress to pass legislation for the museum's creation. |
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2000 | Organ and Tissue Donation
Urges organ donation as a life-saving effort and to counter the shortage of organs available for transplant. Encourages family discussion of organ donation. Pledges to increase efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. |
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2001 | Prescription Equity* [HC, RC]
Recognizes that women pay more in out-of-pocket health care expenses than men because of the lack of insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. Urges Congress to pass legislation requiring all private insurers to provide equity in prescription coverage. |
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2003 | Title IX * [HC]
Commends the Administration for rejecting recent recommendations that would weaken Title IX; urges the government to strongly enforce Title IX's standards and to promote advances toward equality for women in sports. |
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2004 | Senior Transportation * [HC, SJCR]
Hadassah calls upon the federal government, state and local governments to address the unique transportation needs of seniors by significantly increasing funding for senior transportation, allocating funds for innovative local senior transportation programs, providing central coordination for all senior transportation programs, allowing more flexibility in the use of existing senior transportation funds, and addressing the needs of seniors in future transportation planning and decision-making. |
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2005 | Asylum for Victims of Gender-Based Violence [CWW]
Hadassah calls upon the U.S. Government to recognize gender-based violence as grounds for asylum; adapt the asylum process to accommodate women fleeing gender-based violence, including providing female officers to hear their cases, and training immigration officers and judges on issues relating to gender-based violence; and create a high-level office within the Department of Homeland Security to oversee all issues relating to asylum and expedited removal. |
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2005 | Trafficking of Women [CWW]
Condemns the trafficking of women when women are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation within and across national borders. |
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Other
Background
This section includes statements that do not naturally fall into other categories, most often because of their international focus.
POLICY STATEMENTS |
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1985 | Anti-Apartheid
Deplores Apartheid and calls on the U.S. government to motivate the South African government to rectify the situation. |
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1986 | Apartheid
Reaffirms the 1985 Apartheid policy statement. Calls on individuals and institutions with stock portfolios to demand adherence to the Sullivan Principles. Kurt Waldheim
Urges action to put Kurt Waldheim on the "Watch List" of excludable aliens. |
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1987 | Apartheid
Reaffirms prior Apartheid policy statements. |
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1993 | Jonathan Pollard
Calls on the President to commute Pollard's sentence to time served on humanitarian grounds. |
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2003 | 350th Anniversary of the American Jewish Community
Urges Hadassah members to participate in Hadassah's and the general Community's celebrations and commemoration of this historic Anniversary year. |
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