Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., reaffirms its steadfast dedication to inclusivity and pluralism in the Zionist movement and proudly celebrates the diversity of Zionist voices found today and throughout history. Hadassah especially recognizes the significant role women have played and must continue to play in the Zionist movement.
Hadassah champions pluralism within the Zionist community because differing perspectives bolster the movement’s strength and vitality. Passion for Zionism exists around the world across religious denominations and cultural traditions, among people of all ages and political beliefs. Anyone who recognizes the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland and Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state is a Zionist. If the next generation of Jewish and Zionist leaders are made to feel unwelcome, their absence will be felt in the Zionist movement. Inclusion and diversity of Zionist ideas also help strengthen Klal Yisrael – Jewish unity and community, Jewish continuity, the diaspora and ingathering of the Jewish people.
Since Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah in 1912, the organization has affirmed its commitment to the land and people of Israel. Hadassah is rooted in practical Zionism and a commitment to healing, exemplified by Hadassah’s investments in Israel’s healthcare infrastructure. This mission continues through world-class innovative care and research at Hadassah hospitals in Jerusalem and two Youth Aliyah villages supported by Hadassah. All of this was made possible through uplifting the leadership of women and engaging Zionists of all perspectives in securing a healthy and prosperous future for the people in Israel.
These are challenging times for the State of Israel, the Jewish diaspora and proud Zionists everywhere. Hadassah champions substantive Zionist and Israel education within the Jewish community, as well as efforts to educate the public about the history and definition of Zionism and how the existence of the State of Israel is critical for the Jewish people’s survival. Especially during times of crisis, civility and open dialogue within the Zionist community are critical.
In championing pluralism within the Zionist Movement, Hadassah calls on leaders in the Zionist movement and community to:
- Ensure that all people who recognize the need for a Jewish state, understand the Jewish people’s bond to its historic homeland and support its right to have a Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisrael, have a voice in the Zionist movement.
- Promote participation in the Zionist movement that reflects the true diversity of the Jewish diaspora and the pluralism found in the State of Israel, a haven for a diversity of ethnicities, cultures, ideological perspectives and Jewish values.
- Speak out against discrimination and disenfranchisement within the Zionist world to ensure a balanced, secure future for the Zionist movement and the Jewish homeland.