NEW YORK, NY – At its August meetings in Miami, Fla., Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, adopted three new policy statements: Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence, Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement and America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy.
“Hadassah’s leaders and members are passionate advocates committed to driving change even as the Jewish community faces a heartbreaking rise in antisemitic violence,” said National President Carol Ann Schwartz. “We are proud to update our policy positions to reflect our renewed commitment to increasing security to address rising antisemitism, promoting pluralism in the Zionist movement and strengthening democracy.”
“Hadassah’s new policy statements affirm our commitment to our values at a time that is ripe for change. Our advocates are speaking out against antisemitic violence, celebrating diversity in the Zionist movement and championing civic engagement,” said CEO Ellen Finkelstein.
THE POLICY STATEMENTS
Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence – Following the antisemitic violence in Boulder, Colo., where one of the victims, a lifelong Hadassah member, died from her injuries, and the murder of two young staff members of Israel’s embassy in Washington, DC, Hadassah has adopted the policy statement Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence. The statement reaffirms Hadassah’s commitment to combating antisemitism in all its forms and calls for increased security for the Jewish community and stronger efforts to fight antisemitism online.
Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement – Hadassah has adopted the policy statement Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement, which reaffirms the organization’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity and pluralism in the Zionist movement. This comes in the wake of ongoing efforts by leaders within the American Zionist Movement to promote the inclusivity of all Zionist groups, which will ultimately strengthen Israel-Diaspora relations and promote unity within the movement globally. The policy statement calls on leaders in the Zionist community to ensure that all people who recognize the need for a Jewish state and understand the Jewish people’s bond to its historic homeland have a voice in the Zionist movement.
America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Hadassah celebrates this historic milestone and renews its commitment to democratic values and ideals by adopting the policy statement America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy. Hadassah has a long and proud history of empowering its members to advocate at the local, state and federal level.
Read Hadassah’s policy statements:
- Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence
- Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement
- America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy