Anchoring Connections

Even at sea, Hadassah makes an impact.

Nearly 200 Hadassah Florida members, Associates and supporters, ages 40 to 80, got on board for the maiden voyage of the geographic area’s Cruise Conference, Navigating Our Present and Future: Rejuvenate, Revitalize, Reconnect.

The main activity aboard the January 9–12 conference on the Celebrity Reflection: building camaraderie. Participants had the opportunity to meet with national leaders, including Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz, Vice President Deborah Wiskind, Treasurer Viviane Kovacs and Youth Aliyah Chair Michele Rubin, as well as fellow supporters from across Florida — and even a few Northerners and Midwesterners.

As special guest, Schwartz addressed the group about advancements at the Hadassah Medical Organization, including the expansion of the pediatric psychology department and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; providing a safe haven for vulnerable teens through Youth Aliyah; advocating for our key priority issues and the importance of Hadassah on the international front.

Georgia State Senator Esther Panitch, one of Hadassah’s 2025 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know and a member of Hadassah's Greater Atlanta/Ketura Chapter, greeted guests, who took part in a full schedule of meaningful programming, featuring breakout sessions, Shabbat at Sea, a dessert and cocktail reception with signature drink “Henrietta’s Dream,” a Jewish art lecture and thought-provoking sessions and leadership workshops, such as Navigating Communication for Success, Honoring Our Donors and Eyes to the Future.

Led by Conference Advisor Diane Taub and Conference Chair Jill Welsh Davis, the conference raised over $50,000.

“We’re especially proud to have been able to share Hadassah’s latest updates with women across the state as well as to unaffiliated members,” said Davis. “We accomplished our goal of deepening connections to Hadassah, forging meaningful friendships and raising significant funds to support our projects in Israel.”

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