Two Barbaras are better than one!
Hadassah-Israel presented its highest award, Bonei Yerushalayim (Builders of Jerusalem), to Barbara “BG” Goldstein and Barbara Sofer during a gala event in Jerusalem on September 9.
The Hadassah Offices in Israel’s dynamic duo was honored by Hadassah volunteers in Israel for their decades of dedication to Hadassah.
Jerusalemite Anne Rothenberg chaired the event, and Hadassah-Israel President Rivkah Cooper offered greetings.
Rothenberg recalled many of Ambassador-at-Large Goldstein’s contributions to Hadassah and the development of Israel:
“The first time I saw her in action was at HWZOA’s National Convention in Washington, DC. I walked into the auditorium and immediately heard her powerful voice filling the room. From that moment, it was clear: This was a woman who could inspire the uninspired, convince the doubtful and accomplish the impossible. “BG” is truly a force of nature.”
She then spoke in praise of Sofer, who heads Hadassah’s public relations work in Israel:
“Barbara Sofer is a storyteller at heart—and that gift shines through in everything she does. As Israel director of public relations, a beloved Jerusalem Post columnist, journalist, novelist and motivational speaker, Barbara has spent her life inspiring people with her words. Her signature style is sharing true-life, emotional eyewitness stories that touch hearts, teach lessons and leave her audiences uplifted.”
Goldstein praised the commitment to fundraising by Hadassah-Israel, a volunteer, Zionist, apolitical women's organization with chapters throughout Israel. It was founded in 1983 by members of HWZOA who made aliyah and continued to devote time to the organization. They were joined by native Israelis who also believe wholeheartedly in the cause.
A particular focus of Hadassah-Israel is purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, including the Gandel Rehabilitation Center. This gala raised funds for the center.
“We have the best center in the country, but it’s not finished,” Sofer told the packed venue. “How appropriate it is that we have taken on this holy cause. What says the prophet Isaiah? ‘Zion will be redeemed in judgment, and her captives with tzedakah [charity]’.”
