As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we invite you to dive into the history of the powerful women who have shaped Hadassah, from our humble beginnings 112 years ago all the way up to present day. It all started with our founder, Henrietta Szold, the subject of the new book and this Hadassah Magazine story, “Henrietta Szold’s Gifts,” by historian and author Francine Klagsburn. Over the decades, Szold has inspired hundreds of thousands of women who have educated, advocated, fundraised and brought their communities together to represent Hadassah and our mission of empowering women, Zionism and advancing healing. It continues today with our current leaders, who are making history in their own right.
- American Jewish Historical Society
The Hadassah archives are housed — on long-term deposit — at the American Jewish Historical Society. The collection is immense and starts back in 1875 (before Hadassah’s founding in 1912), and it includes the papers of Henrietta Szold, as well as past national presidents, executive directors and much more!
- National Women's Hall of Fame
Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2007. Read her entry here.
- Our Website, Our History
Visit www.hadassah.org/about/history.
- Jewish Women's Archive
The Jewish Women's Archive includes dozens of entries and articles featuring Hadassah and our leaders over the past century, including Hadassah in the United States, Hadassah: Yishuv to the Present Day, Founding of Hadassah and Alice Seligsberg, Etta Lasker Rosensohn and other women you may not know by name but whose impact is inspirational.
- US Library of Congress
Henrietta Szold is included in the Library of Congress's From Haven to Home: 350 Years of Jewish Life in America exhibit.
- US Congressional Record
Hadassah's centennial made headlines in 2012, including this Senate Resolution recognizing Hadassah for "Hadassah's important contributions to medical research and care, the health of communities, the US-Israel relationship, and the continuity of Jewish heritage.”
- Strong Leadership Today
Our 28th National President, Carol Ann Schwartz, brings her own 30 years of history with Hadassah to the role. Schwartz, who began her term on January 1, 2024, has hit the ground running, representing Hadassah in Israel, Washington, DC, New York City, at the UN and more.
- Leaders of Tomorrow
Last May, we launched our inaugural group of 18 American Zionist Women You Should Know to celebrate Hadassah & Israel –– Together at 75. This influential group of Jewish women is making history as we speak. Stay tuned for our 2024 list –– coming this May!
Read More
On International Women’s Day and Every Day, Be a Powerful Voice for Women and Girls
Henrietta Szold and Queen Esther: Two Heroines at Purim
Women Making History: Hadassah’s #EndTheSilence Campaign Sparks Global Movement