In August 2022, 12 influential international leaders aged 25 to 45 assembled in Zurich, Switzerland, to launch Young Hadassah Without Borders. Under the auspices of Hadassah International, these men and women will become Hadassah ambassadors in their own regions of the world and enlarge Hadassah’s global reach by expanding awareness of Hadassah’s state-of-the-art medical care and research and facilitating partnerships with Hadassah in their communities.
In addition to Hadassah International, their partners in this endeavor are Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) and Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (HWZOA).
The Young Hadassah initiative was made possible by the Tannenbaum Young Hadassah International Endowment, generously donated by Bernice Tannenbaum z”l, president of HWZOA from 1976 to 1980. Mrs. Tannenbaum initiated and established Hadassah International in 1983 and was its first president.
During days of workshops led by Hadassah International Executive Director Jorge Diener, the young leaders bonded as they discussed topics touching on Hadassah, leadership, philanthropy and the values that motivate people to want to get involved with a cause.
The group, which includes two young Hadassah doctors, also heard from Rhoda Smolow, president of HWZOA; Naomi Adler, CEO of HWZOA; and Dr. Manno (Micky) Saks, president of Hadassah Switzerland. They attended a festive dinner honoring Dr. Saks, who was recognized for his volunteer participation in the recent Hadassah Humanitarian Medical Mission to Poland.
After Zurich, the participants traveled to Basel, Switzerland, where they attended the 125th Anniversary of the World Zionist Congress. There they met with Dalia Itzik, chair of the HMO Board of Directors, and HMO Director General Prof. Yoram Weiss.