.svg)
During this year’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings, Hadassah leaders took action to speak out against dangerous, unilateral efforts to recognize a Palestinian state that actually reward terrorism and war crimes. They also continued to urge leaders around the world to hold Hamas accountable for weaponizing sexual violence.
Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz Speaks Out Against Rewarding Terrorism
Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz authored a powerful opinion piece in JNS, urging leaders to think twice before supporting measures that would legitimize terror and undermine efforts toward lasting peace. In recent months, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal have independently recognized a Palestinian state. At a UNGA vote, a disturbing 143 countries voted in favor of recognition.
Schwartz wrote, “Acting unilaterally on Palestinian statehood … sends a message to Hamas and other terrorist groups worldwide that killing, kidnapping and raping innocent civilians will be rewarded in the long run.”
Meeting with Foreign Ministers and Leaders
Cheryl Sperber, National Board member and UN Committee chair, represented Hadassah in meetings with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and Nikos Christodoulides, president of Cyprus, where she discussed the importance of support for Israel and efforts to hold Hamas accountable for sexual violence.
Sperber shared, “While it is abundantly clear that much work needs to be done regarding the overwhelming anti-Israel bias of the UN as a whole, it is equally encouraging that in one-on-one meetings, major world leaders acknowledge the important role Israel plays as a dependable partner in the region, as well as in the global community.”
Honoring Women of Courage
Schwartz, Hadassah CEO Ellen Finkelstein, Sperber and Frieda Rosenberg, National Board member and Zionist Affairs chair, attended a powerful event, Remembrance and Resilience — Honoring the Women Who Stepped Forward When the World Stood Still, hosted by Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN. The event featured remarks from US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and paid tribute to women who demonstrated extraordinary bravery during and after the October 7, 2023, attacks.
What You Can Do:
Keep Reading: Schwartz’s op-ed in JNS: UN Resolution on Palestinian Statehood Emboldens Terror Groups and Undermines Democracy.
Speak Out: Demand the UN pursue justice and hold Hamas accountable for crimes against humanity.
Take Action: Tell Congress to stand with Israel and oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state.
