.svg)
“I believe grassroots advocacy is for those who want to be part of the action at ground level — taking part, not just watching,” said Lin Pomerantz.
Pomerantz is putting her beliefs into practice as chair of the National Grassroots Advocacy Team in Hadassah’s Education & Advocacy Division (E&A). “Empowering women to use their voices in meaningful ways has always been important to me,” she said.
Leading a team of 13 area liaisons who have direct contact with region and chapter advocacy leaders across the country, Pomerantz says, “My proudest moments come as the team leader each time I hear an area liaison’s report on a successful action with their local teams.”
Meetings with legislators — Day in the District (US House of Representatives), Sit Down With a Senator (US Senate) and Date With the State — are a signature grassroots advocacy initiative.
The team has completed nearly 100 legislative meetings over the past several years, with each meeting tailored to the legislator and presented by Hadassah members in their constituency. Most are held virtually to incentivize higher attendance.
“This is so important, now more than ever,” she said. “Our issues are screaming for attention. Antisemitism, anti-Zionism and anti-Israel sentiment internationally have never been more concerning to our members. As for women's health equity, in many states we have lost our right to choose, and that has had a great impact.”
Area liaisons represent Hadassah in their communities by attending Town Halls and bill signings, marches and rallies. Pomerantz and her team also mobilize Hadassah advocates through education and training, promoting online action opportunities and supporting Hadassah chapters in their local community engagement and social action efforts.
The National Grassroots Advocacy team also presents the Let's Talk Advocacy interactive lecture series, providing advocacy updates and often bringing in attendees who are interested in advocacy but may not have a leadership position.
Though she was made a Hadassah life member by her grandmother 50 years ago, it wasn’t until 2000, after moving from Dallas to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and semi-retiring from a business she’s owned, an industrial tool supplier, for 25 years, that Pomerantz really began participating in Hadassah. She took advantage of her new free time, meeting other Jewish women while learning about the organization.
In doing so, she found that Hadassah’s mission and policy statements deeply resonate with her, especially supporting Israel and bringing healing to the world through groundbreaking medicine and research at Hadassah hospitals.
Pomerantz became the fundraising VP of the newly formed Yamit Group within the Jacksonville chapter, later moving up to become group president and then chapter president. She proceeded to rise through the ranks, serving as treasurer of the Florida Central Region Board, organization vice president and region president (part of the region presidents class of 2018).
Her national role in E&A followed, though she is concurrently filling in as region coordinator of Hadassah Florida Central.
In 2024 in Florida, her team of advocacy VPs from all four regions presented Get Out The Vote 2024 programs in partnership with the Florida League of Women Voters across the state, attracting large audiences. Unfortunately, a Florida constitutional amendment they fought for to limit government interference with abortion failed to receive the necessary 60 percent of the vote required to pass. “Even if the cause is greater than our ability to see any immediate results of our actions, our effectiveness can be measured in the empowerment those attending feel after their participation,” she added.
Pomerantz has a lot she’d like to accomplish in the coming year, including getting people to the polls with Hadassah Votes 2026 campaign and programs, supporting her team and other advocates for a Day on the Hill in March and highlighting women’s health as a top priority.
“None of our core issues will improve without constant diligence and a continuing education of legislators and their staff as to who we are and why we are so relevant as an organization.”
