Dear Friends,
Today the complex of extraordinary, state-of-the-art operating rooms is opening in the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower at Hadassah Ein Kerem. I am here in Jerusalem representing the tens of thousands of members and donors who made this day possible. Could there be a more soul-satisfying way to begin as Hadassah's new National President?
The $30 million OR complex has a level of technology used only by the world's top-tier hospitals. The ORs look like something from the future, with stainless steel walls for a more sterile environment, special lighting affixed to the ceiling, and flexible, rotating operating tables. A special "hybrid" OR is designed so that staff members from diverse specialties can work in parallel on complex cases. The entire complex is underground, fortified against conventional, chemical or biological weapons.
I am delighted to share this perfect day with Israeli Minister of Health Yakov Litzman, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and other distinguished guests.
And now... let me introduce myself!
I know many of you from my decades with Hadassah. I have a deep commitment to Zionism and the values it represents. The first time I set foot in Israel—to attend the first Hadassah National Convention ever held there—I was changed for life. Thunderstruck. Awed. That feeling has not left me in the almost 40 years since that day. My love for Israel, for the Jewish people, and for Hadassah has only increased. I am a passionate and proud—and practical—Zionist.
I hope you will join me on the exciting road ahead. I look forward to meeting and working and celebrating with those I have yet to meet. We stand on the shoulders of visionary, powerful women who left their indelible mark on Israel and the American Jewish community. Together, we will continue to advocate for women, for Israel, for justice. We will continue to provide world-class patient care and medical research. And, we will be ever vigilant in applying the research findings and medical practices to health issues for women in the United States and the world.
Kulanu b'yachad. We, together, will make a difference.
Ellen Hershkin
National President