The dreary weather forecast for Aventura, Florida, during Hadassah’s 2025 National Conference didn’t stand a chance. Nearly 500 Hadassah leaders, members, donors, Associates, volunteers and staff chased the clouds and rain away with their sunny demeanors, truly joining Together Under the Sun to learn, share and strategize about the Hadassah hope and healing they help achieve. “This conference is a celebration of our shared values and the power of women working together to make a difference,” said Conference Chair Dale Marcus.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities: Hadassah Welcomes
- Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz also recognized the dedication of Hadassah women in her welcome remarks. “We live in difficult times — and that is an understatement. For 113 years, Hadassah has grown and flourished through challenge after challenge, crisis upon crisis, because we understood that success is less a matter of the hardships we face than of the opportunities we create to overcome them. Each of us is here today because we made a decision about how to use this day — because Hadassah’s success depends upon our actions and our collective will.”
- Hadassah CEO Ellen Finkelstein took to the stage to reflect on her first seven months as Hadassah’s CEO. “I’ve never been in a position where the organization’s mission so closely aligns with my personal values, and because of that, it’s a privilege to do what I do every day, but it also can create so much emotional turmoil in difficult times. I feel so strongly about our mission. I care for the Jewish people deeply. I care for the State of Israel. I believe in the mission of Hadassah. I understand the plight of women and women’s health care. I understand the effects of antisemitism in this country, and every bit of it is a joy to work for but can be painful to watch what happens when we go through difficult times together.”
A Keynote Address About Showing Up
In her impassioned remarks as keynote speaker, pro-Israel influencer Lizzy Savetsky demonstrated just what makes her the dynamic social media personality she is — reaching over half a million followers in her mission to elevate Jewish causes and combat hate. She recounted the past, present and future of her Jewish journey: from becoming a life member of Hadassah at birth to growing up in one of the few hundred Jewish families in Fort Worth, Texas, to studying Torah in Jerusalem to posting the pro-Israel message on social media in 2021 (after a Hamas attack on Israel) that changed her life to making sure her children feel connected to their Jewish identity.
“If there is one thing that I have known since childhood, it is that Jewish women show up,” said Savetsky. “And that legacy of showing up is exactly what Hadassah is all about.”
Now, in the face of the current crisis in Israel, she added, “In this moment when our hearts are in Israel, but our feet are here, Hadassah is the string that keeps us connected. It is the heartbeat of Jewish women's leadership. It is our presence in Israel. It is our pride, it is our purpose and it is our power.”
In closing, Savetsky emphasized the importance of ensuring the future of the Jewish nation, announcing that she’s making her daughters Hadassah life members and her son an Associate.
Timely Discussions, Top Issues
- At The Second Battle: Rehabilitation plenary, three Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) doctors and one patient took the stage, took their seats and took the audience on an emotional journey. They told stories of their lives at work and at war, each labeling themselves as “typical.” A “typical” doctor. A “typical” Israeli. But to the crowd, there was nothing “typical” about them. The patient, a 25-year-old paratrooper in the IDF, was shot twice while fighting terrorists in the Israel-Hamas war. “Look at me now,” said the patient, as he proudly showed off his ability to walk with ease. “I owe my hand and my legs to you!” It was Dr. Gad Marom, HMO senior general surgeon and medical brigade commander, who called in the helicopter that extracted the paratrooper, bringing him to safety — and lifesaving treatment. The patient is now receiving integrated care at the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus. Dr. Baruch Batzofin, head of HMO’s Intensive Care Unit, is often the doctor riding in the helicopters that evacuate wounded soldiers as part of a special operations rescue unit. Dr. Esi Sharon Sagie’s specialty as acting director of the Postgraduate Specialization Program in Prosthodontics is returning the smiles of patients disfigured by dental problems, disease or trauma. “I can do what I can do because of the Hadassah training and experience and support from you,” she said. As a volunteer for the Israeli police, Dr. Sharon was responsible for leading a team of dentists that identified victims of October 7, 2023. These “extraordinary” guests received a thunderous applause.
During the plenary, Dalia Itzik, HMO’s board chair, said, “I would like you to know that every time I return to Israel from a Hadassah convention such as this, I proudly tell everyone I know, ‘If you could only be there to witness what I have witnessed: an army of women, a legendary and historic movement.’” HMO General Director Prof. Yoram Weiss shared updates about recent HMO achievements, including the nearly completed renovation of the Round Building and the opening of Hadassah Beit Shemesh and the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, as well as several major technological advances. “We’re trying to put ourselves at the forefront of technology because technology goes hand in hand with what we’re doing, from 3D printing to organoids to digital healthcare and AI to personalized care and robotics, etc.”
- Attendees jumped to their feet for a rousing standing ovation after Meir Shfeyah Youth Aliyah Village students Darya Dubrovsky, 18, and Hana Shvarzman, 17, shared how the village has transformed their lives. At the Youth Aliyah: A Safe Haven for Israeli Youth at Risk and Jewish Youth Finding a Home in Israel plenary, Shvarzman, in her sixth year at Meir Shfeyah, said, “I go there because I know it's a good place, and I know that I can become a good person. And it's really important to me to become a good person.” Dubrovsky said she was scared when she came to Meir Shfeyah alone from Ukraine three years ago. “It took time for me to change, and I changed because of the people in Shfeyah, and now you see me here talking to you …. I'm really proud of myself.” Meir Shfeyah youth counselor Tomer Bar said that his main goal is to discover and develop student potential.
- A screening of Peabody Award-winning director Abby Ginzberg’sLabors of Love: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Szold documentary was followed by a Q & A between Conference Vice Chair Kimi Schulman and the filmmaker — a distant cousin of Szold's. “This movie was a really important journey to kind of uncover who Henrietta was for me,” she said. “I ended up with just tremendous respect for everything she did.”
- Elizabeth Cullen, Hadassah’s government relations director, led a panel on what she called “one of America’s most embattled issues: reproductive choice.” Navigating Threats to Reproductive Freedom in 2025 focused on the impact of reproductive health policies on women’s issues, highlighting the consequences of the Dobbs decision. Dr. Mimi Zieman, OB/GYN and reproductive rights advocate, discussed the real-world consequences of abortion bans, including increased maternal mortality and reduced access to care. “There are only nine states that have no abortion restrictions,” said Dr. Zieman. “When I pick up a patient’s chart, the first thing I look at is: What state is she from?... That's nonsense.” Elana Frank, CEO and founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation, detailed the challenges of IVF. “We already know that there's a huge emotional toll having to do with fertility treatments and IVF, and now in this whole roller coaster, we're having to continue to offer mental health services on top of everything that they're going through.” Allison Tombros Korman (2025 #Hadassah18) emphasized the importance of abortion funds, having funded over 800 patients as the founder of the Red Tent Fund, and the role of Jewish women in the reproductive rights movement. “We have been at the forefront of this since the beginning.”
- “Publishing is a very progressive industry, and there have been a lot of anti-Israel feelings,” said Talia Benamy, an editor at Penguin Young Readers, during a live segment of Hadassah Magazine Presents, From Shield to Scapegoat: Jewish Literature's Past, Present and Future. Hosted by Hadassah Magazine Executive Editor Lisa Hostein, the panel of industry insiders discussed the current challenges in Jewish publishing. “I’ve experienced some of it directly,” Benamy continued, noting book events have been canceled, a decline in interview requests and conference invites rescinded, all because of an author’s Zionism. In contrast, Miami Book Fair Executive Director Lissette Méndez has featured many Jewish and Israeli authors over the years. “We know we're Jewish, and we know we're great, but we need to make sure that the rest of the world knows it as well,” she said. Rachel Gordan, professor of American Jewish culture and society at the University of Florida, spoke of shifts in attitudes about Jews over time.
- The Combating Antisemitism plenary began with video remarks by Leo Terrel, senior counsel for civil rights at the Department of Justice. “Hadassah never ceases to selflessly care for others, even in the face of profound hatred… Together, we can, and we will rid America and the world of antisemitism,” he said. Moderator Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, president pro tempore in the Colorado State Senate, kicked off the panel, stating unapologetically, “Anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Hard stop.” Legal advocate and media contributor Adela Cojab Moadeb (2024 #Hadassah18) noted that antisemitism on campus has become more normalized, infiltrating all academic departments, even those unrelated to the study of the Middle East, history or politics. As a nutrition major, her sister, Cojab said, had a class in global public health with an entire session about starvation in Gaza. Elizabeth Rand of Mothers Against College Antisemitism said that she saw this group she founded after October 7, 2023, for Jewish moms to address problems faced by Jewish college students grow to 20,000 within just a few days, saying, “I think what it became primarily is a great supportive place.” Jaclyn Clark, counsel at The Lawfare Project, is frustrated that people don’t understand that “no matter how you identify politically, we are Jews first, and we need to understand our goals — fighting antisemitism, preserving our identity — extend beyond politics.”
Creating Continuity: The Next Generation
Emerging leaders at all stages had a strong presence across the event.
- Nearly 100 members of Evolve Hadassah: The Next Generation connected with each other, Hadassah’s mission and some fun — making the most of their time together, hosting a Jewish-geography game show and a Barbie-themed get-together. “There’s just this great sense of fellowship here that I absolutely love,” said first-time attendee Marina Kahana, who joined Hadassah Long Beach, California, after feeling a need for community post-October 7, 2023. Members of the third cohort of Evolve Leadership Fellows came together with past Hadassah National Presidents Rhoda Smolow, Nancy Falchuk, Ellen Hershkin and Marcie Natan — as well as Carol Ann Schwartz, who offered leadership tips and insights gleaned over decades. “They are our legacy, they are our future, and we want to share with them what Hadassah gave us,” said Smolow.
- As the recipient of Hadassah’s 2025 Leader of Tomorrow Award, high school student Alexandra Bentes received a scholarship for Young Judaea’s (YJ) Gesher Israel summer program and traveled to Israel to hone her leadership skills and connect to the country’s culture and history. At a YJ presentation, she spoke of how moved she was to have helped clean up areas hit by Iranian bombs this summer. “I know that my YJ journey won’t end here,” she added.
- Marly Rotenberg, 20, was one of the youngest attendees, the plus-one of her grandmother Joan Epstein, chair of major gifts. “It’s been really great to meet people from all over and get to know more specifics about what Hadassah does,” she said.
New Policy Statements, Appointments and Awardees
- Hadassah adopted three new policy statements: Strengthening Security to Confront and Protect Against Antisemitic Violence, Championing Pluralism Within the Zionist Movement and America at 250: A Call to Celebrate and Strengthen Our Democracy.
- Hadassah delegates elected several new national board members and top leaders, including Kacy Spivack as national secretary and Michelle Conwisar and Lynda Heyman as national vice presidents, thanking outgoing officers Liz Alpert, Fran Feldman and Marcia Gabrilove Ladin. The new three-year terms begin January 1, 2026.
- Dozens of regions, chapters and individuals were presented awards from Education & Advocacy and Engagement Divisions for their exceptional efforts in furthering Hadassah’s mission.
On the Job. In Our Hadassah Communities.
- Five outgoing region presidents reflected on their three-year terms. Iris Altschuler of Hadassah Southern New Jersey said, “More than 45 years ago, when I first joined Hadassah, I could never have imagined the role this organization would play in my life. What began as a way to meet other young Jewish moms turned to decades of friendships, leadership and accomplishments that I will always treasure.” As the new Hadassah Southern Seaboard president, Rebecca Young has learned a lot since she assumed her new role. She said it’s valuable and fulfilling, and that she was especially proud to be part of the National Conference of Women Changemakers in Washington, DC, in July, hosted by Hadassah and the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council.
- For members of the Hadassah Professional Councils, a Hadassah national conference is a “very special way to connect,” said Rachel Schonberger, Marketing & Communications Division co-coordinator and founding chair of the Hadassah Physicians Council. “It’s a way for people to get together with colleagues who are Jewish and in the same profession,” said Joyce Backman, Hadassah Professional Councils chair. “We can share stories and experiences. Since October 7, it’s harder, because we’re starting to face antisemitism in our workplaces.” During their group gathering, members discussed timely topics, such as AI in their fields.
- Volunteers from Hadassah’s Education & Advocacy Division had a message for conference attendees: Sign up for Hadassah’s Day on the Hill 2026, in March. “It’s really important because it’s our opportunity to speak with legislators and advocate for our three priorities we stand and fight for: strengthening the US-Israel relationship, combating antisemitism and advocating for women’s health and reproductive health,” said Joyce Laiter, E & A Division coordinator. With the rise of antisemitism and threats to reproductive rights, “we have to take action now,” she added. “There’s no other time.”
- At the conference, Associates President Alan Lipschultz led the annual Associates Business Meeting, electing Brian Rubin as executive vice president and Dr. Marc Shapiro and Gary Dalin as members of the National Board. Midway through his presidency, Lipschultz is seeing success. Lipschultz took office in July 2024 with goals — eight, in fact — to stir things up for the community of men who support Hadassah. “I’ve made traction on all of them,” he said, having focused Associates fundraising on Hadassah priorities, organized new Associates in underserved areas and made programming more inclusive for men.
Personifying Philanthropy, One Commitment at a Time
- At the Keepers of the Gate reception, Dalia Itzik addressed the crowd of 220 Keepers and guests, emphasizing that support of Hadassah is support of Israel. Keepers of the Gate Chair Linda Freedman Block and Keepers of the Gate Co-Chair Cheryl Sperber helped inspire attendees and more deeply connect them to Hadassah. Five new Evolve Keepers, 13 new Keepers and 17 step-up Keepers were recognized with Keepers of the Gate pins. The net total of new gifts was $37,360.
- A call for donations of toys, crayons and markers for Hadassah’s mitzvah project resulted in 10 large boxes of items for the Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options.
Voicing Support: Local, National & Global Government Officials
- “I’m so happy that you’re here, I’m kvelling,” said Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg from the stage, following his welcome letter in the event program: “We are honored to recognize your work as empowered Jewish women dedicated to creating meaningful change.”
- By video, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog shared that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the surge of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment only make us deepen our commitment to supporting Israel. “Hadassah has done so in so many ways, a powerful advocate of Israel, always,” he said. “Since October 7, you've stepped forward with clarity and purpose. You've helped establish the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Mount Scopus, treating injured soldiers and civilians, among so many other statements of solidarity and support all throughout the country.”
- “Thank you for the work that Hadassah does to advance women’s leadership, strengthen the Jewish people and promote health and healing in communities around the world,” wrote Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a letter in the program.
- Via video, Mike Huckabee, United States ambassador to Israel, said, “I see Hadassah hospitals firsthand in Israel as a shining example of the power of the US-Israel relationship to do good in this sometimes-evil world. Your contributions to the field of medicine transcend ethnic, political and religious lines, because whether you're Jewish, Muslim or Christian, it doesn't matter, as you're all part of the Hadassah family, and the top priority is always to treat and help every patient.”
Last Words: Energized & Inspired
How does one sum up two and a half days of nonstop learning, connecting, reflecting, forward-thinking and fun — think dancing a hora around the perimeter of a large ballroom?
“Enlightening, inspiring, amazing and … exhausting,” said Lauree Dash of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a first-time Hadassah conference attendee.
Schulman shared a similar sentiment in her remarks at the close of the conference. “We may be tired, but we are energized,” she said. “We may be going home, but we are bringing Hadassah with us.”
“I’m really glad I came,” said Dash.
Read our press releases about our new policy statements and the election of national officers.
