By Erica Sherman
Ask any random person what they think when they hear the name “Hadassah” and invariably they’ll tell you the first thing that comes to mind is a group of old ladies at a mid-afternoon chapter meeting, anxious to open their checkbooks and support Israel by planting trees in the Holy Land. While, as a result of the those ambitious endeavors, the State of Israel boasts more than 220 million trees—and counting—it’s not tree planting that Hadassah hopes to change, but rather “who is a Hadassah member.” Trying to incorporate a younger demographic into its eclectic mix, the Young Women’s Group of Hadassah Brooklyn Region is out on makeover patrol. In its first ever event, spearheaded by organizers Dani Sucher and Rachel Streich, Hadassah’s Young Women’s Group is sponsoring a “Meet & Greet” wine and cheese social from 2-5 p.m., June 26 at Park Slope’s Temple Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place on the corner of 8th Avenue. Geared towards women 21 to 45 years-young, women from all walks of life, interested in having a great time and supporting a good cause, are invited to meet and mingle, sample gourmet kosher wines and cheeses, support Israel and have a great time. “Young women provide the energy and unique points of view when it comes to issues important to us—stem cell research, a woman’s right to chose, separation of church and state and women’s health issues,” explains Streich. Founded in 1912 by Jewish scholar and activist Henrietta Szold, Hadassah— at 300,000 members strong is the largest women’s and Zionist organization in America—is on the cutting edge of technology, education, youth institutions and continued support and development of the State of Israel, recognized thus far as the only democracy in the Middle East. “American Jewish women want a connection to Israel,” says Roni Schwartz, president, Brooklyn Region Hadassah. “At the same time, we [also] want to advocate for those issues important to us here in the United States.” Although, according to its website, Hadassah “promotes the unity of the Jewish people,” it maintains a strict non-denominational status, freely inviting women of all ages and from all backgrounds, ethnicities and religious orientations to join. “These young ladies are the new face of Hadassah,” Schwartz explains. “Health care, education, truth in reporting, separation of church and state, support of those in need…[these] are all issues that we are passionate about here.” Hadassah’s two renown Jerusalem-based medical facilities, on Mount Scopus and Ein Kerem, are considered by and large the global standard by which all other top-notch hospitals should be measured as it “continues to treat patients and educate health care professionals without regard to race, religion, or national origin in over 130 departments and clinics.” Its pluralistic approach to providing equal medical treatment to Palestinians and Israelis, despite the Intifada raging on outside its clinics’ doors, has even earned Hadassah a nomination for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Commenting on the selection, Hadassah’s National President June Walker acknowledged that, “The values of Hadassah continue to set the standard that all people need to strive for.” “Hadassah’s work in Israel, as well as [at] our office in Washington, DC to promote advocacy, provides the vehicles through which we can achieve these goals,” Schwartz says. “Hadassah also provides a social outlet for younger women who have busy lives, juggling work and other obligations,” Streich concurs. “Instead of being one more obligation, attending Hadassah programs and events is an escape from the usual routine in our lives, and a good chance to meet other women in our age group.” The cover price for the event is $10. For more information about Hadassah, call the Brooklyn Region office, 1416 Avenue M, at 718-382-6454 or log onto the national website, www.hadassah.org. To make reservations for the event, or to learn more about what Hadassah’s Young Women’s Group is planning, contact Dani Sucher at 718-941-8947. See ya there! Councilman Mike Nelson honored Sylvia Etkin, a 93-year-old volunteer at the Harama Senior Center at a special ceremony and reception at City Hall to recognize the City’s exemplary seniors. Etkin walks 12 blocks each way, arriving at 8 a.m. daily, to do her volunteer work at the Harama Senior Center, where she is in charge of packaging all homebound meals—70 meals daily and double that on weekends. She is also on Harama’s Advisory Board. “Sylvia is more than a constituent to myself and my staff,” said Nelson, “she’s our adopted grandmother and friend. Really, she’s an inspiration. Every person in this city would do well to follow her example.” Etkin is a lifelong New York City resident, but this was her first time inside City Hall. At the ceremony, she received two citations; one from Aging Committee Chair Maria Baez, and the other from Councilman Nelson personally.
