On this day in history: March 3, 1912, the women’s Zionist organization “Hadassah” was founded in the USA.
The Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America, one of the largest women’s Zionist organizations in the world, was founded on March 3, 1912, by Henrietta Szold. The organization emerged in New York based on the already existing ‘Daughters of Zion’ clubs and was named after the biblical Queen Esther, known by her Jewish name Hadassah. In 1918, Hadassah became part of the Zionist Organization of America.
The goal of creating Hadassah was to unite Jewish women in America in support of the Zionist movement, to develop social initiatives, educational programs, and to provide assistance to the Jewish community in Palestine and later in Israel. Henrietta Szold, who became the organization’s first president, played a key role in its development and in shaping its areas of activity.
One of the most significant achievements of Hadassah was the creation of a medical infrastructure in Palestine, including the famous network of medical institutions in Jerusalem. The organization actively engaged in the training of medical personnel and the development of hospitals and clinics, which played an important role in improving healthcare in the region.
Over time, Hadassah’s activities expanded: the organization took on roles in educational projects, cultural and women’s initiatives, while continuing to support Israel and Jewish communities around the world. Today, Hadassah continues to be a powerful platform for women’s leadership, inspiring new generations to act in the spirit of Zionist and universal human values.
