Lynda Brest brings a lifetime of global experience and a bold vision to her new role — leading Hadassah Australia at a pivotal moment.
When Lynda Brest discusses her recent appointment as President of Hadassah Australia, she does so with humility and a clear sense of purpose. Born in rural Zimbabwe, with only two other Jewish families in her hometown, Lynda’s Jewish identity was shaped at home. Through letters to global JNF pen-pals, summers at Bnei Akiva camp in South Africa, and her mother’s passionate Zionism, a deep and enduring connection to her Jewish heritage and Israel took root.
As she pursued a global career in strategy consulting, Lynda sought voluntary opportunities to use her skills for good. In 2000 she joined the Board of JVS of Greater Toronto in her first substantive volunteer role. Eighteen years later, now living in Melbourne via London and Sydney, where she volunteered on the Boards of Shalom College and Supported Living Network, she was seeking her next volunteer opportunity. A visit from Karen Goldenberg, former CEO of JVS, led to an introduction to Ron Finkel at Hadassah Australia.
After joining the Board in 2018, Lynda became President earlier this year, during one of the most challenging times in Israel’s history. And yet, Lynda sees this moment as one of enormous opportunity and responsibility — to not only support Israel through crisis, but to expand Hadassah’s impact and global reach.
In its 113-year existence, Hadassah has been a symbol of humanity, hope and healing, founded in Henrietta Szold’s visionary belief that healthcare must be available to all and is critical to the survival of a Jewish homeland. Today, the Hadassah Medical Organization treats more than a million patients a year, trains professionals from over 90 countries, and leads some of the most advanced health research and clinical programs in the world.
Hadassah Australia’s mission is to amplify and support the Hadassah Medical Organization’s extraordinary work.
A priority is completion of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center (GRC), the world-class facility that was partially opened ahead of schedule, to meet the surge in demand following October 7, 2023. The first three floors were fast-tracked into operation. Four floors are now completed, but five remain unopened. The longer these remain offline, the longer patients must wait to begin rehabilitation, slowing recovery and risking long-term complications for those whose lives have been disrupted by war.
Equally urgent is the need to expand Hadassah’s mental health services. More than one million Israelis are expected to require psychological support due to the ongoing war. Hadassah is responding with innovation and agility, delivering specialised therapies, whilst supporting its own clinicians. With over 120 psychologists on staff — six times the number in a typical hospital — Hadassah is well-placed to lead this national effort, but it cannot do this alone.
Another Hadassah Australia program is the Hadassah-Achotenu Ethiopian-Israeli Scholarships in Health, supporting young Ethiopians to break cycles of disadvantage whilst addressing Israel’s chronic shortage of qualified nursing and OT professionals. These graduates go on to serve in communities across Israel — strengthening the healthcare system, and inspiring others.
Hadassah continues to be a global leader in research and innovation in areas including regenerative medicine, cancer research, organoids and personalised care. Forging partnerships between Hadassah and leading Australian academic and medical institutions and professional networks, to support global collaborations and medical advancements, is also a priority for Hadassah Australia.
As Lynda says, “Walking through Hadassah Ein Kerem earlier this year, passing tributes to fallen staff and hostages still in captivity, I felt the depth of pain — and the power of Israel’s resilience. I witnessed the courage and compassion of Hadassah clinicians living medicine as their purpose, every day. Hadassah Australia provides a bridge between Australia and Israel, between innovation and humanity, between crisis and recovery. I am immensely thankful for the privilege of working with our highly motivated Board, professional team and volunteers to enable Australians to make a difference that matters. We are not just standing with Israel — we’re helping rebuild lives with dignity, strength and hope.”
"I want to sincerely thank Ron Finkel for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication as the Founding President of Hadassah Australia," said Lynda. " I’m honoured to continue advancing the cause he so passionately championed."
Hadassah Australia is asking the community to join in its mission through donations, volunteering or simply sharing its story. "Your support makes healing possible — not just for one person, but for a nation," Hadassah Australia said.
