There’s something about working with enthusiastic and committed people that inspires and drives us to do more. This insight was brought home to me and my colleague, Development Manager Dorit Jaffe and our leader, Hadassah Australia President, Ron Finkel, as we participated in the recent, uplifting Hadassah International leaders’ mission in Jerusalem.
We are part of an amazing organisation, with people around the globe living the values of Hadassah Founder, Henrietta Szold, making an impactful contribution to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Jerusalem, Israel, and the world. In this newsletter at Item 2 you’ll read about the remarkable mission and why we continue to be inspired by the vision and mission of Hadassah.
For me, it was getting together face-to-face with old friends, meeting new people whose warmth and enthusiasm were infectious, and sharing stories about how we work in our various countries. It was an exceptionally inspiring learning experience. The work of Hadassah in the past year, including hearing first-hand about the Ukraine Emergency Humanitarian Mission on the Polish-Ukraine border from doctors and others who spent significant time on the ground, was very emotional. And experiencing the hospital itself, putting on full protective gear and going into a ward to see how state-of-the-art medical equipment is used for patients, as well as learning about the new research initiatives of Hadassah doctors, was truly awe-inspiring.
Another huge highlight of the mission was seeing the progress of the Gandel Rehabilitation Center – it is magnificent. And understanding and realising the impact it will have for the 1.5 million residents of the Jerusalem area compared to the current situation, is astounding; state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, pools, rooms, gardens, spaces for families – the architect has clearly been well briefed by the professionals and the centre is a dream coming true!
Dorit, Ruth and Ron and the Gandel Center plaque
Ron and Jorge Diener overlooking the hydrotherapy pools
Immediately after the successful Hadassah International leaders’ mission, our Dorit Jaffe was thrilled to be part of the newly formed Young Hadassah Without Borders mission.
Dorit was in her element spending three days with 40 new friends from around the globe, professionals, all of whom are inspired and enthused to work and contribute to Israel through Hadassah. Dorit experienced the hospital and the work of Hadassah in exciting new ways and her enthusiasm for continuing to work within the new group and reaching out to the next generation of supporters is fantastic – see more at Item 3 of the newsletter.
Dorit and friends from the Young Hadassah Without Borders group
In closing, at this time of year I would like to take a moment to thank our Board – President Ron Finkel AM, Lynda Brest, Julian Gillis and Philip Zajac – for their ongoing encouragement and support. We also warmly thank the Achotenu Development Committee members whose passion and support are enabling us to reach more people and share our inspiration – Lynda Brest (Chair), Lee Ann Basser, Harry Rosenberg, Mark Suss, Philip Zajac and Ron Finkel AM; and I thank our dedicated and passionate staff – Dorit Jaffe, Shani Burnie, Sean Nochomovitz as well as former Development Director Rosemary Carrick, and former Digital Marketing Manager Rose Livingston – for their tireless efforts.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy Hanukkah and a restful holiday season at the end of a very active year. We look forward to sharing developments and achievements again in 2023.
Please enjoy the newsletter.
Ruth R Rosen
Executive Director
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