Naomi Adler, CEO, Hadassah. Photo credit: Paige Thatcher
Hadassah Statement on Israel’s Judicial Reform Legislation
Rhoda Smolow, National President, and Naomi Adler, CEO, of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, issued the following statement on Israel’s judicial reform legislation:
“We are deeply disappointed that the Israeli government passed the first piece of the judicial reform legislation despite widespread calls — from Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, and many non-partisan organizations and Israeli citizens — to work toward reform together and to bridge the divides.”
As a devoted supporter of our beloved land of Israel and her people for over a century, Hadassah has continuously expressed our values regarding Zionism, democracy and respect for all. We believe Zionism can best flourish in a democratic Israel that includes checks and balances and inclusive, open-minded dialog to reach consensus, compromise and mutual understanding. We echo President Herzog’s sentiment, expressed in his speech to Congress last week: ‘We must find the way to talk to each other no matter how long it takes.’
“This week, we are reminded of the importance of the fast day of Tisha B’Av, which remembers the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, and we are mindful that what unites us is more important than what divides us.”
“Hadassah will continue to meet with Israeli and US leaders to voice our concerns and advocate for a strong US-Israel relationship as we remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to our mission.”
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, Associates and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to advocate on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health. Through the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah’s medical center in Jerusalem, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year and world-renowned medical research. The hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2005 for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports several youth villages that set at-risk children in Israel on the path to a successful future. Follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.