MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Silberberg
Plus PR
jsilberberg@pluspr.com

NEW YORK, NY - Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA) National President Rhoda Smolow and CEO/Executive Director Janice Weinman released the below joint statement following the violent attack on the US Capitol earlier today.

"Earlier today, Americans of all political stripes watched with anger, fear and sorrow as the United States Capitol — a great symbol of our democracy — was desecrated by a violent mob intent on impeding a constitutional process. They have failed.

"The criminal behavior and events of this afternoon are abhorrent, as are attempts to disrupt democracy with incitement to violence. As Jews, we know the power of words and demand our elected leaders raise the level of discourse and lead with civility.

"We feel the heavy weight of today's events and the chasms that divide our nation. We hope that we will continue to learn from and about others, to love our neighbors, and to move forward as one nation.

"We are grateful to the law enforcement agencies who stood in harms way, and that our elected representatives have safely returned to the House and Senate to continue the business of the people."

ABOUT HADASSAH: Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA), is the largest Jewish women's organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, Associates, and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change and advocate on such critical issues as ensuring the security of Israel, combating antisemitism, and promoting women's health. Through the Hadassah Medical Organization's (HMO) two hospitals in Jerusalem, Hadassah delivers exemplary patient care to over a million people every year and supports world-renowned medical research. HMO serves without regard to race, religion, or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2005 for building "bridges to peace." Additionally, Hadassah supports several Youth Aliyah villages that set at-risk children in Israel on the path to a successful future. For more information, visit my.hadassah.org.