Hadassah delegates elect next Hadassah National President.

It is my privilege to share some important news coming from Hadassah's 99th National Convention being held in New York City. Earlier today, Hadassah delegates from around the country elected our next Hadassah National President. On January 1, 2020, Rhoda Smolow will become your 27th National President. I couldn't be more excited.

Currently Hadassah National Secretary, Rhoda Smolow exemplifies the ideal of selfless service to Hadassah. Over the course of her Hadassah career, Rhoda has brought energy, imagination and dedication to every level of service in which she has been involved, from the committee level of her chapter to Co-President of the Great Neck Chapter, President of the Nassau Region and Hadassah Past National Vice President, all of this in addition to her professional background as a teacher. Rhoda's example is an inspiration to the next generation of women who are dedicated to Hadassah's mission to effect change and bring healing and justice to the world. Rhoda is the embodiment of the Power of Women Who Do.

My faith in Rhoda is rooted in my firsthand experience working closely with her over the years — time and again she has demonstrated the kind of outstanding leadership Hadassah needs to advance our mission.

Last year, for example, as co-chair of Celebration 2018, Rhoda led the remarkable year-long effort — with Frieda Rosenberg and me — to mark the centennials of the Hadassah Medical Organization, the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing and the Department of Ophthalmology, celebrating the impact Hadassah has made around the world with ground-breaking research and cutting-edge care at Hadassah's hospitals. Throughout, her commitment and passion were unsurpassable.

For 39 years, Rhoda has demonstrated her passion for Hadassah as a fourth generation Life Member. As we see attacks on Jews, on Israel, and on women's rights, we know just how important our efforts continue to be. I couldn't have more confidence in Rhoda Smolow's ability to lead Hadassah for the next four years, to take us from strength to strength.

B'Shalom,

Ellen Hershkin
Hadassah National President

PS: Please read the full press release to learn more about Rhoda Smolow and today's election.