MEDIA CONTACT
Josh Silberberg
Plus PR
jsilberberg@pluspr.com

NEW YORK, NY – (December 15, 2020) Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA) National President Rhoda Smolow and CEO/Executive Director Janice Weinman released the following joint statement today following the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2021 by overwhelmingly large bipartisan margins in the US House of Representatives and US Senate.

The NDAA includes the United States-Israel Security Authorization Act of 2020 (S. 3176), which incorporates the authorization of $12 million over three years to enhance US-Israel medical partnerships to develop projects in order to combat COVID-19, among many other tremendous establishments for the US-Israel alliance.

“Hadassah applauds Congress for adopting the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021 and incorporating a new commitment to US-Israel medical partnerships. This has been a priority in Hadassah’s pro-Israel advocacy agenda because it furthers the United States’ commitment to a strong and multifaceted relationship with Israel and enhances the well-being of the American people.

“The inclusion of legislation on medical partnerships was well-informed. Israel’s health tech, biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical sectors – as well as hospitals like Hadassah Medical Organization’s – are second to none. It sends a strong signal that America values the expertise and ingenuity of its allies, and that the US is committed to exploring new ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the US and Israel.

“We are proud of Hadassah’s membership and their efforts to urge Members of Congress to advance legislation that will move the medical communities of both nations closer together.

“The United States must continue its deep commitment to the safety and security of Israel, and Hadassah urges the NDAA be signed into law.”

To read Hadassah National President Rhoda Smolow’s op-ed in Morning Consult, Congress Should Enhance Bilateral Medical Partnerships With Israel, please click here.

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. ###