Policy Statements

American Affairs Policy Statements

Civic Participation back to top

Because Hadassah's mission ends with "...encouraging informed and active participation in the American democratic process," Hadassah emphasizes civic responsibility among its members and advocates for unobstructed access to the democratic process for all.

2020 Celebrating Women's Suffrage Through Civic Engagement
Honors the history and impact of the suffrage movement and expands on Hadassah’s support for voter engagement and grassroots advocacy. The statement includes mention of Day in the District, the Hadassah online National Action Center, and the #HadassahVotes initiative, our digital and in-person efforts to mobilize a record number of women to register and vote in 2020.

2001 Voting Modernization
Expresses concern over the events surrounding the 2000 elections. Calls on Congress and state legislatures to modernize voting equipment, standardize voting procedures and educate citizens.

2000 Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms prior voter registration and participation policy statements. Expresses concern regarding low voter registration and turnout, especially among women and younger generations. Describes the "Hadassah Voter Challenge 2000."

1996 Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms the 1988 voter registration and participation policy statement.

1992 Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms the 1988 voter registration and participation policy statement.

1988 Voter Registration
Urges support for the "Universal Voter Registration Act of 1987." Voter Registration and Participation Supports measures to establish easier voting registration in order to remove barriers to increased election participation.

1981 Extension of Voting Rights Act
Policy Statement—Reaffirms the prior "Voting Rights Act" policy statements dating back to 1965. The VRA is considered "...one of the most important and effective civil rights laws safeguarding the political rights of ...minority groups [by] enabling them to exercise the most precious of our Constitutional rights - the right to vote."

Crime, Weapons, and War back to top

Though not blatantly within the purview of Hadassah's specific legislative focus, Hadassah has adopted many policy statements with the ultimate goal of nonviolence. From gun control to the desecration of houses of worship, the National Board has often found it necessary to issue public statements to convey the strong sentiments.

Gun Control
Hadassah has long been a strong supporter of strict legislative gun control initiatives and believes that current laws do not go far enough, nor are enforced rigorously enough, to help prevent gun violence. 05-16-2018

2014 Combating Human Trafficking
Reaffirms condemnation of human trafficking, especially of women and children. Urges all nations, including the United States, to make the elimination of trafficking a priority.

2013 Gun Control
Reaffirms the 2000 policy statement on gun control. Urges Congress to promptly enact stronger gun control legislation, including an assault weapons ban, and enforce current laws to protect our communities and our nation from gun violence.

2005 Trafficking of Women
Condemns the trafficking of women when women are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation within and across national borders.

2005 Asylum for Victims of Gender-Based Violence
Hadassah calls upon the U.S. Government to recognize gender-based violence as grounds for asylum; adapt the asylum process to accommodate women fleeing gender-based violence, including providing female officers to hear their cases, and training immigration officers and judges on issues relating to gender-based violence; and create a high-level office within the Department of Homeland Security to oversee all issues relating to asylum and expedited removal.

2000 Gun Control
2000 Reaffirms the 1998 policy statement on gun control. Urges Congress to promptly enact stronger gun control legislation, and enforce current laws to protect our communities and our nation from gun violence.

1999 Sexual Harassment
Expresses the belief that all individuals have the right to study, volunteer, and/or work in an atmosphere that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

1998 Gun Control
Reaffirms the 1994 policy statement on gun control, noting nation-wide outbreaks of firearm violence, particularly in schools. Urges Congress to take all necessary actions to enact stronger gun control laws to protect the nation, particularly our children, from gun violence.

1996 Violence Against Women
Reaffirms Hadassah's long standing commitment to women's rights and women's health needs. Condemns all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. Special emphasis on domestic violence in the Jewish community.

1996 Arson Attacks against African-American Churches and Other Houses of Worship
Condemns the rash of fire bombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism perpetuated against African-American churches and other houses of worship.

1995 Freedom to Clinic Entrances Act
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act."

1994 Gun Control
Reaffirms the 1980 gun control policy statement.

1993 War Crimes against Women
Expresses outrage over the silence of the international community with respect to the sexual violent crimes committed against the women of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Calls for the recognition of these crimes as war crimes.

1993 Somalia
Expresses compassion for the Somalia people, victims of famine and war.

1992 Haitian Refugees
Urges the U.S. to grant asylum to and humanitarian treatment of Haitian refugees.

1989 Assault-Weapons Controls
Urges passage of a bill to control the non-governmental sale and use of assault weapons and to restrict the transfer, importation and possession of new assault weapons. Supports the "Assault Weapons Bill."

1987 U.N. War Crimes Commission Archives
Urges opening files to broader public access.

1987 Prosecution of Nazi War Criminals in the United States
Reaffirms the 1980 Nazi criminal prosecution policy statement.

1987 Paramilitary Training Camps
Urges abolition of such extremist camps. Encourages efforts to alert the public to the dangers.

1986 Terrorism
Commends the Administration's forceful stand on terrorism and refusal to negotiate with terrorists. Urges sanctions against states that support terrorists.

1984 Genocide Convention
Reaffirms prior Genocide Convention policy statements.

1983 Nuclear Arms Reduction
Reaffirms prior policy statements regarding nuclear arms reduction, dating back to 1960, which call for an end to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Supports a bilateral and mutually verifiable freeze between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

1982 Genocide Convention
Reaffirms prior Genocide Convention policy statements.

1982 Freedom of Expression
Deplores the charges of dual loyalty stemming from the campaign against AWACS sale to Saudi Arabia.

1981 Gun Control
Urges strong federal and state gun control legislation.

1980 U.S. Hostages in Iran
Expresses outrage at Iran's violation of international law and supports the U.S. government's efforts to gain their release.

1980 Prosecution of Nazi War Criminals in the United States
Commendation of new initiatives by the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute alleged Nazi war criminals living in the U.S.

1980 Kampuchea (Cambodia)
Expresses compassion for the people's plight and commendation of Israel's aid.Kampuchea (Cambodia)

1980 Genocide Convention
Reaffirms prior United Nations' Genocide Convention policy statements, dating back to 1949, which urge Senate ratification. This Convention makes it an international crime to attempt the extermination of a group of people.

Energy and the Environment back to top

Hadassah's commitment to environmental preservation and energy conservation is derived from Judaism's traditional view of humans' stewardship of the earth.

Health Care back to top

Health care issues, particularly women's health concerns, are among Hadassah's top domestic public policy priorities. Hadassah's historic mandate is to bring medical infrastructure to the Middle East through Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), and to provide public health services to countries in need worldwide.

Medical Marijuana
The American health care system frequently fails to address patients’ specific health care needs. As an organization committed to the advancement of world class medical research at the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Israel, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. stands with doctors and patients calling for the federal legalization of medical marijuana. 05-16-2018

COVID-19 Pandemic
Highlights how the pandemic has impacted women, health care professionals and communities – calling for investments in the health care workforce, an adequate and reliable supply of PPE, public education about vaccinations, and improvements to medical and public health data collection. It celebrates the tireless work of medical professionals – including at Hadassah’s Hospitals – and community contributions of Hadassah supporters.

2021 COVID-19 Pandemic
Recognizes the unprecedented impact of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 on the United States, Israel and the world. Hadassah honors the memory of lives lost and celebrates health workers and other front-line personnel who tirelessly provide care and essential services to their communities. Hadassah acknowledges the profound social, economic and psychological impact of the pandemic — especially on women. 04-08-2021

2019 Infertility
Reaffirms support for quality, affordable infertility diagnosis and treatment in the United States. The statement highlights Hadassah Medical Organization expertise and the persistent stigma and misconceptions surrounding infertility and calls for more research and expanding access to care for the millions of people affected. 08-15-2019

2018 Sexual Harassment and Assault
Hadassah, as a volunteer led organization, joins with countless women seeking accountability and change for victims of sexual harassment and assault. In response, we reaffirm and expand our previous policy statement to include sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and include actionable steps that can be taken to mitigate some of the systemic ways that women remain vulnerable.

2018 Nursing
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing, honors the nursing profession and reaffirms support to enhance nursing education and promote supportive workplace policies.

2014 Women's Preventive Health
Calls on Congress and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the planning and implementation of a national public outreach, educational, and media campaign to raise awareness of women's preventive health.

2013 Support and Funding for Women's Health Research
Reaffirms the 2006 statement on funding women's health research. Calls upon the United States government to increase the study of women's health issues; to encourage more women to enroll in clinical studies; to increase funding to the Office of Research on Women's Health and other offices of women's health within the government; to increase public awareness of women's health issues; and to encourage women to enter the field of biomedical research and increase the number of female researchers.

2013 Medical research
Reaffirms the 2001 statement on Medical Research. Supports government funding for cutting-edge medical and biotechnological research and clinical trials, including gene therapy, cancer and other medical treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and stem cell research.

2007 Health Care Reform
Calls upon the federal and state governments to adopt health care reforms that ensure access to affordable, comprehensive coverage for every American, starting with coverage for every child under the age 18.

2006 Support and Funding for Women's Health Research
Calls upon the United States government to increase the study of women's health issues; to encourage more women to enroll in clinical studies; to increase funding to the Office of Research on Women's Health and other offices of women's health within the government; to increase public awareness of women's health issues; and to encourage women to enter the field of biomedical research and increase the number of female researchers.

2004 Senior Transportation
Hadassah calls upon the federal government, state and local governments to address the unique transportation needs of seniors by significantly increasing funding for senior transportation, allocating funds for innovative local senior transportation programs, providing central coordination for all senior transportation programs, allowing more flexibility in the use of existing senior transportation funds, and addressing the needs of seniors in future transportation planning and decision-making.

2004 Disease and Environment
Based on a commitment to the advancement of medical research and a concern about potential linkages between certain diseases and environmental toxins, Hadassah calls on the federal government to allocate increased funds to public and nonprofit scientific and medical research entities to study the linkages between environmental exposures and diseases. Hadassah additionally calls on local, state and federal governments to work together to establish and nationwide health tracking system that would monitor the incidence of a wide array of diseases and environmental exposures in a manner that protects patient privacy.

2003 Title IX
Commends the Administration for rejecting recent recommendations that would weaken Title IX; urges the government to strongly enforce Title IX's standards and to promote advances toward equality for women in sports.

2003 Preserving Principles of Science Over Ideology in Health Policy
Calls on government officials to draw from the best scientific and medical evidence available-- not religious or political ideology -- when shaping health policy. Specifically, it urges the Administration, Congress and state and local governments to fund and promote balanced, accurate sex education programs that inform students about abstinence as well as about contraception and methods of AIDS/STD prevention. It further call on federal, state and local governments to recognize the evidence that condoms prevent transmission of AIDS and STDs and to promote their use for disease prevention both in the U.S. and overseas.

2003 Nursing Shortage
Resolves to advocate for policies to correct the critical shortage of nurses. Commends the federal government for passing the Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002, urges the federal government to fully the programs authorized in the Act. Also, calls on federal and state governments to enact legislation which promotes the training, recruitment and retention of quality nurses; improves working conditions for nurses; encourages training of nurses to be prepared to respond to mass casualties; and helps raise public profile of the nursing profession.

2001 Prescription Equity
Recognizes that women pay more in out-of-pocket health care expenses than men because of the lack of insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. Urges Congress to pass legislation requiring all private insurers to provide equity in prescription coverage.

2001 Patients' Bill of Rights
Expresses the need for a federal patients' bill of rights to assure that all Americans' access, treatment and research needs are met. Urges Congress to pass a comprehensive patients' bill of rights.

2001 Medical Research
Supports government funding for cutting-edge medical and biotechnological research and clinical trials, including gene therapy, cancer and other medical treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and stem cell research.

2001 Medical Records Privacy
Reaffirms 1998 policy statement on medical records privacy. Calls on Congress and state legislatures to pass legislation that guards the privacy of medical records and health information.

2000 Organ and Tissue Donation
Urges organ donation as a life-saving effort and to counter the shortage of organs available for transplant. Encourages family discussion of organ donation. Pledges to increase efforts to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

1998 Tobacco
Recognizes lung cancer as a leading killer of women, as well as the problem of increasing tobacco use among middle and high school students. Supports federal measures to limit the marketing and availability of tobacco products, particularly to young people, and urges passage of legislation to ensure such federal actions.

1998 Medical Records Privacy
Reaffirms 1997 policy statement on genetic testing. Calls for passage of strong federal legislation to protect the privacy of medical records.

1998 Child Abuse
Recognizes that child abuse and child maltreatment is also a Jewish problem. Pledges to educate our communities and support resources for children and families.

1997 Policy Statement on Genetic Testing
Reaffirms the 1996 policy statement on genetic testing and insurance discrimination. Highlights Hadassah's support of genetic research while acknowledging concerns of insurance and employment discrimination and the need for confidentiality of medical records.

1996 Violence Against Women
Reaffirms Hadassah's long-standing commitment to women's rights and women's health needs. Condemns all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence. Special emphasis on domestic violence in the Jewish community.

1996 BRCA1 Gene, Genetic Testing and Insurance Discrimination
Opposes health insurance discrimination on the basis of genetic factors like the BRCA1 gene mutation found disproportionately in the Ashkenazic Jewish population. Supports federal and state legislative efforts to prohibit such discrimination.

1995 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act."

1994 Women's Health Care
States that the following principles must be included in any health care reform package to assure that women's access, treatment and research needs are met: 1. Universal access; 2. Comprehensive women's health benefits; 3. Choice of providers and settings; 4. Accountability to women; and 5. Increased funding and attention to the needs of health problems particular to women.

1994 Reaffirmation of Breast Cancer Policy Statement
Reaffirms the 1993 breast cancer policy statement.

1994 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement.

1993 President Clinton and Vice President Gore Congratulatory Statement
Wishes Clinton and Gore a successful administration. Notes Hadassah's delight over recent Administration statements and actions concerning women's health care, health care reform, reproductive rights and a myriad of civil liberties issues.

1993 Note of Support for President Clinton's Pro-Choice Measures
Applauds pro-choice executive orders including: 1. Repeal of the "Gag Rule;" 2. Lifting the RU-486 ban; 3. Lifting the ban on abortions in overseas military hospitals; 4. Lifting restrictions on fetal tissue research; and 5. Rescinding the "Mexico City" policy.

1993 National Health Care Coverage
Calls on the federal government to take necessary steps to assure adequate, affordable and comprehensive health care coverage.

1993 Breast Cancer
Expresses alarm at the rising rate of breast cancer and stresses the promotion of programs for early detection, such as Hadassah's breast cancer campaign, "Hadassah Cares/Check It Out." Moreover, it calls upon federal and state officials to direct increased funding to promote research into the cause, optimal treatment and possible cure for breast cancer.

1992 Women's Health Issues
Calls on the medical community to focus greater attention on female-oriented diseases.

1992 Reproductive Choice
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey.

1992 Basic Level of Medical Care
Urges universal access to basic medical care.

1992 AIDS
Reaffirms the 1988 AIDS policy statement. Calls for more funds for treatment and research. Calls for the adoption of measures that prohibit discrimination against people with AIDS.

1989 Parental Leave Bill
Supports the "Family and Medical Leave Act" allowing employees the unpaid time necessary to care for a newborn, seriously ill child, parent or spouse.

1989 Long Term Care for the Elderly
Urges federal legislation to assist those in need of home care or long-term institutional/custodial care.

1989 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements.

1988 AIDS
Urges AIDS education and research as well as increased services for AIDS-afflicted persons.

1987 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement.

1987 Catastrophic Health Care Program
Urges Congress to enact legislation that includes provisions for health insurance that will cover short and long-term hospitalization, custodial care in nursing homes, long-term home care, and prescription drugs.

1985 United Nations Decade for Women
Reaffirms the 1984 United Nations Decade for Women policy statement. Applauds the final document and the success in preventing the inclusion of the word "Zionism" in a resolution branding racism and apartheid as obstacles to development.

1981 Freedom of Choice
Opposes any regulation diminishing individual freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Regards "choice" as a matter of privacy of the individual to be determined by each woman in accordance with her religious, moral and ethical values.

1980 U.N. Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights.

1980 The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action.

Immigration and Refugee Status back to top

Because of the historic discriminations which have cost many Jewish lives and cost many others their chance to freely practice their religion, Hadassah has taken a special interest in U.S. immigration.

Religious Liberty and Other Religious Concerns back to top

As the representatives of a religious minority in the U.S., Hadassah advocates for religious liberty (the unencumbered practice of religion) as articulated in the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

2019 De-Politicizing Anti-Semitism
Affirms that support for Israel and opposition to anti-Semitism must remain nonpartisan values. As an organization committed to fighting prejudice, Hadassah condemns all acts of hatred against the Jewish people, promotes education about the historical and modern-day manifestations of anti-Semitism, and urges elected officials to refrain from and hold their colleagues accountable for speech and actions that demonize Israel and fuel anti-Semitism. 08-15-2019

2002 School Prayer Amendment
Reaffirms Hadassah's opposition to the "School Prayer Amendment," a proposed constitutional amendment that would permit officially-sponsored prayer in public schools and would allow religious symbols to be posted in public schools, courtrooms and other public institutions.

2000 Charitable Choice
Reaffirms Hadassah's commitment to the separation of church and state. Opposes "charitable choice" initiatives, which would provide public funding for social services programs operated by pervasively sectarian organizations without requiring safeguards to prevent First Amendment violations.

1999 School Vouchers
Reaffirms prior church/state separation statements on tax tuition credits. Opposes the use of publicly funded school vouchers for private and religious schools.

1999 Arson Attacks Against Synagogues and Other Hate Crimes
Condemns arson attacks on three synagogues in Sacramento, CA. Urges appropriate government entities to monitor and track activities of groups that encourage and commit hate crimes.

1998 Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Reaffirms the 1991 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) policy statement. Views with great concern the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down RFRA. Supports efforts to enhance protection of religion and religious freedom on both the state and federal levels.

1998 Hate Crimes
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

1997 Religious Pluralism in the United States
Asserts that no generally recognized branch of Judaism has the right or privilege to negate the validity of any other generally recognized branch of Judaism by denying its Jewish identity. Calls on the American Jewish community to seek a common ground of mutual respect.

1996 Arson Attacks Against African-American Churches and Other Houses of Worship
Condemns the rash of fire bombings, arson attacks and acts of vandalism perpetuated against African-American churches and other houses of worship.

1992 Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms Hadassah's belief in the principle of separation of church and state as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Urges Congress to enact the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act."

1992 Anti-Semitism and Racism
Reaffirms prior policy statements on anti-Semitism. Calls upon elected officials, civic, religious and community leaders to enforce laws and denounce manifestations of all forms of anti-Semitism and bigotry.

1991 Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Supports RFRA, which restores religious freedom as a fundamental right by requiring the highest legal scrutiny by the government before restricting the free exercise of religion.

1990 Women of the Wall
Calls upon the government of Israel to protect the rights of the "Women of the Wall" to pray collectively at the Kotel without harassment.

1988 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1987 Jewish Family Law
Urges the Rabbinate to devise practical solutions to serious problems of family law such as agunah, halitzah, divorce, women's rights in marriage, and custody of children.

1984 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1982 Jewish Security in the U.S.
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1982 Global Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1982 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1981 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior statements dating back to 1962 condemning anti-Semitism. Views with alarm increased anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism worldwide. Pledges support to combat proliferation through educational, legislative and other efforts.

Reproductive Choice back to top

The policy statements below detail Hadassah's long standing commitment to a woman's right to choose abortion and other reproductive health care: Hadassah believes that women are proper moral decision-makers in this area, and that they should be free to make that decision within the context of their own religious convictions, without interference from the state.

2019 Reproductive Choice
Reaffirms prior pro-choice statements, addressing recent policy changes and proposals at the state and federal levels that restrict or jeopardize access to reproductive and preventive health services. 08-15-2019

2014 Reproductive Choice
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Addresses recent regulations to restrict women’s reproductive freedom and the Hobby Lobby v. Burwell contraception mandate Supreme Court case.

2007 Balancing Religion in the Workplace and Civil Liberties
Calls upon U.S. governments at every level to accommodate religious observance in the workplace to the fullest extent possible, while protecting the rights of women, religious and ethnic minorities and the gay community. With respect to pharmacy moral refusals, calls upon U.S. governments and businesses to put in place mechanisms that ensure patients' access to medication without delay. Where access to medications cannot be provided without delay, the right to health care must supersede the right to religious accommodation.

1995 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act."

1994 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement.

1992 Reproductive Choice
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey.

1989 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements.

1987 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement.

1980 U.N. Convention of Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights.

1980 The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action.

Separation of Church and State back to top

Hadassah has placed a high priority on advocacy work that protects a strict separation of church and state as guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

2000 Religion in the Public Schools
Reaffirms our commitment to protecting the wall separating church and state. Opposes the posting of the Ten Commandments, the teaching of creationism as valid scientific theory, and the introduction of officially sponsored, organized or sanctioned prayer at sporting events and programs in public schools.

1999 School Vouchers
Reaffirms prior church/state separation statements on tax tuition credits. Opposes the use of publicly funded school vouchers for private and religious schools.

1994 Prayer in Public Schools
Reaffirms prior prayer in public schools policy statements.

1992 Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms Hadassah's belief in the principle of separation of church and state as well as the guarantees of religious freedom. Urges congress to enact the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act."

1991 Child Care
States commitment to childcare programs. Opposes legislation that provides voucher systems for day care facilities, including those offering religious instruction, in violation of the First Amendment.

1990 Public School Voluntary Religious Clubs
Reaffirms the 1984 policy statement regarding religious groups' access to public schools. Views with alarm the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to give religious clubs the same access to school facilities as other "non-curriculum related" groups, in violation of the First Amendment.

1987 Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms prior separation of church and state policy statements.

1987 Prayer in the Public Schools
Reaffirms prior prayer in public schools policy statements.

1986 Separation of Church and State
Calls on elected officials to support the Constitutional principle of the separation of church and state.

1984 Separation of Church and State
Reaffirms the 1981 separation of church and state policy statement. Notes Hadassah's opposition to "equal access" legislation, which would allow religious groups access to public schools.

1983 Tuition Tax Credits
Opposes any direct or indirect public funding of religious and private schools, including tuition tax credits.

1983 Prayer in the Public Schools
Reaffirms the 1982 prayer in public schools policy statement.

1982 Prayer in the Public Schools
Opposes public prayer in schools, whether required or voluntary.

1981 Separation of Church and State
Expresses Hadassah's commitment to the primacy of the First Amendment's establishment clause. Commits to developing educational materials to promote a deeper understanding of this principle.

Social Justice and Civil Rights back to top

Individuals and organizations in the Jewish community know well the impact of discrimination. Jews have faced unequal treatment throughout history and therefore tend to have a heightened sensitivity to the discriminatory treatment of others: Hadassah's efforts have often been focused on removing barriers to basic services, education, housing, voting and employment.

2019 Humanitarian Crisis at the Border
2019 Humanitarian Crisis at the Border Expresses deep concern about the well-being of detained migrants taken into custody along the US-Mexico border and reaffirms Hadassah's dedication to health, human rights, and the advancement of human dignity in response to this humanitarian crisis. 08-15-2019

2017 Racial Justice
Reaffirms its ongoing commitment to civil rights and equal protection under the law for all people in the United States. We share the deep frustration felt by people of color due to persistent disparities, discrimination, underrepresentation, and inadequate attention to these issues by officials at all levels of government.

2016 LBGTQ Equality
Reaffirms and expands Hadassah’s 2006 Policy Statement for LGBT rights. Restates opposition to all efforts to selectively limit or deny civil rights to members of the LGBTQ community. Calls upon federal, state, and municipal governments to enact new public accommodation and non-discrimination measures—especially in the areas of employment, education, housing, and health.

2006 Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans
Supports the passage of state and federal civil rights legislation to protect against hate crimes and discrimination based on sexual orientation. Strongly opposes efforts at the federal and state level, whether through legislation, referendum or constitutional amendment, that would selectively limit or deny civil rights to same-sex couples and their families, thereby abusing the spirit of the amendment process and discouraging further expansion of gay rights. Expresses support equal protections under the law for same-sex couples, comparable to those afforded to heterosexual couples, and supports government action that provides civil status to committed same-sex couples and their families equal to the civil status provided to the committed relationships of men and woman and their families, with all associated legal rights and obligations, both federal and state.

2005 Disability Rights
Hadassah is deeply concerned about the rights of the 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Hadassah calls upon the federal government to continue to expand and strengthen the full range of disability rights.

2002 Anti-Terrorism, Immigration and Civil Liberties
Calls on the President, Congress and the Administration to continue to employ all efforts to root out international terrorism and its support structure, while ensuring that civil liberties for U.S. citizens and resident aliens are protected in the United States.

1999 Social Security
Urges Congress to ensure that Social Security continues to provide its current guaranteed benefits. Hadassah calls on Congress to assess all proposals aimed at ensuring the solvency of Social Security with due consideration of the impact on the majority of Social Security recipients-women.

1998 Hate Crimes
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

1996 Economic Justice and Social Welfare
Reaffirms prior policy statements regarding economic and social justice. Calls for the maintaining of a federal social and economic "safety net" for all Americans. Opposes the devolution of social welfare programs to state governments.

1996 Civil Rights/Affirmative Action
Supports the continued use of federal affirmative action programs to redress past discrimination. Rejects the use of quotas and calls for the continued utilization of "goals and timetables."

1994 Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement.

1992 Immigration
Reaffirms prior immigration policy statements dating back to 1946. Calls for the cessation of discriminatory immigration policies and supports non-discriminatory application of U.S. immigration legislation and attendant policies.

1992 AIDS
Reaffirms the 1988 AIDS policy statement. Calls for more funds for treatment and research. Calls for the adoption of measures that prohibit discrimination against people with AIDS.

1988 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1984 Women's Rights
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements.

1984 United Nations Decade for Women
Endorses the original concept whose goal is to improve the status of women. Expresses hope that the 1985 Nairobi conference will be free of anti-Israel, anti-West propaganda.

1984 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights Reaffirms prior policy statements, dating back to 1949, reaffirming our commitment to the principles set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration enumerates civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that should be the common possession of all mankind.

1983 Women's Rights
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. Emphasizes the need for economic equality and security.

1982 Jewish Security in the U.S.
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1982 Global Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1982 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements.

1982 Anti-Semitism
Reaffirms prior anti-Semitism policy statements.

1981 Extensions of Voting Rights Act (VRA)
Reaffirms the prior "Voting Rights Act" policy statements dating back to 1965. The VRA is considered "...one of the most important and effective civil rights laws safeguarding the political rights of ...minority groups [by] enabling them to exercise the most precious of our constitutional rights - the right to vote."

1981 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements.

1981 Economic and Social Justice
Urges the President to insure that government support will not be denied to the needy.

1980 The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action

1980 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Reaffirms the 1979 ERA policy statement which endorses the ERA to the U.S. Constitution and urges its ratification. States that the Amendment is essential to strengthen the position of women. Notes those states which failed to ratify and calls on residents of those states to act.

Women and Family back to top

As a women's organization, Hadassah has a particular obligation and an unwavering commitment to women's rights and concerns. Whether supporting equal rights, freedom of choice, access to child care or health care, or working to eliminate violence against women, Hadassah has a proud history in support of women and families.

2017 Women's Health Equity
Reaffirms its commitment to women’s health, including research; preventive health; and access to quality, affordable, and equitable care.

2016 Caregiving
Reaffirms that women are often the primary caregivers for their families, sometimes juggling the responsibilities of caring for both children and aging parents. Recognizes and values the integral role of caregivers—paid and unpaid—in supporting the health and dignity of America’s aging and disabled population, and supports policies from the medical community, government, and private sector to further that support

2014 Women's Economic Equity and Security
Reaffirms prior Women’s Economic Equity & Security policy statements. Reaffirms commitment to the necessity of quality childcare for the well-being of American society and calls on the public and private sectors to provide affordable childcare services and subsidies.

2013 Women's Economic Equity and Security
Reaffirms support for pay equity policies. Calls for new measures that will reduce the gender wage gap; protect pregnant workers rights; increase the minimum wage; expand and promote opportunities for earned paid parental, family and sick leave.

2005 Trafficking of Women
Condemns the trafficking of women when women are forced, defrauded, or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation within and across national borders.

1999 National Museum of Women's History
Supports plans for the establishment of a National Museum of Women's History in Washington, DC to preserve and celebrate the historic contributions and diverse heritage of women. Urges Congress to pass legislation for the museum's creation.

1998 Women's Economic Equity and Security
Reaffirms 1983 policy statement on women's rights. Calls for stricter enforcement of pay equity laws, revision of restrictive pension policies, and support for measures that will result in real economic security for women.

1998 Minimum Wage Increase
Supports President Clinton's efforts to increase the minimum wage and calls on Congress to pass such legislation.

1998 Hate Crimes
Calls for the expansion of federal legislation detailing bias attacks or hate crimes to include crimes against victims based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

1998 Child Care
Reaffirms the 1991 policy statement on child care, calling for legislation to address the need for affordable, safe, high-quality child care.

1998 Child Abuse
Recognizes that child abuse and child maltreatment is also a Jewish problem. Pledges to educate our communities and support resources for children and families.

1996 Voter Registration and Participation
Reaffirms prior voter registration and participation policy statements. Expresses concern regarding Jewish communal and women's voter registration and turnout. Describes "The Hadassah Voter Challenge 1996."

1995 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE)
Condemns violence at family planning clinics and demands that government agencies enforce the "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act."

1994 Reaffirmation of Breast Cancer Policy Statement
Reaffirms the 1993 breast cancer policy statement.

1994 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Reaffirms the 1980 CEDAW policy statement.

1993 War Crimes Against Women
Expresses outrage over the silence of the international community with respect to the sexual violent crimes committed against the women of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Calls for the recognition of these crimes as war crimes.

1992 Women's Health Issues
Calls on the medical community to focus greater attention on female-oriented diseases.

1992 Reproductive Choice
Reaffirms Hadassah's mandate for freedom of choice, including support for the "Freedom of Choice Act" and family planning programs. Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements. Deplores the Supreme Court's decision in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey.

1990 Women of the Wall
Calls upon the government of Israel to protect the rights of "Women of the Wall" to pray collectively at the Kotel without harassment.

1990 Child Care
Reaffirms prior child care policy statements. Opposes voucher systems for day care facilities, including those offering religious instruction, in violation of the First Amendment.

1989 Parental Leave Bill
Supports the "Family and Medical Leave Act" allowing employees the unpaid time necessary to care for a newborn, seriously ill child, parent or spouse.

1989 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms prior pro-choice policy statements.

1988 Child Care
Reaffirms prior childcare policy statements. Endorses the "Act for Better Child Care."

1987 Jewish Family Law
Urges the Rabbinate to devise practical solutions to serious problems of family law such as agunah, halitzah, divorce, women's rights in marriage, and custody of children.

1987 Freedom of Choice
Reaffirms the 1981 pro-choice policy statement.

1987 Child Care
Reaffirms the 1985 child care policy statement.

1985 Child Care
Supports measures to provide comprehensive child care programs. Urges adoption of measures to require adequate funding by public and private sectors.

1984 Women's Rights
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements.

1983 Women's Rights
Reaffirms prior Equal Rights Amendment policy statements. Emphasizes the need for economic equality and security.

1982 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements.

1981 Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)
Reaffirms prior ERA policy statements.

1981 Economic and Social Justice
Urges the President to insure that government support will not be denied to the needy.

1980 The National Plan of Action of National Women's Conference
Endorses the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and various concepts of the Plan of Action.

1980 Equal Rights Amendment
Reaffirms the 1979 ERA policy statement which endorses the ERA to the U.S. Constitution and urges its ratification. States that the Amendment is essential to strengthen the position of women. Notes those states which failed to ratify and calls on residents of those states to act.

Other back to top

This section includes statements that do not naturally fall into other categories, most often because of their international focus.

Compendium of Hadassah's Zionist and American Affairs policy statements from 1980 -2017

2003 350th Anniversary of the American Jewish Community
Urges Hadassah members to participate in Hadassah's and the general Community's celebrations and commemoration of this historic Anniversary year.

1993 Jonathan Pollard
Calls on the President to commute Pollard's sentence to time served on humanitarian grounds.

1987 Apartheid
Reaffirms prior Apartheid policy statements.

1986 Kurt Waldheim
Urges action to put Kurt Waldheim on the "Watch List" of excludable aliens.

1986 Apartheid
Reaffirms the 1985 Apartheid policy statement. Calls on individuals and institutions with stock portfolios to demand adherence to the Sullivan Principles.

1985 Anti-Apartheid
Deplores Apartheid and calls on the U.S. government to motivate the South African government to rectify the situation.

Zionist Affairs Policy Statements

Aliyah back to top

Recognizes aliyah as the "highest form of Zionist commitment and actively encourages and supports that act of personal fulfillment." Asks Hadassah groups, chapters and regions to create and participate in programs that promote aliyah, and to support those who have made aliyah. Commends the work of the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) and encourages Hadassah members to become "overseas" members and give financial support to the organization. Calls on the World Zionist Organization and the Israel Ministry of Absorption to ease the process of absorption.

Aliyah Zionist Affairs Policy Statement Summary
Summary of Aliyah policy statements

Israel and the Middle East back to top

As a supporter of Israel, Hadassah strongly condemns violence against Israel and anti-Israel positions on a worldwide scale. Hadassah sees its duty is to support the country and its growth as a democratic institution in the Middle East.

Unwavering Support for Israel
In celebration of its 70th year of independence, Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA), reaffirms its commitment to the State of Israel. We celebrate our efforts of practical Zionism which helped to build the State of Israel, and pledge to continue our important work of Tikkun Olam. 05-16-2018

Israel and the Middle East Policy Statement Summary
Summary of Israel and the Middle East policy statements

2020 United States of America-Israel Medical Partnerships
United States of America-Israel Medical Partnerships Reaffirms and strongly encourages support for bilateral cooperative medical partnership programs between the United States and Israel aimed at developing health technologies, improved methodologies, and enhanced training of medical professionals to achieve better health and wellness for the people of both nations.

2014 Delgitimization of Israel
Policy Statement — Reaffirms its long-standing policy against all forms of organized boycotts and denounces the systematic global campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel. Supports efforts to counter delegitimization and calls on members of the academic, cultural, and business communities to actively pursue partnerships with Israel.

1998 The Middle East Peace Process
Policy Statement — Reaffirms support for the government of Israel in its determined pursuit of peace with security for the people of Israel. Notes with concern the continuing impasse in the peace process. Stresses that implementation of existing agreements and elimination of hostile rhetoric and threats of violence are vital to achieving the goal of peace and security in the region; the peace process can move forward once the Palestinian Authority demonstrates maximum effort against terrorism. Commends the Administration and Congress for ongoing commitments to Israel's security and well-being. Supports the American role as facilitator for direct face-to-face negotiations between the parties, without imposing outside pressure. Expresses belief that the current peace process offers the most realistic hope for advancing peace between Israel, its Arab neighbors and the Palestinians.

1997 Middle East Peace Process
Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior Middle East Peace Process Policy Statements as well as wholehearted support for the government of Israel in its pursuit for peace and security in the Middle East. Notes with concern the current impasse in the peace process and the use of violence and terrorism instead of negotiation by Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian Authority to resolve differences. Deplores the Palestinian Authority's imposing of the death penalty against Palestinians who sell land to Jews.

1997 30th Anniversary Of The Reunification Of Jerusalem
Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior Jerusalem statements. Congratulates the people of Jerusalem on their city's 30th year of reunification. Celebrates 30 years since Hadassah Hospital reopened on Mount Scopus. Salutes the United States Congress for its adoption of resolutions and legislation recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and requiring the American embassy to relocate to Jerusalem.

1996 Peace and Security in Israel
Policy Statement — Congratulates Benjamin Netanyahu on his election to Prime Minister and the inauguration of his new government in the Knesset. Welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment to bring a greater degree of respect, tolerance and pluralism to Israeli society. Welcomes President Clinton's pledge to work closely with the new government. Anticipates working with the new government to realize common dreams of peace and security in the Middle East.

Jerusalem back to top

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, must remain a "united city under Israeli sovereignty."

Jerusalem Policy Statements
Summary of Jerusalem policy statements

2017 50th Anniversary of the Reunification of Jerusalem
Reaffirms prior statements that Jerusalem remain the undivided capital of Israel. Congratulates the people of Jerusalem on their city's 50th year of reunification and celebrates 50 years since Hadassah Hospital reopened on Mount Scopus.

Religious Pluralism back to top

Hadassah affirms commitment to the principle of Religious Pluralism and the preservation of Jewish unity in Israel and the United States.

Religious Pluralism Policy Statement Summary
Summary of religious pluralism policy statements

2021 Pluralism and the Zionist Movement
Reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the Zionist community and its steadfast dedication to inclusivity, diversity and pluralism within the Zionist movement. 04-08-2021

2013 Women's Prayer at the Western Wall
Policy Statement — Reaffirms its commitment to and support for freedom of worship for all women at the Western Wall and hopes that a resolution can be reached that will allow all women to pray, individually and collectively, at the Kotel freely, without harassment, and in accordance with their own religious practices.

2012 Protecting Women's Rights in Israel
Policy Statement — Maintains a long-standing commitment to the principle of religious pluralism and the preservation of Jewish unity. Denounces recent attempts by religious extremists to segregate and discriminate against women in Israel's public spaces and urges the government of the State of Israel and all its municipalities to address instances of public discrimination against women, fully investigate such cases and bring those who commit these acts to justice.

1998 Religious Pluralism And Jewish Unity
Policy Statement — Reaffirms long-standing commitment to the principle of religious pluralism and the preservation of Jewish unity. Voices strong opposition to the recently proposed conversion law in Israel, noting that it has been a source of distress for millions of Jews, threatens Jewish unity and can lead to the alienation of major segments of the world Jewish community from their connections to Israel. Stresses the vital importance of the centrality of Israel to Jewish life and to the fundamental unity of the Jewish people. Expresses hope that the Ne'eman Commission will be able to resolve the difficult issues pertaining to personal and religious status in Israel in a way that will maintain and strengthen the unity of the Jewish people.

1997 Religious Pluralism in Israel
em>Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior Religious Pluralism and the Unity of the Jewish People policy statement. Calls on the people of Israel to reject all efforts to impose restrictive definitions of religious conversions. Expresses concern that religious and social freedoms implicit in Israel's Declaration of Independence and its Basic Laws are being endangered by new conversion legislation.

Terrorism back to top

Hadassah expresses outrage over attacks against the Jewish people and Israelis. As a supporter of Israel, Hadassah strongly condemns violence, especially terrorism, against Israel and anti-Israel positions on a worldwide scale.

Terrorism Policy Statement Summary
Summary of Terrorism policy statements

2002 Anti-Terrorism, Immigration and Civil Liberties
Policy Statement — Calls on the President, Congress and the Administration to continue to employ all efforts to root out international terrorism and its support structure, while ensuring that civil liberties for U.S. citizens and resident aliens are protected in the United States.

United Nations back to top

Hadassah holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Hadassah has expressed concern over the bias against Israel that continues to pervade the institution and urges reforms.

United Nations Policy Statement Summary
Summary of the United Nations policy statements

2021 UNRWA Accountability and Palestinian Education
Reaffirms and expands its commitment to combat antisemitism through education at home and abroad.

2016 United Nations Reform
Reaffirms and expands prior policy statements in response to increasing anti-Israel activity at the UN. States support for the Conference of Presidents' Declaration Opposing Discrimination Against Israel at the United Nations—urging the U.N. to implement broad and substantive changes to its institutions and bodies

2014 United Nations Reform
Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior policy statement. Recognizes some recent strides toward Israel’s acceptance at the U.N. but outraged by the bias against Israel that continues to pervade the institution. Restates and proposes additional changes to U.N. institutions and bodies.

2002 UNRWA
Policy Statement — Dismayed at UNRWA's handling of the Palestinian refugees located in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the West Bank and Gaza. Calls on the UN to reform UNRWA by moving it to the administration of the UNHCR and that UNRWA becomes part of the process of economic development and democratization for the Palestinians. UNRWA must conduct background checks on all of its employees and deny employment to any Palestinian with links to terror organizations. The UNRWA Director must also report on trends within UNRWA administered camps, which endanger the lives of civilians, such as the activity of terror cells and terror organizations in the camps. The US government must encourage these reforms, conduct an audit of US taxpayers' funds that have been used in the Palestinian refugee camps by UNRWA and whether those funds have been used to advance a culture of hatred and terror.

World Jewish Concerns and Human Rights back to top

Hadassah stands against anit-Semitism, discrimination, and human rights abuses around the world.

World Jewish Concerns and Human Rights Policy Statements Summary
Summary of the World Jewish Concerns and Human Rights policy statements

2021 Defining Antisemitism
Reaffirms its support for and adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, including all 11 accompanying illustrative examples. Hadassah also joins with IHRA and other antisemitism experts in formally adopting the spelling antisemitism — without a hyphen or capital S — to ensure clarity of meaning for the term used to signify modern Jew-hatred. 04-08-2021

2017 Combating Anti- Antisemitism
Deplores the rise in threats and acts of violence perpetrated against Jewish institutions, synagogues and Jewish individuals around the world.

2014 Combating Anti-Semitism
Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior statements. Deplores the rise in anti-Semitic acts of violence around the world. Calls on all nations and international bodies to establish or intensify their efforts address anti-Semitic hate crimes and urges political and religious leaders to denounce anti-Semitic attacks, statements, and propaganda—especially from within their own country or faith.

2004 Pro-Israel Activity On Campus
Policy Statement — Calls upon university administrators and professors to ensure that those Jewish students and academic personnel who exercise their first amendment rights to express their support for Israel on campus are not penalized by university officials. Hadassah further calls upon university officials to take every step to protect Jewish students and academic personnel from intimidation and violence on campus.

2004 Jews From Arab Lands
Policy Statement — Resolves to help inform elected U.S. officials, international bodies, world leaders and the media, about the conditions under which Jews were displaced from Arab lands; their human and civil rights were violated in waves of pogroms that resulted in loss of human life, collective punishment, and the confiscation and destruction of individual and Jewish communal property.

2004 Combating The Resurgence of Anti-Semitism
Policy Statement — Urges all international bodies and heads of state to condemn anti-Semitism in the strongest possible terms and to establish or intensify their efforts to track, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for anti-Semitic hate crimes.

2003 Holocaust Restitution
Policy Statement — Believes that the continued effort to compensate the survivors and the heirs of Holocaust victims is imperative. Urges that all funds secured as restitution, including all traceable assets (i.e. property, bank accounts and insurance policy benefits) be directed to the support of living Holocaust survivors, as well as the heirs of the victims. Remaining funds should be used for the support of Holocaust education.

2000 Ratifying CEDAW, The Convention to End All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
Policy Statement — Expresses support and calls for Senate ratification of CEDAW which sets forth standards for women's civil, legal and reproductive rights.

1997 Israel's Missing In Action
Policy Statement — Reaffirms prior Israeli MIA's Policy Statements.

Zionism back to top

Hadassah reaffirms the belief that Zionism is the "fulfillment of the Jewish People's right to self-determination and to live in freedom, democracy and independence in its ancient homeland, Israel.” Condemns any linkage between Zionism and racism.

Zionism Policy Statement Summary
Summary of Zionsim policy statements

2020 Unwavering Support for Israel & the 38th World Zionist Congress
Urges all supporters of Israel to participate in the World Zionist Congress election, champions bipartisan support as hallmark of the US-Israel relationship, and affirms that all who love and support Israel must make their voices heard – as voters in the Zionist election and as advocates.

2016 Zionism
In response to worldwide increased anti-Zionism, often masking anti-Semitism, the statement reaffirms Hadassah’s commitment to Zionism, expressed through practical Zionism, by supporting the Hadassah Medical Organization and other Hadassah projects in Israel, and by promoting and engaging in Zionist education and advocacy in the United States and worldwide

2014 Delegitimization of Israel
Policy Statement — Reaffirms its long-standing policy against all forms of organized boycotts and denounces the systematic global campaign to delegitimize the State of Israel. Supports efforts to counter delegitimization and calls on members of the academic, cultural, and business communities to actively pursue partnerships with Israel.

1997 100th Anniversary Of The Zionist Movement, 50th Anniversary Of The State Of Israel
Policy Statement — Celebrates the 100th anniversary of the convening of the First World Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland and the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel. Urges the American Jewish Community to join.

Terms of Service Update

Policy Statements

American Affairs Policy Statements

Civic Participation back to top

Crime, Weapons, and War back to top

Energy and the Environment back to top

Health Care back to top

Immigration and Refugee Status back to top

Religious Liberty and Other Religious Concerns back to top

Reproductive Choice back to top

Separation of Church and State back to top

Social Justice and Civil Rights back to top

Women and Family back to top

Other back to top

Zionist Affairs Policy Statements

Aliyah back to top

Israel and the Middle East back to top

Jerusalem back to top

Religious Pluralism back to top

Terrorism back to top

United Nations back to top

World Jewish Concerns and Human Rights back to top

Zionism back to top

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