HADASSAH INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
“It’s Not A Miracle….It’s Hadassah”
On May 11-12, 2003, Hadassah International celebrated 20 years of helping to create miracles in healthcare at its Annual Conference in London, England.
Delegates from around the world and renowned scientists, physicians, academics and volunteers came together to discuss how Hadassah can continue to perform miracles in a world challenged by the new reality of terrorism. Proclaiming “It’s Not A Miracle…It’s Hadassah” delegates rejoiced at the remarkable ongoing achievements of the Hadassah Medical Organization, and addressed the difficult healthcare needs created in populations dealing with the stress of constant violence and economic problems.
“These are difficult times and, now more than ever, Hadassah International plays a vital role in its support of the Hadassah Medical Organization,” stated Nancy Falchuk, President, Hadassah International. “Our colleagues around the world are working together to help build bridges to nations through medicine. The Hadassah Hospitals have been serving as a model for countries trying to prepare for the unspeakable horror of biological and chemical agents in the hands of terrorists. We play an active role in supporting our hospitals and in providing healthcare for all who cross through our doors, regardless of nationality, religious or political belief.”
An elegant 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner at Grosvenor House paid tribute to the founder of Hadassah International, Bernice S.Tannenbaum, while raising funds for the Hadassah Medical Organization. Honored guests at this anniversary celebration included Israel’s former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Anne-Marie Gravdahl and Torbjorn Ekrøll of “Help the Jews Home” from Norway; Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of “VSA Arts” from the USA; and Jo Wagerman, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews from the UK, were honored as “Volunteers of Distinction.”
Bonnie Lipton, Hadassah National President, USA, Professor Shlomo Mor-Yosef, Director General, Hadassah Medical Organization, and His Excellency Ambassador Yaakov Levy, Israel Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, were among the presenters discussing the miracles Hadassah has performed with the support of Hadassah International. An award was given to Professor Leon Epstein for his many years of building bridges through healthcare while director of the Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Hadassah Medical Organization.
Young Hadassah International volunteers, aged 18-35, took part in the conference and planned special events for the coming year.
As the Conference concluded with a tea at the Houses of Parliament hosted by The Lord Janner of Braunstone, delegates celebrated their achievements over the past 20 years, and looked to many more years of Hadassah miracles.
