WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. The Westchester Region of Hadassah, which operates about 25 chapters in the county with 6,000 members, celebrated the national organization's centennial Sunday morning at its new headquarters in White Plains.
Hadassah is a women's organization that operates two hospitals in Jerusalem and promotes cooperation between the U.S. and Israel. It also operates Hadassah College in Jerusalem that has 2,000 students.
"We also support youth programs and advocate Congress and state legislatures," said Phylis Hartstein, the president of the Westchester Region of Hadassah, who lives in Chappaqua.
The members of the group said they actively participating in fund raising activities. "Everyone pitches in," said Karen Everett, a member from Larchmont. "We hold fall luncheons and other events and receive donations that honor women who work on health care and children's issues."
Linda Ettinger Lieberman of White Plains has worked with Hadassah for 35 years. She said, "We make spiritual and emotional connections to Israel. Since Jews have the right of return and dual citizenship we have roots in both countries."
Lieberman praised the Hadassah hospitals in Israel for caring for all kinds of people. "They treat anyone who comes to Israel for medical treatment regardless of their orientation or ability to pay. They treat Palestinians and people from anywhere."
Hila Elroy, an advisor to the Consulate General of Israel in New York City, was the featured speaker at the Hadassah event. She spoke about the political and social situation in Israel and the role of Hadassah in impacting events.
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