Young Hadassah International Star: Joost van Raalte
2-Feb-2010
In between finishing medical school and applying for residency, Joost Van Raalte, Chair of Young Hadassah Holland, makes it his priority to carve out time to lead a generation of enthusiastic young volunteers in their efforts to support the Hadassah Medical Center.
Joost joined Young Hadassah International in 2008 at the age of 25, after a stint at Hadassah Hospital-Ein Kerem. A medical student, Joost interned in the orthopedic trauma surgery department, where he was entrenched in the fabric of the hospital. He quickly became captivated with the diversity and compassion of the hospital staff and visitors, as well as the universal treatment provided, regardless of ethnicity. He describes his experience at Hadassah “as the time of his life.”
Upon his return to Amsterdam, Joost sought out Gennie Freene, then chair of Young Hadassah Holland. It was not long before Joost joined the board and ascended to the role of Chair. Joost is determined to augment Holland’s focus on Israel while building a unique niche for Young Hadassah International. Joost strives to make Young Hadassah International the hip organization, where young people come to have a good time while supporting medicine and peace-building. “I love the fact that young people all over the world are fundraising for the same great cause, the Hadassah Medical Organization," he says.
Young Hadassah Holland remains one of the most successful of the Young Hadassah International units, raising tens of thousands of euros for the Hadassah Medical Center each year. Joost contends that the key to success has been to remain active, appealing, and visible, by holding at least three to four widely publicized events each year.
“We are fortunate to have people like Joost representing Young Hadassah International. His enthusiasm and drive are invaluable and have made Holland an effective fundraising unit, having already raised close to $15,000 this year,” said Liz Bazini, Chair of Young Hadassah International.
Indeed, Joost is busy organizing multiple events, all the while expanding YH Holland’s board and strengthening its internal organization. As Joost says, “I want to show people that “Hadassah is for everyone--Muslims, Palestinians, and Jews.”
