Hadassah International - President's Message

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Please click to hear a young

entrepreneur from Germany,

Michi Kern, speak about his

visit to Hadassah.

Helaine Ohayon, President, Hadassah International

November 2009

Dear Colleagues,

Here in the United States, November signals the approach of our Thanksgiving holiday. Along with the traditional holiday foods of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and apple pie, we are reminded to take stock of our blessings, which we all too often take for granted.

In this season of Thanksgiving, we, in Hadassah International, give thanks for the blessing of the extraordinary leadership of Melissa Kaplan, our Director, who has accepted the challenging position of Global Director of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower Campaign. Although Melissa will no longer be involved in the day-to-day activities of Hadassah International, she will be interfacing with all our units as we expand our outreach into the international community to secure the funds necessary to fulfill the goals of the Tower Campaign.

As I travel to our international communities, I recognize how blessed we are to have the dedicated leadership of volunteers and professional staff, directing the many activities of their units, which support the Hadassah Medical Organization: the Tower Campaign, the Pediatrics Department renovation, the Blood Bank, the Stroke Center, Radiotherapy, and the Pediatric Oncology Department, to name a few. And we are blessed to have generous donors who understand the needs of our hospitals, and who support the research that ultimately benefits all of humankind.

When I sit down to the holiday meal with my husband, Michel, and my family, I will reflect on the blessing of family, and of each of you, our readers.

We have so much to be thankful for!

In gratitude,

Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, Director General of the Hadassah Medical Center

October 2009

Dear Friends,

As we enter the 5770th year of the Jewish people and the solemnity of the High Holiday season, I find it especially meaningful this year to reflect on the events of the past and contemplate the months ahead. We have all endured a long and difficult year filled with anxiety and concern. Yet, looking back, I take strength from your love of Israel and of Hadassah.

Here at Hadassah, we approach the New Year with excitement and optimism. Excitement as we watch the Hadassah Medical Organization achieve new heights in caring and research; excitement as we see the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower come into being.

Optimism, because we have faith in the promise and the power of the future, in our ability to save lives and bestow well-being; optimism, because we are endowed with the loving-kindness and sincere support of our Hadassah friends and family around the world.

May we all be blessed with life, well-being, loving-kindness, and peace.

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

September 2009

Dear Colleagues,

This has been a summer filled with Hadassah International visitors at our Medical Center. The global groundswell of enthusiasm for witnessing the work of our physicians and nurses first hand is so exhilarating for me. Hadassah supporters who are on a family trip to Israel make a point of going to see our hospitals because they feel so connected to our medical institution, thanks to what they have learned about Hadassah in their own countries. They are eager to show their children and grandchildren the hospital they are passionate about—to pass on this legacy of love to the next generation.

Michi Kern, yoga entrepreneur from Germany, visited Hadassah in the Spring and was so inspired that he is bringing others this month to see our mission in action. One member of his delegation will be Jillian Friedberg, representing Urban Zen, Donna Karan’s philanthropic foundation. During his second trip, Michi plans to give a yoga class to the staff and patients! Our Director of Hadassah Germany Gady Gronich is escorting Alexander, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe, to the Medical Center this month. The Prince has been deeply captured by our cause and expressed a desire to become a fundraiser for the Hadassah Medical Center.

In addition to these visits, I’m uplifted by the worldwide Hadassah International agenda for the coming months: a designer apple auction in Zurich, where designer-made apples will be auctioned; “Stem Cell Week” in Australia, featuring Prof. Benjamin Reubinoff, head of Hadassah’s Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center; a musical soiree/garden party in New Zealand; and a concert in Paris featuring the famed French singer, Michel Delpech.

As I write this message to you, I’m filled with admiration for Young Hadassah International, which has just concluded an inspirational “Weekend in Berlin.” Renewing their devotion to our Medical Center, YHI representatives from around the world acquired the tools to mobilize their communities to shape and strengthen the future of Hadassah International.

As the Jewish New Year approaches, let’s pause and reflect on all we’ve accomplished together and be proud of what we’ve achieved. Let’s celebrate and renew our enthusiasm and focus for what remains to be done.

With appreciation and admiration,

Liz Bazini, Chair, Young Hadassah International

Summer 2009

Dear Colleagues,

In June, I had a chance to visit Hadassah Hospital’s two campuses on Mount Scopus and in Ein Kerem. Although of course I heard many times about the cutting-edge care and research, to see the high level of innovation within the hospital was an amazing personal experience and made the greatest impression on me.

My first stop was the Department of Pediatrics on Mount Scopus, the largest general pediatric department in Jerusalem. Young Hadassah International’s Board has voted to raise funds this year for the much-needed renovations of the department. One floor has already been renovated, allowing me to see the “before” and “after.” I am pleased to report that the changes in decor and colors—the work of Department staff—significantly enhance the ambiance. It is clear that a more vibrant environment positively impacts the pediatric patients, their parents, and caretakers alike.

The feeling I sensed from this department, as well as the others I visited—Neonatology, Trauma, Intensive Care, and Pediatric Critical Care among them—was that detail to patient care as well as processes is at the core of every decision. I also found it fascinating that every department has a research unit. The stem cell research area of the hospital has recently been outfitted for human trials! Hopefully, we are not far away from new breakthroughs from Hadassah researchers.

Whether it is genetic research or emergency care innovations, Hadassah’s pioneering advances benefit not only local citizens, but also people around the world. I encourage everyone to experience the Hadassah Medical Center first hand.

At the same time, there is still a great need for new equipment and other resources so that Hadassah can contribute even more to the enhancement of global health. We must continue to contribute our collective time, money, and effort to this organization with which we can be so proud to be affiliated.

Sincerely,

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

Melissa Kaplan, Director, Hadassah International

May 2009

Helaine (left) and Melissa

Dear Colleagues,

Embracing the momentum and directives from the Strategic Planning Conference in Paris, we have begun to work with our colleagues around the world toward our goals of sustainability and an enhanced partnership with the Hadassah Medical Center. Since that incredible conference, we have met with leaders and staff in Vienna, Geneva, London, and Munich and have been energized by the enthusiastic commitment to these goals and our future.

As decided at the Conference, we have formed five committees, with representatives both from our units worldwide and our Hadassah headquarters in America. They are:

Honorary Board Committee, spearheaded by Jean-Jacques Roboh of Belgium and Bianca Simon of Switzerland

Directive: Reach out to and cultivate prestigious, influential individuals in each of our countries and educate them about our mission and the Medical Center.

Fundraising Committee, chaired by Sherry Altura of California and Ellen Frick-Delman of Switzerland

Directive: Strategically expand donor markets and build strong, ongoing relationships with donors.

Hadassah Medical Organization Committee, chaired by Dr. John Zelcer of Australia, and Dr. Yair Birnbaum of the Hadassah Medical Center

Directive: Enhance the working relationship between Hadassah International and the Hadassah Medical Center to bring better alignment between units’ objectives and potential and the Medical Center’s needs.

Organization Strategy Committee, headed by Ron Finkel of Australia and Mark Addleman of England

Directive: Build a global franchise model that will create broad uniformity in infrastructure, taking into account differences in culture both between countries and within a country.

Corporate Partnership Committee, led by David Pfefferman and Jesse Gerstl of New York

Directive: Seek out corporative involvement to dramatically increase our funds and maximize our ability to achieve our fundraising goals.

During our visit to Europe, we brought everyone up to speed about the strategies we formulated at the Conference. Our fast-paced days and evenings afforded us the pleasure of meeting face to face with dynamic and creative leadership committees. The benefits of brainstorming together, providing instant feedback to one another, and sharing our excitement over our mission and the uniqueness of our Medical Center was palpable.

In Vienna, we met a group of young people who were just learning about our mission. It was clear they were captivated and motivated to launch a Young Hadassah International group in Austria.

Global strategic thinking and promising outcomes are clearly on the horizon. We look forward to taking this journey with you all!

With Admiration and Appreciation,

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

March 2008

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue to host incredible events around the world, I am excited to report to you that we are also looking to the future with the goal of articulating where we want Hadassah International to be in the coming years and how we plan to get there. At our Leadership Conference in November of last year, it became evident to me that there was a need to convene a think tank to set this process in motion. It also became evident that Hadassah International’s volunteers are well equipped to be in the driver’s seat to make the decisions that will carry us into an effective future as partners of the Hadassah Medical Organization.

The venue for our think tank will be a strategic planning meeting at the end of this month. International leadership, both volunteer and staff, from Europe, Latin America, and Europe, along with top-level administrators from the Hadassah Medical Organization will gather together in Paris.

During our day and a half of meetings, we will discuss some of the key challenges facing us. Among them are to become a self-sustaining entity, no longer dependent on subsidies from Hadassah in America, and to increase our fundraising capability dramatically. We plan to establish a road map that will enable us to accomplish our objectives.

Our discussions in Paris will, of course, just be the beginning. We plan to meet again in Jerusalem within six months to continue this important process.

With admiration and appreciation,

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

January 2009

Dear Hadassah International Friends,

With a world economy in turmoil, all of us are weighing the impact on our personal and professional lives. Despite the challenges facing us, we remain committed to our values, ideals, and life-long goals.

Like so many others, Hadassah had investments with Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, LLC. He was one of more than two dozen portfolio managers who invest our assets. At the time of his arrest last week, Hadassah had approximately $90 million invested with his firm.

At Hadassah, we have always persevered during times of adversity. When terrorism strikes, we meet the emergencies of the moment and continue with our excellent patient care, innovative research, and global outreach. During this economic crisis, we know that we must balance our commitment to first-class healthcare and groundbreaking research with the need to make responsible cuts in spending. We all recognize that the need to cure sickness and disease is paramount, regardless of financial downturns.

Just this week, amid the global economic crisis, Hadassah saved the life of a 9-year-old girl who had a rare hemorrhage where veins in her brain exploded. One of Hadassah’s shining stars, Senior Neurosurgeon Prof. José Cohen performed life-saving surgery on the child. She is expected to make a full recovery with no brain damage. This is one of the many miracles we share with you during this season of miracles.

Communities rooted in merit and passion are rare, and people who have been part of them never forget them. Hadassah is such a community—be part of this community. Reach out to your networks, contributors, and potential donors. Support the Hadassah Medical Center by donating to your local unit. Every donation designated for the Hadassah Medical Center is allocated to its life-saving work. Ensure that people across the globe will continue to benefit from the vital work of the Hadassah Medical Center.

With profound thanks,

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

Winter 2008

Dear Colleagues,

During this difficult time of economic uncertainty and turmoil in the stock markets, it was uplifting for me to travel to France and Switzerland and meet so many dedicated and generous-minded people devoted to the Hadassah Medical Organization. In Paris, I attended the gala opening of the musical, “Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob,” where over 3,700 people filled the auditorium and raised 200,000 euros for Hadassah. How inspiring and impressive it was to witness the tremendous visibility that Hadassah France achieved for our medical center!

From Paris, I travelled to Zurich, where Hadassah Medical Organization Director General Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef and I met with a special philanthropic friend who was most eager to learn about our hospitals. I was so grateful for the hard work and devotion of our volunteers in Hadassah Switzerland – Zurich, who arranged this important meeting.

As we all know, disease is with us no matter what the economic situation. It is heartening for me to know that I have a community of devoted colleagues to carry our mission forward. As Shlomo recently said: “Ours is not an easy task; it never has been. Yet, by building upon the deeds of the past and maintaining our belief in the powerful combination of vision and mission, I know that together, we can have faith in the promise and the power of the future.”

I look forward to greeting many of you who hold leadership positions in our units around the world at our Fundraising and Leadership Meeting in New York in November.

With admiration and appreciation,

Helaine Ohayon, Coordinator, Hadassah International

September 2008

Dear Colleagues,

As the new Coordinator of Hadassah International, I am so energized by your high level of enthusiasm, dedication, professionalism, and creativity. In my first few months at the helm of this incredible organization, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk with a number of our volunteers and directors. Everyone is brimming with terrific plans! I am excited to take in the atmosphere of mutual respect and eager cross-fertilization of ideas that I find whenever volunteers and directors from our diverse countries interact.

It’s also very energizing to me to see clearly that Hadassah International’s mission is not just a statement of purpose. It is a way of life. In all we do, in our ways of working together, we transcend politics, religion, and cultural backgrounds. We are a bridge to peace, carried forward by our deeply felt motivation to make universal health care without discrimination a reality in our global society.

I am especially proud of one particular aspect of the partnership between Hadassah International and the Hadassah Medical Center: We give back to the local communities that support us. We are fortunate to have an expertise—medical excellence—to impart to others around the globe. And we are all eager to transport it, wherever it is needed. The trauma symposium initiated and facilitated by Hadassah Panama, together with the Hadassah Medical Center’s health professionals, is a role model that we can replicate in other countries. We don’t need to re-invent the wheel; we can take each other’s success stories, tailor them to local needs, and benefit many more communities. We have signature programmatics that we can take on the road around the globe!

As we go forward, I’d like to see us expand our impact through these powerful programs, which are a vehicle for us to involve the wider community—men and women, of all religions, and all ages.

As a nurse by profession, I feel as if Hadassah International and its mission are a natural fit for me. Physicians and nurses, whatever the medical setting, transcend politics and prejudices to focus on healing the patients. There is no place for these distinctions within the health care setting. As you know, if everyone in the world functioned with that perspective, the world would be a better place for all of us.

As your new coordinator, I feel as if I have jumped on a very fast-moving train, filled with potential and possibility. I know we will continue to energize one another as we savor our mission and our power to create a healthier world.

With appreciation and admiration,

Professor Shlomo Mor-Yosef, Director General, Hadassah Medical Center

August 2008

Once again, we here at Ein Kerem are filled with excitement as the initial construction of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower unfolds before our eyes. Yes, once again, the overwhelming din of construction surrounds us and echoes across the campus. While it is temporarily unsettling, it is also energizing and exhilarating. All of us realize the importance of the new building and the opportunity it affords us to change and grow.

I often think about how many lives we touch on a daily basis—those we have touched in the past, the people we are touching in the present, and the generations we will touch in the future. And when I do, I think about the supporters of Hadassah around the world. Thousands and thousands of people owe their lives to you. Thousands of children have become productive human beings because of you.

We all understood that Hadassah has a responsibility to the people of Jerusalem and the State of Israel; that we must continue to lead the way, that we have the expertise and capability to provide our patients with the finest care medicine has to offer—today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.

As Director General of this outstanding institution, I receive huge respect, but Hadassah, the organization, is held in much higher esteem throughout the world. This is a historic time for Hadassah and for the citizens of Jerusalem. With your leadership and support, Hadassah will continue to strengthen Jerusalem, enhancing its historic past with a present that is paving the way for a brilliant future.

With best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year,

Stewart Greenebaum, Hadassah Medical Center Board of Directors

July 2008

I have been in the building business all my adult life. Through the years, many of the projects I’ve undertaken have been of significant magnitude. I’ve also been involved with fundraising for many years, often with campaigns that raised great amounts of money for equally great causes. So nothing about development or fundraising surprises me much anymore. But I must tell you that I was awestruck by the magnitude of the challenge Hadassah accepted three years ago to build a new tower of healing. And I am awestruck today by what has been achieved since then—more than 184 million dollars in pledges and contributions from individuals who want to play a part in the history of this troubled region.

It’s now your turn to be the face and the voice, the heart and the soul of the campaign. It’s your turn to take the message into your communities, to inspire and to encourage.

(For more information on fundraising, Hadassah International Leadership is encouraged to click here).

Nancy Falchuk, National President of Hadassah

June 2008

In a world of infinite connections, thanks to all of you, we have gone global and had a grand impact on the world stage. Just a few examples that have warmed my heart and should make us all proud:

When hostile groups in Britain tried to impose anti-Israel boycotts last year, Hadassah United Kingdom helped arrange a visit of British parliamentarians to the Hadassah Medical Center. One member of the delegation, MP Barbara Keeley, commented: “Watching Palestinian and Israeli doctors side by side…reaffirms our belief that any effort to boycott Israeli academics or doctors is completely misplaced.” The boycott never got off the ground!
When civic leaders in Melbourne, Australia wanted to upgrade their resources for treating mass casualties, Hadassah Melbourne initiated a collaborative venture between Hadassah Medical Center and The Alfred Hospital to share expertise.
When a conference of Latin American medical professionals identified a need for improved nursing services, Hadassah International and Hadassah Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Venezuela sponsored symposia on the latest in best nursing practices where Hadassah’s top-level nurses were the keynote presenters.
There are so many more stories of how Hadassah International has initiated and facilitated medical partnerships between Hadassah Medical Center and other medical and scientific institutions around the globe. You in Hadassah International have shown Israel’s humanitarian face to the world, to citizens in countries where Israel is often reviled.

Hadassah International has been a major partner in helping our Medical Center stay the premier health care institution that it is. From providing the funds for the latest in high-tech equipment to ensuring that there are translators who speak the language of our patients to providing for medical clowns to cheer up sick children, you in Hadassah International have helped us soar.

I am often struck by how big Hadassah has become. And yet, I also see that the world is really small enough that I can walk into a meeting anywhere and be surrounded by people who care about the same things I do: contributing to a healthier world, and sharing medical expertise for the good of all humankind.

Thank you, Hadassah International! I look forward to greeting as many of you as possible at our Conference in Jerusalem in March. Join us in celebrating Hadassah International’s 25th anniversary and Israel’s 60th birthday.

Thank you,
Nancy