Hadassah, Minneapolis Chapter records

When Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America was founded in New York in 1912, Israel was not yet a state. Yet founder Henrietta Szold called for practical Zionism as she began proactive fundraising to meet the health needs of Palestine's people. Hadassah eventually grew to a nationwide social advocacy group engaging Jewish women to effect change in support for the people of Israel; currently there are 330,000 members and supporters nationwide. Their mission as a volunteer organization is to inspire passion for and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel.

The Minneapolis chapter was established shortly after Hadassah began in 1912. Originally calling themselves the "Self-Denial Club," its members wanted to learn morea bout their Jewish heritage and raise funds for war relief. In 1924 the first president, Anna Schwartz, was elected and the group became affiliated with the National Hadassah. In her six years as president, Schwartz grew membership from 22 to 600 members. In 1926 the Jewish National Fund was established and it became a recipient of Hadassah's fundraising efforts. With annual luncheons, baby showers, and rummage sales, the women raised money for Palestine and the rebuilding of Europe during the war years. Through the 1970s the Minneapolis chapter membership increased to 2,000 and by the end of the 70s raised over $100,000. The Hadassah, Minneapolis chapter still thrives; based in Minnetonka its office serves as the regional office for the Upper Midwest region as well. The group continues to support the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center at Ein Kerem and on Mt. Scopus, supports the Yough Aliyah child rescue and rehabilitation program, Israel Education Services vocational and educational training, and the Jewish National Fund program of land reclamation and beautification. For more information, visit www.hadassah.org/regions/uppermidwest.