Hadassah Confirms New Policy Statements Reaffirming Support for Choice
in a Post-Roe Landscape and Championing Israel’s Right to Exist
Hear Jewish Women Leaders Speak to Hadassah about “The State of Choice: Taking Action in a Post-Roe America”
On Tuesday, January 10, 2023, Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, unanimously voted to adopt two new policy statements at their semi-annual National Assembly held in Florida. “Championing Israel’s Right to Exist” reaffirms Hadassah’s unwavering support for Zionism, Israel’s right to exist and the Israeli people’s right to self-determination. “Support for Choice in a Post-Roe Landscape” reaffirms Hadassah’s unwavering support for complete access to reproductive choice and health care after the overturning of Roe v. Wade and federal protections in June 2022.
“Hadassah, as a Zionist organization, will always support Israel’s right to exist as a shining example of democracy in the Middle East,” said Rhoda Smolow, Hadassah National President. “Hadassah is also deeply committed to women’s health and reproductive choice. In 2023, Hadassah and its 300,000 members will continue to advocate for policies that support our values.”
Hadassah’s policy statement “Championing Israel’s Right to Exist” reaffirms Hadassah’s commitment to declaring our Zionism with pride, changing current negative connotations of Zionism and empowering others to publicly claim their support for Israel through education, advocacy and discourse, while fighting hateful and untruthful labels attributed to Israel. Hadassah urges everyone to reject and denounce dangerous and inflammatory accusations meant to demonize the state of Israel.
Hadassah’s policy statement “Support for Choice in a Post-Roe Landscape” reaffirms Hadassah’s commitment to fight for protections for patients who seek reproductive health services as well as the health professionals who provide services and allies that facilitate access to care. Hadassah calls on policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to recognize reproductive choice as a fundamental women’s health issue and to safeguard access to reproductive health services.
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America strongly urges:
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All supporters of Israel to publicly celebrate their connections to Zionism and the Jewish state, and to speak out about the vibrancy of Israeli society while correcting misconceptions about Israel.
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Lawmakers, members of Hadassah and the public to reject and denounce dangerous and inflammatory accusations of racism and apartheid meant to demonize the State of Israel.
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Members and leaders in the United Nations to condemn remarks that include false statements, promote antisemitism, or attack or delegitimize Israel.
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Congress to pull US funding from the United Nations’ Commission of Inquiry and make clear that the US opposes this biased, unprecedented investigation targeting Israel.
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Policymakers, organizations, companies and the public to continue to support Israeli commerce and products, and to refute the harmful Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement that seeks to target, isolate and delegitimize Israel.
Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, strongly urges:
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Policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to recognize reproductive choice as a fundamental women’s health issue and safeguard access to reproductive health services.
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Legislators at the local, state and federal levels to ensure that those traveling across state lines to seek reproductive health services, including abortion, are protected from legal and civil action in their home state.
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Policymakers at the local, state and federal levels to pass laws that protect providers of reproductive health services and allies from legal or civil action.
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Hadassah leaders and members to educate and mobilize their communities in the fight to ensure reproductive freedom for everyone, regardless of where they live.
Read a similar article by one of our own Hadassah and community members entitled "Feeling Super-Jewish: Advocating for Reproductive Choice in a Holy Place" in The Times of Israel about how advocating for a woman's right to choose is an act of tikkun olam.