Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and the Hadassah Medical Organization, recently dedicated an inner pavilion that will be part of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower in Jerusalem. Since 2005, both Katherine Merage and the Andre and Katherine Merage Foundation made several gifts totaling $7 million to Hadassah to fund the 14-story Katherine Merage Pavilion, which will house four signature healing gardens as well as in-patient facilities. The dedication began a year of pre-events that will peak with the official dedication of the Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower in October 2012, as part of Hadassah’s Centennial Convention, which will be held in Jerusalem, and in the presence of thousands of Hadassah members from the United States and around the world. Since 2005, … Continue Reading
Natalie Portman’s Hadassah Gift That Never Was
Life on the Internet is never dull. And despite what many still think, you can't delete what's out in cyber-space; it takes on a life of it's own. Six years ago this month ArutzSheva/IsraelNationalNews.com reported that, "Hadassah hospital received a $50 million donation last week including a large donation from one of the people born there - famed Jewish actress Natalie Portman". The story was widely circulated at the time and resurfaced again just a few days ago. This from Rabbi Jason Miller writing on RabbiJason.com: I pride myself on always trying to provide factual information on this blog. However, it has come to my attention that six years ago, in March 2005, I reposted a news report that the Jewish/Israeli actress Natalie Portman made a $50 million gift to Hadassah Hospital in … Continue Reading
Merkaz Hamagshimim Closes its Doors
Raphael Ahren writing in Haaretz: Merkaz Hamagshimim closes its doors in capital after 14 year The Young Judaea youth movement is closing Merkaz Hamagshimim, the popular community center for young English-speaking immigrants it has operated in Jerusalem since 1996, Anglo File has learned. Movement officials said the Merkaz was no longer needed but that some services will continue to be provided by other segments of the organization and that no staff has been fired. Merkaz alumni and immigrant association officials said they regretted the move. ... Originally located in Jerusalem's German Colony, Merkaz Hamagshimim served as a combination absorption and community center for the wider Anglo community, offering young immigrants support and the chance to build a vibrant life in their new home. … Continue Reading
Hadassah Tower Campaign Exceeds 2010 Goal
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, raised $20 million in 2010 toward completion of its new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower in Jerusalem, National President Nancy Falchuk announced today. The year-end total far exceeds the $12.6 million goal announced at the beginning of 2010. Last year’s total brings to $240 million the amount Hadassah has raised thus far for the tower. This figure does not include additional funding from the Israeli government. The total cost of the 14-story tower on Hadassah’s Ein Kerem campus will be $363 million. The tower is scheduled to begin treating patients in March 2012; the official dedication will take place in October 2012, as part of Hadassah’s Centennial Convention in Jerusalem. Hadassah has also announced that its tower … Continue Reading
Hadassah Nominates New National President
Marcie Natan, former National Treasurer of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and current National Chair of Hadassah College Jerusalem, was officially nominated last night as incoming National President of Hadassah. Natan will be formally elected by the delegates to Hadassah’s Annual Meeting in July, when current National President Nancy Falchuk will pass on the organization’s highest level volunteer leadership role to Natan. … Continue Reading
The Madoff Saga: Two Years Later
It's been two years since the Madoff House of Cards collapsed. And, as the past few days have demonstrated, we are nowhere near seeing the end of the drama. Yesterday morning, Madoff's son Mark was found hung in his Manhattan apartment - the victim of an apparent suicide. No note was found. Roughly a year ago, Mark, and his brother Andrew, were sued by Irving Picard, the court-appointed representative for Madoff creditors. At the time, it was said Mark had deposited a total of $745,482 into seven customer accounts he and his family held, but withdrew $18.1 million. Just this past week, Picard also sued numerous Madoff family members, including Mark's children, for return of monies transferred by their grandparents. No criminal charges have been filed against either Mark or Andrew. On … Continue Reading
AJCongress to Settle with Madoff Trustee
The American Jewish Congress is apparently in settlement discussions with the court-appointed trustee in the Madoff bankruptcy case. In court documents filed yesterday, both the American Jewish Congress and Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., agreed to waive the December 11, 2010 deadline for the bankruptcy trustee to file suit in order to allow deals to be reached by the charities’ boards. Also yesterday, Hadassah's board agreed to a settlement. According to Bruce Buechler, the attorney representing AJCongress, “We are in the final stages of hopefully reaching an agreement. The reality is we have a deal in place with Picard’s people. Simply put, we just need a little more time to get our boards’ approval.” AJCongress, which pretty much closed up back in … Continue Reading
Hadassah Will Pay $45m. in Madoff Clawback
Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc., has agreed - subject to approval of the bankruptcy court - to pay $45 million in settlement of all claims related to the Madoff Ponzi scheme. Here's the official statement from Nancy Falchuk, Hadassah's president: Dear Friends, As we approach our Centennial, no one can doubt Hadassah’s success. We built the healthcare infrastructure and much of the educational foundation for the State of Israel. Remaining true to our core Zionist mission, we are a central force in the nation’s continued development and in strengthening the Jewish people. Hadassah has overcome many obstacles in our history, from wars and terrorism to recessions, the Great Depression and other financial crises. It must be said, that because of all of you, … Continue Reading
Is Hadassah about to Take a $45m Hit?
The JTA's Jacob Berkman writes, "According to several sources within the organization, Hadassah’s lawyers have been working with Picard on a settlement. They will present the settlement to Hadassah’s higher-ups at a meeting Wednesday evening in Chicago. And then the proposal will be brought to Hadassah’s board for approval Thursday." This should come as no surprise. Irving Picard, the court-appointed Madoff trustee, has until December 11th to file the last of his suits. And Picard has been busy. According to CNN, 388 clawback suits have been filed to date. Hadassah, who clearly has some vulnerability, has stated they invested $40 million with Madoff and over the years withdrew at least $130 million. The issue is not complicity; Picard is simply trying to even out the scale of loss. In … Continue Reading
Walking for the Cure in Jerusalem
5000 participants from around the world took part in yesterday's “Victory of Life” - Israel Race for the Cure. Under a sun-filled sky, young and old, female and male, they all came to support this first ever event here in Israel. Officially a race, all but a small handful of participants walked through central Jerusalem in order to raise money to fight breast cancer. Beginning in Jerusalem's Gan Sacher park, and concluding outside the Old City walls, participants included 800 Arab-Israelis, 400 visitors from overseas, and a surprising number of young Anglo olim and long-term program participants. Some of the most visible groups included marchers from Amit, Hadassah, Hillel, the Joint (JDC) and WIZO. Noticeable by their black tees in a sea of white - a group from Shaare Zedek Medical Center, … Continue Reading
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