Since the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hadassah Greater Baltimore has experienced a dramatic influx of support, activism and enhanced purpose.
“We saw an overwhelming number of people step forward, asking how they could help,” said Nancy Braverman, the newly installed co-president of Hadassah Greater Baltimore with fellow Owings Mills resident Barbara Deitch. “The response has been incredible.”
In particular, Hadassah Greater Baltimore is channeling its energy and resources into local advocacy and support for medical purposes, particularly for the renowned Hadassah hospitals in Israel.
Hadassah – which was founded in 1912 by Baltimore-born Jewish leader and educator Henrietta Szold — operates two major hospital campuses in Jerusalem, both of which have become critical lifelines in Israel’s health care landscape. In the wake of Oct. 7, the importance of the Hadassah hospitals has grown exponentially, especially in the field of mental health.
Today, Hadassah hospitals are treating more than half of Israel’s mental health cases, a statistic that speaks volumes about the emotional and psychological tolls of the ongoing conflict.
One of the local chapter’s current priorities is raising funds for the Gandel Rehabilitation Center, a cutting-edge facility in Jerusalem focused on both physical and mental rehabilitation. Originally slated to open in June of 2024, the mental health wing of the center opened six months early to meet urgent needs.
With a fundraising goal of $300,000 to $400,000, Hadassah Greater Baltimore – which has a membership of approximately 4,500 — is pulling out all the stops.
A major fundraiser, “CHAI Rolling for Hadassah” will take place on Sunday, May 18, with all proceeds going directly to the Gandel Center.
“It’s an inter-generational effort,” said Deitch.
Hadassah is also bringing families and children into the mix, planting the seeds for the next generation to continue their mission locally and in Israel.
Hadassah’s impact isn’t limited to medical support. The organization is also a powerful voice for advocacy on the global stage.
From the Yellow Nail Initiative (combating Hamas’ weaponization of rape) to legislative testimony in Washington, D.C., against antisemitism and in support of women’s reproductive rights, Hadassah members are actively shaping the conversation around Jewish identity, health and human rights.
Locally, the organization continues to thrive with five chapters across the Baltimore metropolitan area and more than 300 members in Howard County alone.
A May 7 wine event aims to engage more women in that region. Younger members recently enjoyed “Vodka and Latkes” gatherings and a post-Passover pizza party for young women.
Both Braverman and Deitch hope to recruit more young generations of women for Hadassah Greater Baltimore. They are hopeful that the younger women operate not just as participants but also as leaders.
Programming includes the “Check It Out” bringing breast cancer and testicular cancer awareness to local high schools. Meanwhile, the social model of care at Hadassah Hospital — where teams include psychologists and social workers who work with both patients and their families — offers a progressive vision of holistic healing.
The hospital itself has gained international recognition, recently being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize and listed among the top hospitals in the world.
“Everyone is treated equally there,” said Braverman. “It’s a place of peace.”
Plans are already underway for several major milestones, including Hadassah Greater Baltimore’s fall meeting on Oct. 20 and a trip to The Spa at the Hotel Hershey in December.
A construction party for the new Gandel Center is also on the calendar, designed as a family-friendly celebration of progress and community.
In addition, Braverman and several former Hadassah chapter presidents hope to travel to Israel this October.
“There’s nothing like going with Hadassah,” she said. “It’s so fulfilling.”
Whether it’s through book clubs, advocacy work or fundraising, Hadassah Greater Baltimore is not just responding to a moment of crisis but building a movement rooted in healing, resilience and enduring Jewish values.
For information, visit hadassah.org/region/greater-baltimore or call 410-484-9590.
Harper Goldberg is a local freelance writer.
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