Dear Friends,

This year a very important worldwide election is taking place. In 1897, Theodor Herzl convened the First World Zionist Congress, an international parliament of the Jewish people, to work for the creation of a Jewish state. His dream was fulfilled and our efforts on behalf of the State of Israel have continued to bring world Jewry closer to the Jewish state. In that spirit, the 35th World Zionist Congress will convene in Jerusalem in June 2006, and Hadassah will be there because work is still to be done.

Hadassah has actively participated in the Zionist Congresses for almost a century. In 1994, Hadassah was granted special status, which means that Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is allotted 32 seats in the Congress without the need to participate in the election. For 60 years Hadassah has been affiliated at the Congress with the World Confederation of United Zionists, a Zionist world union that is not affiliated with any denomination or political party. The confederation is now a partner with Dor Zion, the Zionist Generation. Dor Zion has dedicated itself to reinvigorating the Zionist movement by reaching out to youth and unaffiliated Jews who can bring new bold ideas and vision to our movement.

You may already know that national elections are under way for representation from the United States. Because we are active and proud Zionists who advocate for a strong and meaningful connection with Israel through our projects, our Zionist programming and education, I urge you to participate in this election. It is important that each Jewish man and woman be counted. Every Jew should individually register and vote.

Hadassah is proud of its participation and proud to be part of a vibrant Zionist movement. Please register and vote—all Zionists should be counted, each vote counts.

To register to vote and for more information about the World Zionist Congress, go to the Web site of the American Zionist Movement,www.azm.org, or to Dor Zion, www.dorzion.org.

B’Shalom,

June Walker
Hadassah National President