Hadassah National President Carol Ann Schwartz welcomed attendees to the 2024 National Conference at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas by likening the current geopolitical moment to Charles Dickens’ “the best of times” and “the worst of times.” The worst of times: the inhumane atrocities of October 7 in Israel and the surge in global antisemitism. The best of times: the resilience of the Jewish people and the lifesaving work of Hadassah to heal Israel and the world.

Ever since Henrietta Szold founded Hadassah, Schwartz said, “We apply the best of our talents, our wisdom and our energy.”

“You who are here today are the changemakers,” she went on to say. “You are the heirs…of this legacy. You are on the ground. And we are there in peace and war, ever ready for the worst of times that face us. And we are there together.”

Standing together in Las Vegas were close to 400 Hadassah leaders, members, donors, Associates and staff who descended upon the desert oasis from July 28 to 30 for official business and fun: only-in-Vegas experiences, plenaries with top-tier speakers, workshops, networking opportunities and donor events as well as business meetings.

READ MORE: October 7 War Stories From the Extended Hadassah Family

At the opening event, Schwartz introduced the conference’s keynote speaker, award-winning actress, singer, dancer, philanthropist and social media activist Montana Tucker, who is known for speaking out for Israel and against antisemitism on the red carpet and beyond.

Recognizing the urgency of the moment in Israel, participants at the conference, including around 150 attendees at the Major Donor Experience at The Mob Museum, gave close to $2 million to support Hadassah’s life-changing work.

Bringing the conference to a close, National Conference Vice Chair Geri Lipschitz led the audience in a prayer for Israel Defense Forces soldiers and the singing of “Hatikvah” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

“Our hope is that what just happened in Vegas, you tell everyone,” Michelle Hubertus, National Conference chair, said in her closing remarks. “Because the Diaspora needs Israel, Israel needs Hadassah and Hadassah needs you.”

Shari Harel is a copywriter in the Marketing & Communications division of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. For more coverage of the conference, including videos and more photos, click here.