Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, announced Tuesday that is has elected Rhoda Smolow as its new president, replacing Ellen Hershkin, whose presidency will end at the end of the year.
Founded in 1912, Hadassah is the world's largest women's Zionist organization. Smolow, who is slated to take office on Jan. 1, 2020, is the organization's 27th chief in its 107 years and will lead over 300,000 members, associates and supporters.
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The announcement was made during Hadassah's convention at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
Smolow, who has been with Hadassah for 39 years and served as the group's national secretary before becoming its president, "Will oversee Hadassah's continued efforts and initiatives in support for Israel, public advocacy on women's health, leadership training for women, and will champion the groundbreaking, life-saving medical research, and treatment at its two Jerusalem-based hospitals," the organization said in a statement.
The organization maintains two hospitals in Israel – Hadassah Mount Scopus and Hadassah Ein Kerem, both in the Israeli capital.
Hershkin, who led Hadassah since 2016, said that "Rhoda Smolow exemplifies the ideal of selfless service to Hadassah."
Smolow thanked Hershkin for her years at the helm of Hadassa, saying she was "excited to carry on" with the group's mission. "I intend to continue the organization's efforts to create opportunities for Jewish women and lead changes in Israel and the United States. "
