Hadassah returns to Westchester with new chapter

WESTCHESTER, N.Y. - On July 7, 2026, 20 women from northern Westchester met to restart a Hadassah chapter in the area. The previous chapter became inactive in 2019. Candy Cohen, the new co-president, had long hoped to revive the chapter and was excited to see enough people attend to establish a strong foundation for Hadassah in northern Westchester and parts of Putnam County.

According to its website, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, was founded more than 100 years ago. The organization helped establish the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel, which includes two hospitals and youth centers that serve at-risk youth. The hospitals have long provided care to a multicultural population, including Israeli Jews, Israeli Arab Muslims, Christians and others. Hadassah also conducts extensive medical research that benefits people in the United States and around the world.

There was excitement in the room as the women began planning activities for the new chapter, including a meeting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 28 featuring two guest speakers. Organizers said they believe the chapter will help raise funds to support the hospitals, which are currently treating people injured in the ongoing war as well as other patients. The Mount Scopus campus serves a large Arab population, and many services are provided underground because of continued bombing and ongoing concerns for patient safety.

The chapter's co-presidents are Candy Cohen and Ann Harper. The vice presidents are Judith Weber and Randy Freeman.

For more information or to attend the next meeting, contact Candy Cohen at Candyco97@gmail.com, Ann Harper at alharperone@aol.com, Judith Weber at DJJWEB@aol.com or Randy Freeman at randyfreeman71@hotmail.com.