Hadassah and the Zionist Project

Erica Simmons has written the compelling and largely unsung story of Hadassah's role in building Israel's network of social services. From our towering leaders, like Henrietta Szold, to the individual dedicated member, we see how the women of Hadassah not only participated in the building of the Jewish State, but empowered themselves as effective organizers and leaders through 'the Zionist project.' It is essential reading for anyone interested in Hadassah, Jewish women and the American Zionist enterprise.
I like the focus on the social welfare work, and the way it is woven into similar work ongoing elsewhere in the world in those years. For a general history of Hadassah's work in Palestine/Israel, it's a comprehensive study, and out of necessity it covers a lot of ground.
This book can be read as a contribution to US Jewish history, women's history, and Zionist history. As an entry in the first and third categories, it offers perspective not commonly seen-namely, an emphasis on the importance of a women's volunteer organization. Summing Up: Highly recommended.
A helpful text...
Simmons is to be congratulated for bringing Hadassah's maternalist Zionism into focus and for her substantive discussion of Hadassah's distinctive impact on the fabric of Israeli public culture. She lets us see both sides of Hadassah...which enriches our understanding of the processes involved...
An excellent book. It speaks to a wide readership and illuminates a historic relationship (US Jews and Zionism) that continues to exercise influence in both the American political arena as well as in Israeli life and politics today.