81R35688 BPG-D

By: Edwards H.R. No. 2782

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Houston chapter of Hadassah has benefited the community in myriad ways over the past 90 years, and it is indeed fitting to honor the long service of this notable organization; and

WHEREAS, Founded in New York in 1912 by the Daughters of Zion, this women's volunteer organization was named after the biblical heroine Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah; its mission was to promote the Zionist ideal through education, public health initiatives, and the training of nurses in the Palestine District of the Ottoman rule; chapters soon opened in Baltimore, Cleveland, Chicago, and Boston, and the Houston chapter was founded in 1919; and

WHEREAS, Hadassah today supports health care, education, and youth institutions in Israel, and it seeks to enhance the quality of American and Jewish life in the U.S. through its education and youth programs, promotion of health awareness, and personal enrichment opportunities; the organization has a nationwide membership of 300,000, and the Houston chapter, with 3,500 members, is the largest Jewish women's organization in the city, drawing members from a broad geographic area and encompassing 16 groups with unique interests; and

WHEREAS, Through their dedication to the greater good, members of the Houston chapter of Hadassah have made a positive difference in their community and beyond, and it is a pleasure to recognize the organization's long history of service; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor the Houston chapter of Hadassah for its contributions to the community and extend to its members sincere best wishes for continued success with their important work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.