Danville Chapter of Hadassah Records, 1957-1994 | Illinois History and Lincoln Collections

Scope and Contents:

This collection contains materials that provide insight into the Danville Chapter of Hadassah's values and contributions to the Zionist movement in the United States. Records take the form of scrapbooks, certificates, newspaper clippings, notes, and ephemera.

Biographical/Historical Context:

The Danville Chapter of Hadassah was founded in 1946, two years before the establishment of the state of Israel. Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, was founded by activist Henrietta Szold in New York in 1912. Still active today, Hadassah advocates for the empowerment of women, the advancement of medical care, and the strengthening of the relationship between Israel and the United States. In support of the Hadassah Medical Organization, the Danville Chapter of Hadassah hosted and participated in a variety of events that raised funds, as well as awareness for the Zionist cause. These included educational programs, inter-chapter conferences, fundraisers, and luncheons. The Danville Chapter of Hadassah served to unite the women of Danville's Jewish community across denominations, retaining members from Congregation Anshe Knesset Israel, a Conservative congregation, as well as the Reform congregation of Temple Beth El.

Acquisition Source: These records were preserved and donated by Sybil Mervis in 2021.