Comparative and Feminist Perspectives

Abstract

This chapter compares Hadassah to other American Zionist organizations. In particular, the chapter compares it to the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), Pioneer Women, and the Mizrachi Women's Organization of America, and also with WIZO, the Women's International Zionist Organization. Through these comparisons, the chapter aims to better understand Hadassah's sources of strength. In addition to these, Hadassah drew strength from its apolitical character. The avoidance in principle of any affiliation with any political party, either in the United States or in Israel, was based on the central objective of Hadassah to be a popular, mass-based Zionist movement of Jewish women. This motive was coupled with the accepted view at the time of its establishment that political involvement was not appropriate for women. Indeed, to this day the largest women's organizations, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, are mainly involved in humanitarian work, and declare themselves non-partisan.