Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA) National President Rhoda Smolow released the following statement today following votes by the HWZOA National Board and Hadassah National Business Meeting delegates to adopt a new policy statement demanding accountability for antisemitic curricula and resources used in schools run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The policy statement “reaffirms and expands [HWZOA’s] commitment to combat antisemitism through education at home and abroad.”

“For far too long, the international community has turned a blind eye to the untethered consistency of antisemitic teachings and materials utilized by educators in UNRWA sponsored schools across the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The curricula of hatred and bigotry would not reach hundreds of thousands of innocent children if not for the silent acquiesce of UNRWA.

“Ironically, UNRWA claims that its intention is to provide students with accurate history and lessons that embody the core value of human rights and peace, but children in its schools are taught to wage jihad against the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

“Hadassah’s new policy statement demanding accountability and oversight for UNRWA and Palestinian education doubles-down on our dedication to combat antisemitism, safeguard Israel and build a more peaceful and tolerant world. We will keep pushing for permanent reform of UNRWA both at the UN and on Capitol Hill, too, where Hadassah advocates for the bipartisan Peace and Tolerance in Palestinian Education Act.”

To read Hadassah’s policy statement, UNRWA Accountability And Palestinian Education, please click here.

To read Rhoda Smolow’s May 2021 op-ed in Israel Hayom, “Reform Gaza’s Education System,” please click here.

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ABOUT HADASSAH:

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA), is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, Associates, and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change and advocate on such critical issues as ensuring the security of Israel, combating antisemitism, and promoting women’s health. Through the Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) two hospitals in Jerusalem, Hadassah delivers exemplary patient care to over a million people every year and supports world-renowned medical research. HMO serves without regard to race, religion, or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2005 for building “bridges to peace.” Additionally, Hadassah supports several Youth Aliyah villages that set at-risk children in Israel on the path to a successful future. For more information, visit www.hadassah.org.

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