Greater Washington Area Chapter

Vol.42, No. 1 Sept. 2012 Elul 5772
Hadassah
News
Greater Washington
Area Chapter
Special Gifts Dinner
October 4, 2012
at the home of Barbara and Allan Hurwitz.
The event honors the contributions of
Deana and Gerald Stempler, longtime supporters
and friends of Hadassah, and their strong commitment
to the Ophthalmology Department at Hadassah Hospital
in Jerusalem.
See Page 3

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President’s Message
Iris Tishkoff
Shalom
Usually when I sit down to write an article for the newsletter,
I think of all the wonderful medical stories that I hear daily.
This time I am going to start with a different kind of story.
I
received this “story for the soul”
about ordinary people at Hadassah
and their love of Israel—the
country and the landscape. Before
the era of computers, most Israeli
teenagers belonged to youth movements.
Hiking across the country
was a popular weekend and holiday
activity. It was said that Israelis
needed to know their country
through their feet. Today, crosscountry
hiking is called trekking.
One such popular trek in recent
years is the 584 mile long “Israel
Trail” which goes from Kibbutz Dan
in the north, to Eilat in the south
and is considered the Israeli equivalent
to the Appalachian Trail in the
U. S. Along the Trail, hikers can seek
help from “Trail Angels,” volunteers
who set up lawns to sleep on, a room
with a shower, a stack of bottled water
etc. These “Trail Angels” do not
charge for this support. Recently,
Yaacov Schreibman, the Associate
Director General of Hadassah
Medical Organization had a vision.
Since the “Israel Trail” passes near
by Hadassah Ein Kerem, Schreibman
wanted Hadassah to become a
“Trail Angel” also. It was easy to find
Hadassah employees to volunteer
to help make this vision a reality.
They gave their time, money, skills,
and enthusiasm. Yaacov Schreibman
personally gave a most generous
donation and the result of this
extraordinary effort was dedicated
last month. It is a small one and a
half room building which was originally
built for the Turkish builders
who worked on the Sarah Wetsman
Davidson Hospital Tower construction
site. Completely renovated,
painted, and refurbished it offers
hikers a night’s sleep under a roof,
kitchenette, shower, washroom, and
air conditioning. It was built by a
group of people who love Israel and
Hadassah.
We, the members of the Greater
Washington Area Chapter, are
indeed “Angels” as well. We show our
commitment to Hadassah and Israel
by our contributions both monetary
and by volunteer time. We are
ready to do whatever is necessary to
continue Hadassah’s success through
the success of our Chapter.
In order to achieve our goals, I’d like
to propose an increase in Chapter
events and fundraisers organized
by our Groups (a grass roots fundraising
effort that is the essence of
Hadassah). Chapter will assist in
promoting the event to our membership
and encourage participation
and support for our fundraising
targets. Please see the center page
for upcoming events. I would like to
wish all of you a Happy and Healthy
New Year from my family to yours.
L’shanah tovah to everyone.

Cover Story
The Greater Washington Area
Chapter of Hadassah’s Special
Gifts Dinner will be held on
October 4, 2012 at the home
of Barbara and Allan Hurwitz.
The event honors the contributions
of Deana and Gerald
Stempler, longtime supporters
and friends of Hadassah.
Funds raised from this memorable
evening are essential in
helping our Chapter reach its
fundraising goal.
This year, in honor of Deana
and Gerald Stempler’s commitment
to the Ophthalmology
Department at Hadassah Hospital
in Jerusalem, GWAC is
hoping to raise enough funds
to purchase an Optos Wide
Angle Fundus Camera, the
most sophisticated equipment
used to diagnose optical cancer
in both children and adults.
To Hadassah’s Department of
Ophthalmology, a leader in
clinical and academic excellence,”
the camera is vital to success.
We hope that you will join us in
our efforts to bring a new Fundus
Camera to Hadassah Hospital and in
supporting projects generally.
For more information about
Special Gifts, please contact
the Hadassah Office
Phone: 301-881-8203
Email: bwash@hadassah.org
Website: www.dchadassah.org
or visit us on facebook at www.
facebook.com/dc.hadassah
All photograph courtesy of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. Excluding page 8
Approximately 40,000
patients are served and
about 3500 patients are
operated on every year in
the Department of
Ophthalmology
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4
Ophthalmology Department at
Hadassah
The Department of Ophthalmology at the Hadassah University
Hospital provides medical and surgical services at the highest level
in all subspecialties in ophthalmology.
Approximately 40,000 patients
are served and about 3,500 patients
are operated on every year in the Department
of Ophthalmology of the
Hadassah University Hospital, in its
Ein Kerem center and its branches
at Mt. Scopus, and the Michaelson
Institute for the Prevention of
Blindness. In addition, thousands of
patients undergo refractive surgery
in the new laser center in Malcha.
The Department of Ophthalmology
was the first ophthalmology department
to include research laboratories
and in which the physicians were
required to participate in clinical
and basic research. Hadassah is a
center of goodwill where the benefits
of medicine transcend politics and
religion,” said Dr. Shlomo Mor-Yosef,
former director-general of HMO.
“We have a long history of outreach
and international cooperation.
For more than half a century, we
have extended humanitarian aid to
victims globally. The achievement of
our objectives is dependent on the
medical center’s generous supporters
around the world.”
Hadassah Hospital’s first outreach
beyond Israel’s borders began
in 1959, sending ophthalmologists
to African countries to help eradicate
eye diseases; more than 50 years
later, this program is still going
strong. Over the years, Hadassah
ophthalmologists have been instrumental
in opening eye clinics around
the world. More than 50 Hadassah
ophthalmologists have spent time
in Africa working on missions; in
total, they have examined more than
750,000 patients and performed at
least 150,000 operations—mostly
cataract extractions—”bringing the
highest level of patient care and
medical training to the people of
sub-Saharan Africa,” according to Dr.
Jacob Peer, head of the Department
of Ophthalmology in Ein Kerem.
Hadassah is known all over the
world,” says Dr. Paola Mosqueda who
was thrilled to be accepted for Hadassah’s
three-year Diploma Course
in Ophthalmology. After completing
medical school in her native Monterrey,
Mexico, she spent a year interning
in Houston, Texas and another
doing public service in a rural area
of Mexico. “Personally and professionally
I find Hadassah completely
different from all the other places I
studied and worked. The atmosphere
here is so open, so welcoming – and
the teachers are amazing.”
“In the field of retina, for example,
we have four different teachers.
Each of them approaches the subject
from a different perspective, covering
the entire field. All the doctors in
the Ophthalmology Department are
so open. It’s easy to approach them,
ask questions, discuss problems and
learn more.” “And,” Dr. Mosqueda
added, “because Hadassah’s patients
come from so many different ethnic
backgrounds, I see eye diseases and
conditions I would rarely or never
encounter in Mexico.” After completing
the program, she plans to return
to Monterrey where she hopes to
join her father, also an ophthalmologist,
and put into practice what she
learned at Hadassah.

Who We Help
16 year old Sophia
For Sophia, a teen living at
youth village Meir Shfeyah,
light hurts. When she arrived at
Meir Shfeyah, one of 60 youth
villages in Israel, staff members
noticed Sophia’s nearsightedness.
She needed to sit in the
front row and held her schoolbooks
close. Still, she could read
and write and had friends. She
sang in the school talent contest.
Then one day, sitting around a
table schmoozing with classmates,
Sophia was asked to pass
a pitcher of juice. Instead, she
grabbed the tablecloth. Everything
came crashing down. “I
realized she couldn’t see the
tablecloth,” said the housemother.
“She was devastated
and inconsolable. To us it was
no big deal. At first, I couldn’t
understand the extent of her
distress. Only later did I realize
how important her facade of
leading a normal life is.”
A local ophthalmologist found that
Sophia’s retinas were atrophied and
she applied for assistance from Hadassah’s
Michaelson Institute for
Rehabilitation of Vision, which specializes
in patients with low vision.
A battery of tests determined that
Sophia has achromatopsia, a disease
of the retina which is responsible for
color blindness, nystagmus (eye drift),
short-sightedness and light sensitivity.
Next, Sophia was referred for more
sophisticated examination of her eyes
at Hadassah Hospital. The Michaelson
team also recommended she be fitted
for innovative contact lenses developed
by Boris Severinsky, Israel’s and possibly
the world’s expert and Hadassah
College graduate. These life-changing
contact lenses have a small red circle in
the center which covers the pupil of the
eye. They reduce the amount of light
that enters the eye and allow primarily
red light to enter. In addition, the lens
prescription improves vision.
In the meantime, the results of the examination
were sent to Professor Eyal
Banim, Director of Hadassah Center for
Retinal and Macular Degeneration.
He determined which type of achromatopsia
she had. Eventually, she’ll
be a candidate for promising stemcell
therapy, an area in which Israel
is a leader. Genetic testing, another
area in which Israel is advanced,
will help her prevent passing on the
disorder.
With her trial pair of red-center
lenses on her eyes, Sophia will never
have to squint or hide behind dark
glasses again.
5

6
September
October
9 CHAPTER Round House Theatre - “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” - Chapter Office 301-881-8203
9 Esther Krinitz Welcome Brunch (Susan Dwyer, susandwy@gmail.com)
9 Simcha 2:30 p.m. Kugel Cook-off (Karen Blomberg, karenbloms@hotmail.com)
10 Aviva Book Club (Sherry Kabran, kabransherry@gmail.com)
4 CHAPTER Special Gifts Dinner, Chapter Office 301-881-8203
Calendar
11 Aliyah 1 p.m. (New) Member Tea, with Paula Matuskey discussing the upcoming National elections. (sterlingstanann@gmail.com)
11 Kadimah 1 p.m. Musical entertainment with Cantor Lisa Levine of Temple Shalom. (Helen Eisenberg, Helen937@verizon.net)
12 Hannah Senesch Dinner meeting at Mykonos with speaker Sharon Cadoff National Hadassah Board ( lgchatlynne@gmail.com)
13 Aviva Speaker, Laurie Appelbaum of the Israel Program. Park Plaza party room. (Sherry Kabran kabransherry@gmail.com)
19 Galil Prospective Member Happy Hour- Parva Restaurant, Bethesda ( Galil.Hadassah@gmail.com)
19 Mt. Scopus 12:30pm Speaker, Oren Marmorstein, First Secretary for Public Affairs (Barbara Eisen, beisen@comcast.net)
24 Sabra Speaker, Monique Samuel “DOWNSIZING” - organizing and reorganizing. ( Liliana Brown, lilianacb31@comcast.net)
28 Ahavat Yisrael 11:30a.m. Private docent guided tour for the Kreeger Museum + lunch (Carol Hillman, 301-977-3977 or madmum5@aol.com)
7 Ahavat Yisrael Toby’s Dinner Theater: “The Color Purple $45.00. (Toby Costanzo, 301-294-7955 or tobyscostanzo@yahoo.com)
8 Aviva Book Club (Sherry Kabran, kabransherry@gmail.com)
14 Simcha Jewish Walking Tour of DC- Anyone over 13 years old is welcome. (Karen Blomberg karenbloms@hotmail.com)
17 Hannah Senesch Dinner at Mykonos with Speaker Miriam Feinberg, “Eat, Pray, Help (Louise Chatlynne, lgchatlynne@gmail.com)
17 Mt. Scopus 12p.m. Luncheon @ Hunan Restaurant, $15. Olney. ( Barbara Eisen beisen@comcast.net)
18 Aviva Beyhan Cagri Trock Family Story as presented in her cookbook & cooking demonstration/tastings (kabransherry@gmail.com)
21 Hannah Senesch 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. GARAGE SALE. 11724 Trailridge Drive, Potomac. (Anne Meth 301-762-3966)
21 Simcha 3:30 p.m. English Tea and Welcome New Members (Karen Blomberg karenbloms@hotmail.com)
23 Aliyah Fashion Advice from the professionals at Lord and Taylor (Ann Rita Sterling, 240-558-4311or sterlingstanann@gmail.com)
28 CHAPTER Round House Theatre - “I Love to Eat” - Chapter Office 301-881-8203
26 Galil Shabbat Dinner at a home in Rockville (Galil.Hadassah@gmail.com )
29 Sabra Hadassah’s Centennial Convention Report with Lisa Kraft and Esther Herman. (Liliana Brown lilianacb31@comcast.net)

November December
3 Simcha Cocktails and Comedy (Karen Blomberg, karenbloms@hotmail.com)
8 Aviva Rabbi Avis Miller- Program on contemporary issues from the Jewish point of view: "Ask the Rabbi." (kabransherry@gmail.com)
11 Esther Krinitz First anniv. Book & Author for Youth Aliyah/Children at Risk, Eleanor Sontag on her new Book (Susan Dwyer, susandwy@gmail.com)
13 Kadimah 12 p.m. Fashion Show and luncheon fundraiser. Fairways in Leisure World, Silver Spring. (Jackie Strausberg ,301-946-2943)
14 Mt. Scopus 12:30 p.m. Hadassah Centennial Convention report. Leisure World Clubhouse I (Barbara Eisen, beisen@comcast.net)
18 Aviva Leadership Training with Becky Bressman (Sherry Kabran, kabransherry@gmail.com)
19 Sabra Fall Luncheon @ Tragara Restaurant with Eitan Gutin Magid, Story Teller extraordinaire. (Liliana Brown lilianacb31@comcast.net)
2 Esther Krinitz Mitzvah Day / Chanukah. (Susan Dwyer, susandwy@gmail.com)
5 Hannah Senesch Dinner meeting at Mykonos . Chanukah program with Mike Kravitz (Louise Chatlynne lgchatlynne@gmail.com)
10 Sabra Chanukah Book Review Luncheon: Annette Moshman reviews “Jerusalem Maiden” by Talia Carner. (lilianacb31@comcast.net)
11 Kadimah 1:00p.m. Celebrate Chanukah with candle lighting (Helen Eisenberg, Helen937@verizon.net)
12 Simcha Chanukah Party: dairy/pareve pot luck dinner and white elephant gift swap (Karen Blomberg, karenbloms@hotmail.com)
13 Aviva Chanukah party. (Sherry Kabran, kabransherry@gmail.com)
17 Sabra Speaker, Edith Lowy from Czechoslovakia to Silver Spring. (Liliana Brown lilianacb31@comcast.net)
18 Aliyah Chanukah Party with speaker, Eleanor Sontag (Ann Rita Sterling, 240-558-4311or sterlingstanann@gmail.com)
19 Mt. Scopus 12:30p.m. “Jewish Music in Pop Culture” – Cantor Michael Kravitz. Leisure World Clubhouse I. (Barbara Eisen beisen@comcast.net)
BOOKS GROUPS: Afternoons or evenings, the GWAC Books Groups have something for everyone! Fiction, memoir, biography, history-they are all there.
For details on schedule and upcoming titles, please contact Ellen Elow-Mintz at (301) 897-2796 elow-mintz@comcast.net.
7

8
Success of Clinical Trial
Brings Researchers
Closer to a Cure
for Blindness
Research
Researchers at Hadassah Hospital
in Israel, led by Dr. Eyal Banin,
have completed a clinical trial that
tested the use of gene therapy to
restore sight to patients suffering
from Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis
(LCA). Dana and Yossi, two participants
in this study, suffer from LCA,
the most severe form of all inherited
retinal dystrophies causing congenital
blindness. Like others affected,
they have experienced severe visual
impairment since birth. LCA sufferers
experience poor night vision, low
visual acuity and a constricted visual
field. This low vision continues to
deteriorate, leading to total blind-
Today I see things that I
have never seen before
ness. Other symptoms may include
crossed eyes, roving eye movements,
unusual sensitivity to light,
and/or cataracts. LCA is usually
inherited as an autosomal recessive
genetic condition. Those with LCA
suffer in darkness, without sight
and without hope.
The study involved replacing the
damaged RPE65 gene with a normal
one. The procedure, whereby the
gene was injected into the retina,
also triggered renewed protein
production.
Participants Dana and Yossi
were treated with this gene therapy
in just part of the retina of one eye,
with dramatic results. Shortly after
treatment, both participants noted
a substantial improvement in their
vision.
When asked about the results of
this treatment, Yossi said, “I felt the
real change, the real revolution, after
21 days. It was amazing because
today I see things that I have never
seen before. I’m very proud to be
a part of this research.” Dana said,
“Learning of new treatment was a
life-changing event. I’m experiencing
a real change. I was surprised to
see real improvement in my vision.”
Is a Cure for Macular
Degeneration in Sight?
Colophon
Age-related macular degeneration Ophthalmology Department;
is the leading cause of vision loss Professor Benjamin Reubinoff,
over the age of 50. Research into Director of Hadassah’s Human
a cure for macular Tumsandit degeneration, praesse tat Embryonic luptatum Stem Cell Editor: Research Johnny Doe
using human embryonic ilit et, qui stem blam cells ex euisit Center dolorem at the Goldyne Chief Savad Editor: Marcus
(hESC), is underway quipsum at Hadas- dolor sim veliscilis Institute et of alis Gene Therapy; and
sah. The goal of the nostis research nisci is blamcom Cellcure moluptat Neurosciences, Photography: Ltd., a Phil Pic
to create pigmented lortion retinal ullummy cells nos num start velen- up research Graphics: arm of Hadasit, Bill Charts
and use them to replace diam quipit those velit luptat, Hadassah consequis Medical Printing: Organization’s Octopus Ink
damaged by age-related doloreet macular luptat prat praessisi. technology transfer company.
degeneration.
©2010 Copyright
Lisl dolendit in heniam This quam team received international
The research is based quatue on the veleseq work uatuero recognition com- when their work was
of Professor Eyal molu Banin, ptatuerit Director ilit, verat. published Duis ea in the October 2, 2009
of the Center for Retinal adipsum and dolor Mac- iusto conumsandre
issue of Cell Stem Cell.
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quiscin henit wismolo reetum.

Doe
tures
s
Advocacy
Hadassah Advocacy was founded on two principles—that, as American citizens
and Zionists, Hadassah members must work to strengthen both the United States
and Israel, and by extension the ties between the two nations and their people.
In keeping with these imperatives, Hadassah Advocacy—which includes American
Affairs and Israel, Zionist and International Affairs (IZAIA)—promotes civic
engagement and advocates for foreign and domestic policies in line with Hadassah’s
platform of Policy Statements. Hadassah stays current with domestic policy
issues on topics such as hate crimes, anti-Semitism, reproductive choice, genetic
discrimination and more. Hadassah stands in solidarity with Israel by advocating
for issues critical to the Jewish people, such as Middle East peace and Israeli
national security.
Hadassah welcomes the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care
Act, affirming our commitment to ensuring that all Americans have access to
quality affordable health care. As we have done throughout our 100-year history,
Hadassah today empowers its more than 330,000 members, associates and supporters
to realize their potential as a dynamic force in American society. Through
that longstanding commitment to advocacy, Hadassah proudly signed an amicus
curiae brief in this case supporting the Affordable Care Act. Central to Hadassah’s
mission is the commitment to enhance the health of people worldwide
through the organization’s support of medical care and research at the Hadassah
Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Hadassah is devoted to strengthening the
healthcare system in the United States and has a long history of advocating for
comprehensive healthcare reform. As a fervent supporter of economic security
for women and families, Hadassah recognizes that lack of coverage compromises
the health and economic well-being of millions of uninsured individuals, as well
as our nation as a whole. Hadassah maintains its support for healthcare access
and will continue to advocate for policies that ensure affordable coverage and
improve the quality of care for every American.
9

10
National Hadassah
has been offered a
Matching Gift
of 12 and half million dollars by the
Davidson Family for the Sarah
Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower
Hadassah will only receive the
matching gift, IF we can raise that
amount, bringing the total up to
$25m by 2014. You may remember
that the Davidson Family donated
$75m to begin the building project
and once again they have stepped
up to offer this challenge which will
help furnish and complete the Hospital
Tower.
I hope you will respond enthusiastically
and send in your donations
toward the MATCH, in any amount
that you are able, so that once again
we too will be counted in the challenge.
Remember we aren’t waiting for
the future, we’re building it. Let’s
help make the MATCH and become
part of the dream and continue
building Israel’s healthcare future.
Please note that your Matching
Gifts are separate from the funds
we raise in our Chapter for all our
other projects.
Send your donations towards
the match in any amount that you
are able, to: Hadassah C/O Tema
Sternberg 6101 Executive Blvd
Suite 130, Rockville, MD 20852
TOWER OPENING CEREMONY
1st: From left to right – Emily Reaser, Prof. Kokia, Jonathan
Aaron, Judy & Sidney Swartz, Marcie Natan, Prof. Mor-Yosef
2nd: Prof. Mor-Yosef addresses the audience
Last year, our Chapter responded to the naming of a room in
the new Sarah Wetsman Davidson Hospital Tower and you did it
magnanimously. As a result our Chapter has been assigned a Nurses
Station on the 7th floor West Wing with our name attached.

JOIN WITH FELLOW GWAC MEMBERS IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Your $500 pledge will be recognized as your year-long financial commitment
to Hadassah. It enables you to attend all Chapter and Group events
that require a Donation of $500 or less for "plate money only" throughout
2012 - 2013. For more information please contact Judy Treby at
301-330-1766 or jtreby@comcast.net
How big can you dream?
Can you dream of a time when no disease is ever chronic?
Can you dream of a time when no Israeli youth is ever at-risk?
Can you dream of a time when the tremors of Parkinson’s disease are stilled?
Can you dream of a time when Israel has all the water it can ever need?
As a Chai Club member, you can make these dreams a reality.
Chai Club members dream and work together to produce big results.
Your annual commitment to Hadassah of $180 provides the strength and
support for our life-changing work in Israel and the United States. You will
help build a better world. To learn more about the Chai Club, contact
Reva Norken (revita30@aol.com or 301 236-6856).
CHARITABLE SOLICITATION DISCLOSURE Statement MARYLAND: A copy of the current financial statement of Hadassah, The
Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. is available by writing 50 West 58th Street, New York, NY 10019/Att: Finance Department, or by
calling (212) 355-7900. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland charitable solicitation law are also available for the cost of
postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. VIRGINIA: A financial statement of Hadassah, The
Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. is available from the Virginia State Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture &
Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, Phone #1 (800) 552-9963 upon request. FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REG-
ISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR HADASSAH, THE WOMEN’S ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA, INC. (#SC-01298)
AND HADASSAH MEDICAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION, INC. (#SC-04603) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES
BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1(800) HELP-FLA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR
RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Registered under Pinellas County Code. For information, call the County Department of Consumer
Protection. (727) 464-7988. NEW YORK & ALL OTHER STATES: You may obtain a copy of Hadassah’s Financial Report by writing to the Hadassah
Finance Dept., 50 W. 58th St., New York, NY 10019. Hadassah intends to respect your wishes regarding this gift, however, in accordance
with U.S. tax law requirements regarding deductibility of contributions, Hadassah shall have full dominion, control and discretion over this gift.
11

L ’shanah tovah
to you and
your family!
12
President: Iris Tishkoff (301) 881-8270
Director: Lisa Zelermyer (301) 881-8183
Editor: June Graff
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dc.hadassah
National Hadassah Office: (888) 303-3640
Email: bwash@hadassah.org
Website: www.dchadassah.org
Phone: (301) 881-8203
Fax: (301) 881-8209
6101 Executive Blvd Suite 130
Rockville, MD 20852
Greater Washington Area Chapter
HADASSAH
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 526
Rockville, MD 20852