Miriam Freund-Rosenthal

Miriam Freund-Rosenthal was born into a thoroughly Jewish family, steeped in tradition and community activism. Her father was a rabbi, and her mother was a Zionist leader in her own right. With such a pedigree, it's hardly surprising she picked up the baton and ran with it, straight into the heart of Jewish organizational life.

Freund-Rosenthal’s dedication to Zionism was absolute, serving two terms as National President of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America. Under her leadership, Hadassah raised millions for medical services and youth welfare in Israel, essentially building parts of the nascent state brick by brick, or rather, shekel by shekel.

Not content with just fundraising, she was also a delegate to the World Zionist Congress and chaired the American Section of the Jewish Agency, ensuring her voice (and considerable influence) was heard on the global stage. Her life was a testament to the idea that some people are just born to organize, lead, and ensure the future of the Jewish people, sometimes all before breakfast.