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Deborah Villanueva
Org. VP & Chair, Hadassah Evolve & Women's Health, Long Beach and Orange County, CA,

Bringing Israel to New York: A Transformative Experience with Evolve Hadassah

(Pictured left to right) Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Chef Beejhy, Lisa Shatzkin. Photo courtesy of the author.
(Pictured left to right) Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Chef Beejhy, Lisa Shatzkin. Photo courtesy of the author.

As the Long Beach and Orange County, California Chair of the Hadassah EVOLVE program, a leadership initiative for young Jewish women, I had recently planned to attend a trip to Israel through the Hadassah EVOLVE Israel Experience (EIE).

(Pictured left to right:) Dr. Deborah Villanueva, IDF First Sargent Sam Fried. Photo courtesy of the author.

In the wake of October 7, 2023, however, the world shifted, and so did our plans. Instead of an Israel trip, we pivoted to a dynamic immersion into Israeli and Jewish life in New York City from November 17-20, 2024. The overarching goal was the same: to empower younger Jewish women to be leaders and community builders.

The result was a transformative experience that brought together old friends and new faces, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and connection among the participants.

This “Taste of Israel” experience offered a profound and exhilarating way to bring Israel to us, connecting Jewish women from all around the US with Israel’s culture, history and spirit – without leaving the country.

(Pictured left to right) Dr. Deborah Villanueva, Monica Levy. Photo courtesy of the author.

One of the most impactful parts of our itinerary was dining at Tsion Cafe in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood, where we met Chef Beejhy Barhany, an Ethiopian-born, Israeli-raised chef, activist and founder of the Beta Israel of North America Cultural Foundation (BINA), dedicated to fostering the continuity of the Ethiopian Jewish cultural heritage.

Tsion Cafe is not just a restaurant – it is a sanctuary of culture, history and empowerment, blending the flavors of Ethiopia, Israel and Harlem into dishes that nourish both body and soul. As we savored the vibrant vegan and kosher menu, Chef Beejhy shared her story,  mission and call to action: to ensure greater representation of Jewish women of color in organizations like Hadassah.

A Call for Inclusion
During her talk with us, Chef Beejhy raised a crucial point: “Where are my women of color? I don’t see any here tonight.” Her words resonated deeply. As a Sephardic Jewish woman who also identifies as a woman of color, I shared my own experiences of belonging and holding leadership positions within Hadassah. Yet, I could not ignore her observation  – her challenge to do better. It was a moment that reframed the importance of outreach and inclusivity within our movement.

Hadassah’s Taste of Israel attendees. Photo courtesy of the author.

Hadassah, at its core, has always been about building bridges – in healing, community and leadership. Our organization has long supported diversity, from the groundbreaking medical care at the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah’s two world-class research hospitals in Jerusalem, to the transformative education provided at our two Youth Aliyah villages. These institutions serve people of all backgrounds, exemplifying the value of inclusion through action.

Chef Beejhy’s call to action reminded me that we must also focus inward, within our local communities, ensuring that our membership and leadership reflect the Jewish world’s vibrant diversity.

The mission is about embracing the full spectrum of who we are as Jewish women. From Ashkenazi to Sephardi, Mizrahi to Ethiopian and beyond, our shared stories and distinct experiences are what make us stronger. Diversity enriches our communities, fuels our innovation and amplifies our impact.

Evolve Hadassah: Empowering a New Generation
Evolve Hadassah is uniquely positioned to lead this charge. Through initiatives like the “Taste of Israel” experience, we are building the next generation of Jewish women leaders – leaders who are committed to inclusion, empowerment and positive change.

Over the four-day trip, we also explored the rich history of Jewish immigration to America at the Tenement Museum, celebrated Israeli culture with a vibrant brunch and delved into the archives of the American Jewish Historical Society.

(Pictured left to right) Kim Thompson, Monica Levy, Debbie Trachtenberg, Elana Margolis, Lisa Shatzkin, Paula Greenberger, Lauren Matles, Dr. Deborah Villanueva. Photo courtesy of the author.

We heard from dynamic speakers, including a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, and learned from thought leaders like Dr. Zohar Raviv and Adrienne Gold, whose messages of the need to display inner strength and resilience left us inspired and determined. They reminded us that leadership is not about titles or positions. It is about action. It is about standing within our own power and using our agency to uplift others.

A Personal Journey of Belonging
My journey with Hadassah has been one of empowerment and support. From the leaders who embraced my ideas and championed my efforts, to the women who have inspired me to dream bigger and reach higher, I have always felt welcomed and valued. It is this sense of belonging that I want to extend to every Jewish woman, especially those who may not yet see themselves reflected in our ranks.

To my Hadassah sisters who are Sephardic, Mizrahi, Ethiopian—to all Jewish women of color: You are seen. Your voices, your stories and your leadership are vital to Hadassah’s future. I invite you to join us, to bring your unique perspectives, talents and passions to this incredible international community. Together, we can strengthen our hospitals, our youth villages and our global impact, while building a movement that truly represents the diversity of our people.

While I eagerly anticipate a future Evolve trip to Israel, the experience in New York City was a powerful reminder that Israel lives in our hearts, wherever we physically live. It lives in the stories we share, the connections we build and the values we uphold. Our New York “Taste of Israel” experience was a reminder that, even in uncertain times, we can come together to create something extraordinary.

As I move forward, I will  honor Chef Beejhy’s challenge and commit to intentional, meaningful outreach. I will foster a sense of belonging and pride in every Jewish woman. And I will work to build a Hadassah that not only reflects who we are today but who we aspire to be tomorrow.

In closing, I call out to all Jewish women: Hadassah is your home. Let’s build it together.

Deb is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place, to celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and to share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts.  Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 450 columns in the Times of Israel Blog and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.

About the Author
Dr. Deborah Villanueva, DSW, MSW, LCSW, is the Organizational Vice President and Chair of Hadassah Evolve for Long Beach and Orange County, as well as a Board Member of the Hadassah Southern California Region. A member of the Hadassah Writers' Circle, Dr. Villanueva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, CA, with over 25 years of experience serving marginalized communities, including Native American and Latinx women. Specializing in perinatal mental health and trauma, she provides culturally sensitive care. Dr. Villanueva holds a graduate degree in Social Work from California State University Northridge and a Doctorate from USC. She is an international speaker on women's health and human trafficking prevention. She was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and named Social Worker of the Year in 2024. She is currently vice-president of Education, Temple Beth-El, San Pedro, CA.
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