When We Show Up, We Change Things – My Hadassah Experience in Washington, D.C.

There are moments in life when you feel the shift, not just around you, but within you. My experience in Washington, D.C., for Hadassah Advocacy’s On The Hill: Day of Impact 2026 was one of those times. It was powerful. It was personal. And, without question, it was life changing.

Being present alongside nearly 200 Hadassah members from across the country made the experience incredibly meaningful. We showed up as leaders, advocates and storytellers, united by a shared purpose: to strengthen the US–Israel relationship, confront the alarming rise in antisemitism and advocate for critical investment in women’s health.

Walking into meetings across Capitol Hill, I felt the weight and privilege of representing not just myself, but nearly 300,000 Hadassah members and supporters nationwide. That is not something you take lightly.

When we sat across legislators and representatives from congressional offices on both sides of the aisle, we were not just sharing opinions. We were sharing lived experiences, values and a collective commitment to making a difference.

And what struck me most was this: It mattered that we were there.

Time and again, we heard it: Our presence makes an impact. Taking time away from our families, our work and our daily lives to show up in person sends a message that cannot be ignored. Advocacy is not passive. You actually have to show up. You have to speak up. And sometimes, you have to do it even when it feels uncomfortable.

Throughout the day, I found myself pausing to take in the power of this experience. And then there was the tram ride.

That underground ride from the House side to the Senate side never gets old. I had taken it years ago as a Hadassah Fellow, but this time felt different. As I sat there next to Hadassah National Vice President Michelle Conwisar, who was in my Hadassah Fellows class of 2016, I had this moment of, “Wait. . .how did I get back here as this new version of me?”

Seeing Michelle in her role as national vice president, I realized what an amazing journey we have both been on, and that realization made the experience all the more meaningful. It was one of those quiet moments where everything just clicks. You know you are not only part of something but you have grown because of it.

What made this experience even more powerful was the unity I felt with my Hadasah sisters. Together, we held more than 100 meetings with legislators and staff members of the US House and Senate, delivering a clear and consistent message. No matter who we sat with, we were heard. And that, in today’s climate, is no small thing.

We spoke about Hadassah’s mission and core priorities: strengthening the US–Israel relationship, confronting antisemitism, protecting communities through increased security funding and advancing research and innovation in women’s health. These are not abstract policy points. They are deeply human issues that affect real lives every single day.

And we are already seeing results.

Lawmakers are stepping forward to support legislation that strengthens the US–Israel partnership and increases protections for vulnerable communities.

There is growing recognition of the need for greater investment in women’s health research, something that has historically been overlooked and underfunded. These are real outcomes. Proof that when we advocate, when we show up, we move the needle.

What I came to understand, too, is that this day was not the culmination of something. It was the beginning.

Advocacy is not just something Hadassah does. It is who we are. At a time when antisemitism is rising at home and tensions remain high abroad, showing up is no longer optional. It is essential. And for me, this work is deeply personal.

There was a time in my life when using my voice did not just feel hard; it felt impossible. I remember sitting in rooms where decisions were being made, opinions were being shared.  I had something to say, but I said nothing. My heart would race, my thoughts would spin and I would convince myself that what I had to offer didn’t matter, that staying quiet was safer. And if I’m honest, I must admit that my silence didn’t just define me in those rooms—it was the way I lived my life.

That is why standing in a congressional office, speaking directly to elected officials, advocating for issues that matter deeply to me, felt almost surreal. Because I knew what it took to get there.

Hadassah believed in me before I believed in myself. It gave me the confidence to step forward, to speak up and to lead. Hadassah does not just open doors. It walks you through them, sometimes before you even believe you belong on the other side. Hadassah does not just change policy. It changes people.

This was not just a moment for those of us who traveled to Washington, D.C. Advocacy is not limited by geography. You have the ability to make an impact, whether it is by sharing a personal story, engaging with your community or taking action through Hadassah’s National Action Center.

We need more voices. More women willing to stand up, speak out and be part of something bigger than themselves.

If you have ever wondered where you fit, if you have ever felt like you have more to give but did not know where to start, this is it.

Say yes. Show up.
Because, when we do, together, we are powerful.
And this work is not just important.
It is life changing.
And I know that because it changed me.