West - HSC - LBOC - Laguna Hills-Saddleback - Staying Rooted, Rising Up 2025

What was your personal reason for becoming a member of Hadassah? Was your membership a gift from your mother; were you inspired by a visit to Israel; or do you have relatives living in Israel who have personally experienced the horrors since 7 October 2023? No matter what inspired your affiliation, you will gain new insight and learning from our October guest speaker.

In this talk, Dr. Deborah Villanueva will share her reflections from her recent time in Israel, where she witnessed firsthand the stress and fear of living under threat, and what it means to stay connected to our people, our history, and the future we must shape together. As one of Hadassah’s 2025 “18 American Zionist Women You Should Know,” she will reflect on how Henrietta Szold’s legacy and Hadassah’s mission continue to guide her commitment to justice, healing, and belonging.

Drawing on her experiences in Israel, Dr. Villanueva will share what active Zionism looks like today, not only as an identity but as a responsibility. She will highlight three meaningful ways to stay engaged; through advocacy, relationships, and spiritual connection, and invite us to remain present, speak up, and continue showing up for Israel and for one another.