Hadassah Hosts Myrtle Wreath Awards Gala

On Sunday, Feb. 2, Hadassah Greater Atlanta hosted its Myrtle Wreath Awards Gala with a festive brunch at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina celebrating honorees Phyllis Mayson Cohen, recipient of the Myrtle Wreath Award for Leadership, Rita and Bill Loventhal, recipients of the Myrtle Wreath Award for Philanthropy, and State Rep. Esther Feuer Panitch, recipient of the Myrtle Wreath Award for Advocacy.

“The Myrtle Wreath Award is Hadassah’s distinguished honor awarded to those who have made significant contributions to their community,” stated Terry Nordin, Hadassah Greater Atlanta president, and Dr. Rachel Schonberger, past Hadassah National vice-president, co-chairs of this event.

Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, with 300,000 members strong across the country and across the generations, is proof of just how big an impact Hadassah can have when Hadassah members bring philanthropy and women’s leadership together. With more than 3,000 members in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Hadassah is advancing women’s health, supporting a strong Israel and fighting antisemitism.

The brunch began with a special tribute to Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern U.S., who has been in Atlanta since 2019. Sultan-Dadon joined the Israeli diplomatic corps in 2004. She is responsible for advancing bilateral relations between Israel and seven Southeastern states.

Sultan-Dadon was honored for her six years of service to the Southeastern U.S. and dedication to the Hadassah community. In her remarks, she provided an update of Israel, highlighted the historic connection between Hadassah and Israel, and expressed gratitude for the community’s unwavering support.

Sultan-Dadon clearly stated to resounding applause, “We will do everything in our power to bring every single hostage home.” She reiterated Hadassah’s commitment to life, as opposed to the glorification of death. Sultan-Dadon concluded by saying, “Thank you for your commitment to Israel and to the continued realization of the Zionist dream.”

Carol Ann Schwartz, the 28th national president of Hadassah, was a special guest for the event. Schwartz is a member of the board of directors of Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), on the board at JNF, and many more vital positions. Schwartz explains, “I believe in Hadassah. I believe in empowering women. Hadassah works to save lives and souls every single day. We have continued to make a difference since 1912.”

Rita and Bill Loventhal, Myrtle Wreath Award recipients for Philanthropy, have been with Northwestern Mutual for more than 50 years. Bill is a financial representative and Rita is an associate financial representative and practice manager. Rita has received a $10,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual Foundation in recognition of her outstanding volunteer commitment. Rita designated that the grant be given to Hadassah Greater Atlanta to be utilized for Check It Out!, a local Hadassah program in which the organization and its local partner, Northside Hospital, educated thousands of high school girls about the importance of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer. Through the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation, Bill has sponsored several gifts for Hadassah totaling $50,000.

Rita told the packed room, “Hadassah Medical Organization is recognized for its outstanding work in several fields, including cardiac care, cancer treatment, ophthalmology, and research, all the while treating both Arabs and Jews alike. Since Oct. 7, the trauma unit has been in high demand. Many floors are underground.  The emergency room at Hadassah is the gold standard for treatment worldwide.”

The Myrtle Wreath Award for Leadership was awarded to Phyllis Mayson Cohen. She served as Hadassah president in Atlanta for three different terms and is currently a member of the Hadassah Southeastern Region board. In 1992, Cohen created the Hadassah Chesed Student Awards, recognizing outstanding students from Jewish day schools and synagogues, which is still going strong. In 2015, she initiated Hadassah’s Breast Strokes Event, raising funds for seven years to fight breast cancer and celebrate survivors through innovative body painting art. Cohen is the recipient of the Federation’s Woman of Achievement Award and an active board member and supporter of ORT schools worldwide. She served as Congregation Or VeShalom Sisterhood president, and she and her husband, Joe, of blessed memory, were OVS Israel Bond honorees.

Cohen highlighted Hadassah’s Youth Aliyah program in Israel and Young Judaea. She explained Hadassah’s part in transforming the lives of at-risk children from around the world who then become secure and productive Israeli citizens. There are two Hadassah youth villages within Israel where the children live and feel like part of a family. Young Judaea is a vibrant program for young kids and teens in the U.S. with several camps throughout the country. Hadassah provides scholarships to summer camps and Israel. Lifelong friendships and marriages grow out of the time spent at Young Judaea camps and the Year Course gap year program in Israel.

Cohen expressed her appreciation for Hadassah having organized community commitment and encouraged collaboration. She remarked on how “Together we do make a difference.”

Honorary State Rep. Esther Feuer Panitch, recipient of the Myrtle Wreath Award for Advocacy, was elected to office in November 2022, and reelected in November 2024. Panitch, as a first-term representative, co-sponsored Bill HB30, calling on the IHRA, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, definition of antisemitism to be adopted in the State of Georgia. The bill passed, and Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law, making Georgia the 11th state in the country to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Panitch explained, “HB30 established a clear framework to protect our future.” Panitch is a force in the Georgia House of Representatives and a shining star in the community.

Panitch attended the University of Miami where she received both her Bachelor of Science degree in communications and her Juris Doctor degree. She later moved to Atlanta and opened her own private law practice in Dunwoody in 2007.

Panitch believes, “The entire fabric of our democratic society is enhanced by women leading with a united purpose to achieve a better tomorrow for all.”

The program also included a quiet moment of remembrance for Shirley Krick Michalove, of blessed memory, who was a co-chair of this event and passed away recently. All who knew her benefited from her kindness, her caring, her generosity, her personal dignity, integrity and her laughter.

Funds raised at this event will help support Hadassah’s impactful projects, including the completion of the new state-of-the-art Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital, Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem. Because of the tragedy of Oct. 7, with hundreds of soldiers and civilians requiring specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for severe physical injuries as well as mental health support, Hadassah was able to greatly accelerate the opening of the first three clinical floors. When completed, the center will be the only comprehensive rehabilitation resource in Jerusalem.

For 100-plus years, Hadassah has worked proactively to find and implement solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing each generation. Hadassah believes in helping women find their voices to advance health equity, fighting hate and antisemitism in the United States, and supporting Israel. Robin Hyman, director, geographic area engagement, Hadassah Super South, shared, “This event brought in over $350,000.”

For more information go to www.hadassah.org.