JIFF26 Labors of Love: Henrietta Szold

One of history’s most consequential and under-recognised Jewish women, Henrietta Szold left an indelible mark on the 20th century with her compassionate leadership founded on equality.   In 1912, Henrietta Soldz established Hadassah, forging a vital link between American woman and communities in Palestine and spearheading the region’s first modern healthcare system, built upon a mandate that Jewish and Arab patients would be treated equally. Her crowning achievement came later, when she created Youth Aliyah and successfully rescued 11,000 Jewish children from Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe in the 1930s and transported them to safety in Palestine.  This powerful documentary by Peabody award-winner Abby Ginzberg brings a compassionate new insight to a woman who reshaped history and become mother and mentor to thousands of young Jews with her rare blend of logistical genius, hands-on dedication and an unwavering belief in the power of humanity.