Tamar Boussi to focus on Zionism as new president of Portland Hadassah

By Polina Olsen

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Tamar Boussi’s Sept. 5 election as president of the Portland Chapter of Hadassah has generated enthusiasm and hope for an invigorated chapter and a return to core Zionist roots.
   
“She’s an inspiring leader because she’s open to the possibilities, not the limitations,” said Alexis Hutera, a Portland Jewish Academy Hebrew and Judaic studies teacher. “She’ll reinvigorate and interest people from varying age groups and help Hadassah serve its purpose more concretely.”
   
Boussi, originally from Philadelphia, moved to Portland when she was 12. A dual U.S./Israeli citizen, she lived in Israel from 1970-77, and still visits several times a year. Boussi said she always considered Hadassah’s founder, Henrietta Szold, a role model for all women, but she didn’t join the organization until 2002.

   
“Portland Hadassah seemed like a ladies lunch club, and I was offended by the way it didn’t seem serious,” said Boussi.  “If you look at Hadassah’s mission, it says, ‘Women’s Zionist Organization of America.’ It doesn’t say ‘Women’s Mah Jongg Club.’”
   
Two years ago, the Pacific Northwest Region of Hadassah took steps to revitalize the local chapter, and Boussi received an invitation.
   
“We called a focus group together,” said Michelle Goldberg, who was regional president at the time. “Attendance, volunteerism and fundraising had declined, and we wanted to bring it back. Tamar showed great people skills and love of Zionism. We encouraged her to take an active role.”
   
Since becoming active, Boussi successfully implemented Zionist education programs and received Hadassah’s 2007 Israel, Zionist and International Affairs Award, a first for the Portland chapter. 
   
Still, she sees much work ahead.
   
“I have a T-shirt that says, ‘Out, Proud, Zionist,’” said Boussi, “and I want others to feel that way.
   
“Many in the Jewish community don’t understand what Zionism is, and I want Hadassah to be a fount of knowledge on that subject.” 
   
Boussi also sees possible organizational changes and believes the local chapter must have an efficient business model.
   
“I’m looking for people to do some of the projects,” she said.  “You can be as big as you want if you have a creative, dynamic environment where people believe they contribute something meaningful. We may not have a formal board with job descriptions, but
rather a looser group of people with specific projects. … We need to brainstorm together as a team.”
   
Gloria Bacharach, an active Hadassah member for 20 years, said Boussi will “revive our chapter. She’ll bring enthusiasm and more people—especially a younger crowd.” 
   
Boussi easily sums up her hopes for the Portland Chapter of Hadassah.
   
“I hope Henrietta Szold can look down on us and say—‘Yes, that’s what I meant.’”
   
For more information about Portland Hadassah call 503-244-6389 or visit www.portlandhadassah.org.