The news tells us what we already know: Israel has never been more isolated. Antisemitism around the world, including in the United States, is more prevalent than at any time since World War II. How do we respond? We show up in public with resolve and confidence, as proud Americans and proud Zionists. In the face of threats and expressions of hate, we strengthen and inspire one another.

This was the prevailing atmosphere as Hadassah marched in New York City’s annual Israel Day Parade on Sunday, May 31. In the face of increased antisemitism and anti-Zionism, marching up Fifth Avenue to celebrate the wonder and the promise of the Jewish state was an exhilarating experience. For many, participating is a comforting ritual, but this year it also felt like an act of defiance.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch served as the parade’s grand marshal, joined by other dignitaries, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and two former New York City mayors—Michael Bloomberg and Eric Adams—to mention just a few.

I was proud to represent Hadassah alongside other leaders of Jewish organizations on the American Zionist Movement float, flanked by a large contingent of women and men marching proudly behind the Hadassah Lifechanging banner.

It’s no surprise, of course, when Hadassah and the American Jewish community show up for Israel. What was especially touching at this year’s parade was seeing Israel step up for American Jewry. Israeli dignitaries routinely participate in the parade, but this year we welcomed no less than 14 Knesset members—Jewish and non-Jewish, with representation across the political spectrum. The delegation was led by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.

We were also moved by the participation of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), led by its president and founder, Anila Ali. An educator and advocate for Muslim civil rights, Muslim-Jewish cooperation and women’s empowerment, Ali has aligned her organization with Hadassah on a host of programs and issues. Last year AMMWEC and Hadassah held a multifaith iftar in Washington during Ramadan, jointly welcoming members of Congress, diplomats and community leaders to the meal held daily during Ramadan to break that day’s fast. When Jewish and Muslim women show up together in congressional offices to express our shared values, we make a powerful statement—even before we speak.

The parade in New York City was a celebration at a time when we needed it. And our joy is all the sweeter because of the work we do throughout the year. Through our action, Israel is stronger, healthier and better educated. Because of our efforts, American Jewish women are leaders and agents of change for the benefit of the Jewish people and of humanity.

Hadassah began building the health care infrastructure of the future Jewish state in 1913 and remains the pacesetter for Israel on the world medical stage. Our work is lifechanging for the women who power our organization and for the people we heal, educate and touch in so many ways. Nothing like Hadassah existed in Jewish life or in the Zionist movement before Henrietta Szold called the first meeting to order. We created the template for Jewish women as leaders.

Today’s landscape is challenging, but we also have unity and power. Our grandmothers saw worse than what we see today and forged ahead with fewer resources than we have at our disposal.

Yes, times are tough, but when we step up they are also promising. By example, our founder taught us that the best way to predict the future is to create it. In parades, in our daily lives and in the Zionism we practice, we follow in her footsteps.