“Lieberman’s new memoir is a candid, thoughtful, and moving account of her journey from war-shattered Czechoslovakia to the heights of US politics. Its pages capture Hadassah’s love of family, respect for tradition, and deep devotion to her adopted country. As a fellow immigrant, I am glad she is sharing her story of pursuing, and achieving, the American dream.”
—Madeleine K. Albright, former US Secretary of State
Hadassah Lieberman joins The Vilna, Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, Jewish Women's Archive, The Holocaust Museum LA, and the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center for a virtual talk about her new book "Hadassah: An American Story", moderated by Professor Sylvia Neil. Born in Prague to Holocaust survivors, Hadassah Lieberman and her family immigrated in 1949 to the United States. She went on to earn a BA from Boston University in government and dramatics and an MA in international relations and American government from Northeastern University. She built a career devoted largely to public health that has included positions at Lehman Brothers, Pfizer, and the National Research Council. After her first marriage ended in divorce, she married Joe Lieberman, a US senator from Connecticut who was the Democratic nominee for vice president with Al Gore and would go on to run for president.
In "Hadassah", Lieberman pens the compelling story of her extraordinary life: from her family’s experience in Eastern Europe to their move to Gardner, Massachusetts; forging her career; experiencing divorce; and, following her remarriage, her life on the national political stage. By offering insight into her identity as an immigrant, an American Jew, a working woman, and a wife, mother, and grandmother, Lieberman’s moving memoir speaks to many of the major issues of our time, from immigration to gender politics. Featuring a foreword by Joe Lieberman and an afterword by Megan McCain, it is a true American story.
Hadassah Lieberman has had a rewarding career dedicated to health care issues, assisting nonprofit organizations, improving educational standards, and promoting international understanding, with a particular focus on global women’s health. She has also been a member of the Parents Music Resource Center, chair of the Ambassador’s Ball for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and honorary board member of the Society for Women’s Health Research. She is coauthor of An Amazing Adventure: Joe and Hadassah’s Personal Notes on the 2000 Campaign.
Sylvia Neil is the founder and chair of HBI’s Project on Gender, Culture, Religion and the Law and co-editor of its book series. She is lecturer in law at the University of Chicago Law School, where she previously served as associate dean. She began her career as a poverty law litigator, served as Midwest regional executive director and legal counsel of the American Jewish Congress and consulted with government and not for profits, establishing the Jewish Women’s Foundation for the Chicago Jewish Federation. She was appointed to both the Illinois and Cook County Commissions for Human Rights. She currently serves on several boards of trustees including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, vice chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art, vice chair of Columbia College Chicago and the visiting committee for the humanities at the University of Chicago. She also serves as president of the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole. She received her AB with high distinction from the University of Michigan, AM in Jewish studies from the University of Chicago and JD cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law. Sylvia is married to Dan Fischel with a wonderful growing family of children and grandchildren.
This program is a partnership between The Vilna Shul, Boston's Center for Jewish Culture and Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, with promotional support from Jewish Women's Archive, Holocaust Museum LA, and the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.