Rae Landy

ANCExplorer Rae Landy grave

Rae Landy (1885–1952) was a pioneering nurse who played a significant role in the establishment of nursing in Israel, then known as Palestine. Born in Lithuania, Landy immigrated to the United States as a child with her family. She pursued her nursing education at the Cleveland Jewish Hospital, now known as the Mount Sinai Medical Center, in Cleveland, Ohio. Landy's career took a significant turn when she was recruited by Henrietta Szold to join the Hadassah Medical Organization, an initiative aimed at improving healthcare in Palestine.

Early Life and Education

Rae Landy was born in 1885 in Lithuania. Her family moved to the United States in search of better opportunities when she was a child. Settling in Cleveland, Ohio, Landy was drawn to the field of nursing from an early age. She completed her nursing training at the Cleveland Jewish Hospital, where she was exposed to the principles of modern nursing and healthcare.

Career

After completing her training, Landy worked as a nurse in Cleveland. Her career path changed dramatically in 1913 when Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, recruited her and Rose Kaplan to travel to Palestine. Their mission was to assess the healthcare needs of the Jewish and Arab populations and to establish a nursing service. Landy and Kaplan arrived in Jerusalem in 1913 and immediately set to work. They established the first Hadassah nursing station in Jerusalem, providing much-needed medical care to the local population and laying the groundwork for future healthcare development in the region.

Landy's work in Palestine marked the beginning of Hadassah's long-term commitment to healthcare in the area. She trained local women in nursing practices, emphasizing the importance of hygiene, prenatal care, and the treatment of diseases prevalent in the region at the time, such as malaria and trachoma.

Legacy

Rae Landy's contributions to nursing and healthcare in Palestine are significant. She was instrumental in the establishment of the first modern healthcare system in the region, which would evolve into the comprehensive healthcare services provided by Hadassah today. Her pioneering work not only improved the health outcomes of countless individuals but also served as a model for nursing education and healthcare delivery in other parts of the world.

Landy returned to the United States, where she continued her nursing career and remained active in Jewish and Zionist organizations. She passed away in 1952, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and dedication to healthcare.

See Also

• Henrietta Szold
• Hadassah Medical Organization
• Nursing in Israel