Dalia Itzik Resigns as Hadassah Board Chair Amid Controversy

Dalia Itzik, who has served as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Hadassah Medical Organization for the past six years, announced her resignation, effective at the end of the current year. She will transition to a role as "Global Honorary Ambassador" for the medical institution. Itzik stated, "I have decided to move on to the next thing." She expressed gratitude to WIZO (Women's International Zionist Organization), Hadassah's management, and her board colleagues for their dedication. WIZO President Carol Ann Schwartz acknowledged Itzik's contributions, noting their collaboration through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war.

Itzik's departure occurs amidst significant tension between Hadassah's management and regulatory bodies. Last month, reports revealed Hadassah's establishment of an outpatient medical center in Limassol, Cyprus, and plans for a hospital in Nicosia, without prior notification to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance. This international expansion has drawn criticism, particularly as Hadassah had warned of a cash flow crisis and potential salary delays in December, despite receiving approximately NIS 162 million in government support for 2025. Hadassah denied investing funds, characterizing the venture as professional consultation for Cypriot entrepreneurs.

Another controversy during Itzik's tenure involved allegations from a Channel 12 investigation claiming the hospital became a hub for political appointments and preferential treatment for associates. The report cited the hiring of Ariel Bar-On, son of a senior Shas party official, as Chief of Staff to the CEO, allegedly facilitating expedited appointments and participation in luxury overseas delegations. Hadassah vehemently denied these claims, labeling the report as a biased compilation of gossip.

Itzik was appointed chairwoman in March 2021, initiated by WIZO, after over seven years as chair of Hadassah International in Israel. Her appointment faced strong opposition from the Ministry of Finance, which questioned her eligibility, and involved public disputes with the then-CEO, Prof. Ze'ev Rotstein. WIZO credits Itzik with advancing the rehabilitation center in Mount Scopus, opening a clinic in Netivot, and efforts to stabilize the center's finances.

Itzik's resignation from Hadassah marks the end of another chapter in her extensive public career. She began in the Labor Party, co-founded Kadima, and held several senior ministerial positions, including Minister of Communications, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Minister for Environmental Protection. Her political peak was in 2006 when she became the first female Speaker of the Knesset and served as acting President for six months during Moshe Katsav's incapacitation. Since leaving politics in 2013, she has leveraged her experience in the business and management world, a path now at a new crossroads with her departure from Hadassah.