Forward's E.J. Kessler has the story about the support for stem-cell research by America's largest Jewish organization in this week's issue.

In a move that is likely to bring it into conflict with Catholic and Evangelical Christian groups, the largest Jewish organization in America is launching a push for pro-stem-cell-research legislation in state houses around the country.

Hadassah, the 300,000-member women's Zionist organization, is bringing hundreds of advocates to the capitals of 47 states this spring to agitate for legislation authorizing state funding for stem-cell research, which scientists hope will lead to cures for many chronic diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Hadassah has identified 10 states — including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida and Maryland — as the central focus of its effort. The organization will launch their new campaign with a March 1 trip to Albany, during which Hadassah members will make their case to New York lawmakers.

[...]

Hadassah's advocacy of stem-cell research is not incidental: The group supports the Hadassah Medical Center, located in Jerusalem, at which advanced stem-cell research is conducted.

"This goes to the core of Hadassah's mission because Hadassah is a world leader in stem-cell research at our hospital in Israel," Klein said. "We have a hundred-year history of advocating for health. Our position is not a partisan issue. It's about saving lives. As a Jewish women's organization, we want to make the point that religions aren't monolithic about this. There are plenty of religious voices on the side of stem-cell research."

It's good to see some religious groups realizing that there is morality behind finding cures to terrible diseases.