Hadassah Presents " Meet the Author" Debbi Perkul

Come join us and learn more about Hadassah in the early days of Israel. Debbi will bring pictures and talk about historical events. This is a FREE event.

Book Blurb for Winds Over Jerusalem:
On a brisk winter day in 1913, Rae Landy boarded a ship headed to Palestine. Her final destination was Jerusalem, a desolate city filled with disease and poverty, languishing under the indifferent rule of the Ottoman Empire. Along with nursing partner Rose Kaplan, her mandate was to set up a district nursing system under the auspices of a new Zionist women’s organization called Hadassah.

The two nurses braved tremendous hardships to bring hope and better health to the people of that ancient city. Arriving in Palestine full of high aspirations and ideals, the nurses were rapidly jolted to reality when faced with the people’s deplorable living conditions and mistrust of their work. They were shocked to see that many diseases were treated with magical spells and amulets. As the nurses slowly carved out a place for themselves in the city, gaining the loyalty and then the love of their patients, they enjoyed a lively social life with the many colorful personalities that lived in and visited Jerusalem.

The sudden eruption of World War I was catastrophic for Palestine, particularly in Jerusalem, and brought a dramatic halt to their way of life. When Rose had to leave the country at the end of 1914, Rae was all alone, facing the onslaught of famine, starvation, and the never-ending misery of the people.

Winds Over Jerusalem: The story of Rae Landy, pioneer nurse of Hadassah provides a rare, eyewitness account of this critical time in history through the lens of two American Jewish women. It adds insight to and understanding of the complex relationship that still exists today between American Jews and Israel and the United States government.

Author short bio for Debbi Perkul
Debbi Perkul’s career has spanned several fields, ranging from Jewish education, social studies teacher, and currently, workforce development, helping people increase their education to move into higher skilled, higher paying jobs. Debbi’s thesis for her master’s degree in Jewish History was a short biography of Rae Landy, which inspired her to write her first book. Through all of her work, Debbi carries her passion about history and knowing where she comes from to drive her pursuit of social justice. Debbi enjoys long bike rides and going on travel adventures with her husband and family. Debbi proudly calls Cleveland, Ohio her home.