Dear Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we inform you of the unexpected passing of Beit Ruth’s beloved founder, Susan Ashner, z”l. Our sincerest condolences go out to Michael, Samuel, Jessica, Julia, Leo, their entire family, their friends, and everyone whose life was touched by Susan’s kindness and compassion.

Susan was the rock and heart of her family and friends. Her dream was to create a nurturing, safe haven for at-risk girls in Israel and to break the cycle of generational violence. Through her vision, compassion, and steadfast dedication to turn her dream into reality, Beit Ruth was born.

Touching so many lives, Susan’s immense impact is immeasurable. For every one of our girls who closed her educational gaps and graduated high school, who learned valuable life and job skills, who went on to serve in the IDF and Israel’s National Service, who started a healthy family of her own, who endeavored to overcome the trauma of her youth, and who became an empowered and inspirational woman, we are deeply indebted to Susan.

Personifying the spirit of tikkun olam, repairing the world, Susan motivated all of us to strive for the best outcomes for our girls and ourselves. She found great joy in spending time in the Village, knowing our girls, and being the greatest advocate for their success. Susan’s legacy will remain at the heart of all we do and will continue to inspire us.

As our entire community mourns this tremendous loss, Beit Ruth’s Board and staff are resolved in our commitment to ensuring our girls are given their best chance to heal and reclaim hope for their futures — while upholding the values Susan held dear to her heart. We know we will find strength from all of you — our donors, friends, and supporters — who have become part of the Beit Ruth Family over the years. Together, we will ensure Susan’s legacy continues as one of hope, healing, and action.

We are grateful for you during this challenging time, and we ask that you continue to keep the Ashner Family in your thoughts.

May Susan’s memory always be a blessing. 

With much gratitude and appreciation,  

Danielle S. Burenstein
Executive Director