BEIT RUTH MARKS HISTORIC YEAR OF DONOR SUPPORT TO EXPAND HOMES, SCHOOL, CARE FOR GIRLS

NEW YORK, NY (May 5, 2025) – Beit Ruth marked a milestone Monday when its community of supporters raised a historic level of funds to expand the non-profit’s care and support for even more of Israel’s at-risk girls and young women at a critical time when the need for such services climbs ever higher.

The record setting support included a capital gift that will anchor Beit Ruth’s growth that includes building two new residential homes at the Beit Ruth Village in Afula, Israel and expanding its on-site high school. This will allow the organization to reach even more young girls annually, bringing the total number of girls served every year to more than 100.

The generous support to meet critical levels of need came during the organization’s annual gala to a sold-out crowd at Cipriani’s in New York City.

“When we first opened our doors, we could not have imagined how transformative and far-reaching our programs and care would be for Israel’s most vulnerable girls,” said Danielle Burenstein, Beit Ruth’s Executive Director. “Together, we created a model across Israel – and across the world – for what is possible.”

Beit Ruth for Young Women & Girls At Risk is a long-term therapeutic residence, school, and village dedicated to ensuring vulnerable and at-risk girls receive the opportunity to thrive emotionally, socially and academically, thus breaking the generational cycle of violence. At present, the organization provides full-time critical care and support to 75 girls a year in its five residential homes within the Beit Ruth Village.

The gathering marked the first gala since the founder and force behind Beit Ruth – Susan Ashner – passed away in September 2024.

Susan and her husband, Michael Ashner, launched the first pilot program for Beit Ruth to serve 12 girls in 2006. With their steadfast leadership and enduring advocacy, Beit Ruth grew into the internationally recognized model for therapeutic care and support it is today.

Susan Ashner is remembered not only for her founding of the Beit Ruth Village, but also for the personal inspiration she offered the young women of Beit Ruth, and those around her.

“Susan imagined what could be possible for girls like me and she was so generous that she made her dream a reality,” said Jenny, one of Beit Ruth’s 400 alumnae who spoke during the annual Gala Monday. “Without Beit Ruth, without what Susan built for us, I wouldn’t be here.”

In addition to honoring Susan’s legacy, Beit Ruth honored Lisa Silverstein with the Inaugural Legacy of Susan Ashner award and Nina M. Roket with the Annual Spirit of Beit Ruth award.

Both Silverstein and Roket are tireless champions and advocates for Beit Ruth and its girls. Silverstein is a long-time champion of Beit Ruth, where she serves as a member of the organization’s U.S. board. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Silverstein Properties. At Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP, Roket is the Co-Managing Partner; Co-Chair of the Real Estate Law Practice; and Chair of the Commercial Leasing Practice.

“Beit Ruth is a sanctuary for girls, immersed in a country summoned to improve the lives of others. Israel is global treasure,” Silverstein said of the organization’s driving mission.

Roket too noted the broad reach of Beit Ruth’s work as a model that’s impacted others in Israel and beyond.

"Beit Ruth is inspiring a global movement,” said Roket. “The spirit of Beit Ruth is not just a moment; it is a movement.”

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