Debra Schoenberg Establishes Bequest to Perpetuate AJWS’s Work for Social Justice on a Global Scale

Debra R. Schoenberg believes deeply in attacking societal problems at their root causes, which is why she supports American Jewish World Service’s grassroots approach to tackling injustice globally and has created a bequest in her will to buttress its mission far into the future.

A longtime supporter, Debra is especially inspired by the organization’s work in Guatemala, a country with which she has strong ties.

“I feel incredibly connected to AJWS’s work in Guatemala, especially because of my own personal connection to the country,” Debra says. “I’ve traveled there many times, both to facilitate the adoption of my children and to bring them to visit their birth families. My son is now 23 and my daughter is 18, so I’ve made probably a dozen trips there in the last 20 plus years.

“Given the struggles I witnessed in Guatemala, I am especially inspired by AJWS’s root cause, systems change work for resource poor, vulnerable and courageous people in Guatemala and other countries,” she says.

A native of Cleveland now living in San Francisco, Debra became aware of AJWS decades ago. At first sight, she knew that she wanted to play a role in the organization’s work.

“I didn’t have five cents to my name when I first heard of AJWS, but I tucked it away and made a promise to myself: if I can support this organization, I should and I will. Then, about a decade ago, there came a point in my financial situation where I could give more, and I said this organization needs my support—the work that they do is critical to keeping our world safe and balanced.”

A bequest was best

Debra opted for a bequest as opposed to another type of planned gift because, she says, that allows her to base her gift on her entire estate rather than a small part, such as an IRA.

“I can’t guarantee that my IRA will still exist on the day I die, so I wanted to do it within the greater context of my entire estate,” Debra says. “I can be sure how ever my estate is structured, there will be some money flowing to AJWS.”

Debra’s fight for a better world is reflected in both her professional and philanthropic work. Named one of California’s top family law attorneys, among many other professional distinctions, she is committed to creating a world where justice and equality are realities for all people.

"Supporting AJWS is not just about giving,” she says. “It's about affirming my belief in every individual's inherent worth and the power of collective action to transform lives. I'm honored to be part of a community committed to building a better world where justice and equality are realities for all."

The perfect marriage

To Debra, AJWS is “the perfect marriage between social justice and Judaism.” That’s what she loved about the organization when she first learned of it, and it is why she remains committed to its mission today.

“We’re not going to lift everyone out of poverty, but there are other goals we can meet that are more achievable—and that’s what I see AJWS doing,” Debra says. “We should be looking to bigger solutions, and AJWS does that and does it beautifully. Leading with your Neshama, your Jewish soul, is the most important thing to me, as much as AJWS leads with the Jewish value of tikkun olam.”

Debra urges others to join her in supporting AJWS.

“Give generously; stretch for AJWS,” she says. “Every donation, no matter the size, has the power to create meaningful change and improve lives. It's a privilege to make a positive impact—and through our collective generosity, we can truly make a difference.”