On May 13, 2026, Debbie Wasserman was inaugurated as the President of the International Council of Jewish Women (ICJW) for the next 4 years.
Debbie has been involved for over 35 years with ICJW’s Canadian affiliate – the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC) – and served from 2017-2022 as their National President. She joined ICJW in 2016, serving as Vice-President for Canada, and Vice-Chair of the Antisemitism Committee – a topic that remains a priority issue in these tempestuous times.
Debbie was born and raised in Toronto, where she studied and then taught mathematics and special education in local high schools. She later managed her husband Jack’s dental practice. As a young mother, she joined her local branch and met an eclectic group of intelligent, motivated, interesting women who came together twice a month to learn, run community service projects, and lead social action initiatives – locally, nationally, and internationally.
She says: “My Council experience allowed me to grow intellectually and encouraged me to develop many new interests. I believed in our shared social justice causes and enjoyed engaging with women from across Canada, appreciating how each Branch was able to seek its own unique direction. I discovered that the effectiveness of any project attempted can be augmented significantly when one works with others, creating positive energy and novel ideas. I enjoyed learning from mentors who helped me to grow – both as both a leader and a team builder – surrounded by dedicated, likeminded, action-oriented women. Strategic planning was always an important part of my work.”
Debbie served in various Executive positions on the NCJWC National Board for many years – as Treasurer, Vice President and National President – but she also remained involved with her local Branch and Toronto Section. She has chaired the Toronto Passover Food Drive and was active in national campaigns to fight human trafficking, including raising awareness of the danger it poses to our own children and grandchildren. Through her volunteer work for NCJWC, Debbie also became involved in the local food bank and a non-profit housing development project.
Debbie and Jack have been married for 47 years and have 3 sons, 3 wonderful daughters-in-law, and 6 grandchildren to date. In her spare time (!) Debbie loves to travel, spend time with family (especially her grandchildren!) and enjoys playing mahjong, hiking, swimming, theatre, and restaurant hopping. She is excited to become President of ICJW and looks forward to meeting women around the world who share her values and interests.
For more information about ICJW or to arrange an interview with Debbie Wasserman, please contact Sarah at press@icjw.org