Setting roots and giving back
The Zemels define philanthropy as ‘giving to make a difference’
By Marilyn Hawkes
I n the early 1970s, when Barry Zemel was stationed in Fort Huachuca with the United States Army Reserves, he visited
Phoenix and “fell in love with it,” said his wife, Barbara. At Barry’s urging, the couple took a summer road trip to Ari-
zona. They rented an apartment, went back to New York, packed up and moved to Phoenix to start their new life in the
desert. “We were real pioneers,” Barbara said.

Soon after moving, the Zemels joined various Jewish organizations around the Valley.

“We realized that if we really wanted to stay in Phoenix, we needed to get immersed in the Jewish community,” Barbara said.

Barry, who specializes in alternative
investments, said they not only joined
Jewish organizations, but they also
served on boards and participated in
the hands-on work of many groups
throughout the years.

“We always felt that we had to give
back, even when we were just starting
out and had no money,” Barry said.

But it was the 1973 Arab-Israeli War
that propelled the Zemels into what
has become a lifelong legacy of phi-
lanthropy. Through their involvement
with Jewish Federation, they contrib-
uted and helped raise funds for Israel.

From there, they branched out and
gave as they could.

As a philanthropist, Barry researches
organizations to find out where his con-
tributions will make the most difference.

“If you want to make an impact, you
really have to search out where your
money is going and make a multi-year
commitment and support that organi-
zation,” he said.

More importantly, you have to
identify what your passions are, Barry
added. The Zemels have four areas
where they concentrate their contribu-
tions: Jewish/Israel, education, socially
disadvantaged and the arts.

The Zemels have supported count-
less Jewish and secular organizations in
the Valley, but shy away from the spot-
light. They don’t like to be recognized
for giving, but hope that their contri-
butions will inspire others to give.

“We feel that you have to set an exam-
ple,” Barry said. “If you get caught up
in the glory aspect of giving, you forget
about what makes the organization run.”
24 BEST OF JEWISH PHOENIX 2017
But every now and then an organi-
zation the Zemels supports will come
to them with a new idea.

We always felt that we
had to give back, even
when we were just
starting out and had no
money.” For example, the couple was
approached by Jewish Family & Chil-
dren’s Service to help fund a new
program called “Creative Aging”
that engages seniors through danc-
ing, singing, writing, art and
other creative endeavors. The
Zemels were excited by the
idea. “We financed the beginning
of that program,” Barry said.

“Now, the Jewish Community
Foundation (JCF) is giving
them a grant for next year, so
we can step away and hopefully
help someone else.”
Rich Kasper, JCF’s president
and chief executive officer, said
the Zemels have supported
virtually every Jewish cause in
the community.

“I have been fortunate to
work with and know Barb and
Barry Zemel,” he said. “Their
longstanding commitment to sustain-
ing and improving our community
is evidenced by their compassionate,
consistent generosity. These qualities,
combined with their good humor and
surprising humility, makes it a pleasure
to work with them. Our entire com-
munity should be grateful for their
support.” Looking to the future, Barry is con-
fident that the younger generation will
take the reins and also become givers.

But first, they have to go through the
normal cycle of getting established
financially and raising their children,
just as he and Barbara have done.

Some young people are participating
in giving circles and granting money to
organizations they deem worthy after
researching where the money will go.

“And that’s what philanthropy is –
giving to make a difference,” Barry said.

Photo courtesy of the Zemels




Photo courtesy of the Zemels