Every year in Israel, a torch-lighting ceremony marks the transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Haazmaut. During this ceremony, twelve torches are lit, representing the Twelve Tribes, the sons of Jacob, who together form a whole.
During Nashville’s Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration, twelve individuals from the community lit a torch, representing the many people and organizations that come together to form the Nashville community.
Melissa Zabriskie Alvarez
Melissa Alvarez is a member of The Temple. Melissa is a community leader and activist. She is the founder of the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network, a board member of Nashville Pride, AWAKE (Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality), and the JCRC – Jewish Community Relations Committee. She advocates for gun violence prevention and for ensuring equitable access to opportunity for those from marginalized communities. She has been a vocal advocate for Israel and the Jewish community in the halls of government, combating proposed resolutions and false narratives that are harmful to Israel and to the Jewish community.
Susan Pankowsky
Susan Pankowsky is a member of West End Synagogue and serves as the captain of the World Jewish Congress election's MERCAZ advocate for the Conservative Movement. In addition, she is the current Israeli liaison for the Southern Region of Women's League of Conservative Judaism, where she educates and coordinates with Masorti Kehillot in our region. Locally, she has been on the Social Action Committee for many years, and next year will be co-chairing the committee with Judy Saks. She has two children who made Aliyah, including her daughter, Shirit, who served during the war.
Amy Green
Amy Green is a member of Congregation Micah. For many years, Amy has served as a dedicated member of the medical response team, assisting those in need during High Holy Day services. A lifelong member of the congregation, alongside her husband Don and their children, Ailee and Brandon, she has volunteered in countless ways over the decades. Deeply connected to Israel, Judaism, and Congregation Micah, Amy’s compassion and commitment embody the spirit of community.
Avi Limor
Avi Limor is a member of Sherith Israel. In honor of Avi’s contributions and to all those who serve in the Israel Defense Forces—by sea, air, and land, to the first responders who work day and night to keep Israel and its people safe. Avi was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. After his studies, he joined the IDF and finished his tour of duty before returning to Nashville to join his father Alex Limor at Limor Steel, continuing a legacy of hard work and community involvement.
After October 7, Avi flew back to Israel immediately to join his unit in the fight against Hamas. Since October 7, he has been back to Israel six times, and has served both in Gaza as well as up North, answering the call to help defend Israel and its people during a time of ongoing conflict.
Kim Adkins and Steve Buttrey
Kim Adkins and Steve Buttrey were recognized for their dedicated advocacy for the Jewish community and their efforts to strengthen security, build partnerships, and ensure a vibrant Jewish future in Tennessee.
Kim is a leading advocate for the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, advancing the community’s priorities at the Tennessee State Capitol. Through strong relationships and coalition building, she works to enhance security, protect Jewish institutions, and ensure Jewish concerns are heard by state leaders. Her work is marked by persistence, clarity, and deep commitment to the community.
Steve is a trusted legislative advisor, bringing decades of experience in Tennessee government. He plays a key role in educating lawmakers, tracking policy issues, and advancing priorities, like community safety and combating antisemitism.
Andy Neuman
Andy Neuman was recognized for his leadership in strengthening the Tennessee–Israel relationship and his efforts to combat antisemitism and promote meaningful partnerships.
Andy is a leading advocate for expanding economic, cultural, and strategic ties between Tennessee and Israel. Through strong relationships with legislators, he advances bipartisan collaboration and deepens cooperation between the two regions. He is also deeply involved in combating antisemitism and supporting hate crime legislation.
Andy is known for his persistence, clarity, and ability to bring people together. He plays a vital role in promoting understanding, strengthening international ties, and advancing policies that contribute to a safer and more connected Tennessee.
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Representative John Ray Clemmons
Representative John Ray Clemmons was recognized for his partnership with the Jewish community and his leadership in confronting antisemitism.
Representative Clemmons has been a strong and reliable ally to Nashville’s Jewish community, using his voice to advance understanding and stand against antisemitism. He played a leading role in Tennessee House Joint Resolution 739, formally recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Tennessee. Known for his accessibility and moral clarity, he listens, leads, and advocates to help ensure dignity, safety, and stronger connections across communities.
Bill Schreiber
Bill Schreiber was recognized for his strong partnership and support for the community. Bill has been a valued member of Nashville’s Jewish community for many years. As owner of PrintNet USA, he works closely with the Federation to bring its mission to life. From marketing materials to event programs, he always goes above and beyond, often at the last minute. Known for his reliability, generosity, and warm spirit, Bill is a true mensch whose care and commitment make a lasting difference in our community.
Leadership 615
Ayelet Berger and Michael Lavian represented Leadership 615, lighting a torch for the future leaders of our community. The Leadership 615 Program is a 6-month fellowship designed to develop strategic, knowledgeable, and effective community leaders.
A flourishing community depends on its leaders. Leadership 615 helps fellows explore Jewish identity and community assumptions, understand its diversity and challenges, and build the skills to address them.
B’nai Tzedek
Blake Resnick and Rena Zagnoev are members of the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Board. They lit a torch for the youth and next generation of Jewish philanthropists. The B’nai Tzedek program empowers teens to create charitable funds in their own names, fostering responsibility, community involvement, and Jewish philanthropy. Participants identify their values, direct their tzedakah to meaningful causes, and connect with other Jewish teens.
Partnership2Gether
P2G committee representatives Rabbi Lindsey Danziger and Claire Coleman lit a torch for our extended Jewish community in Israel’s Hadera–Eiron region, Jewish Nashville’s Partnership2Gether sister region. We honor their remarkable resilience and strength in the face of the unimaginable circumstances of war.
Matthew Hibdon
Matthew Hibdon lit a torch for the young adults in our community who step up, lead, and serve. Matthew is a familiar and welcoming presence at Federation events and Congregation Micah. He volunteers to any call to help and lead. He is a Sunday School teacher for 7th and 8th grade students at Micah, and active in NowGen and shlicha events.
Since 2016, he has co-directed Middle Tennessee State University’s study abroad program in Israel, where more than 120 participants have experienced Israel’s political, historical, religious, and cultural life firsthand.