NCJW Spring Program Focuses on Justice, Leadership

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Atlanta Section held its Spring Program and Board Installation May 12 at The Temple. The program’s theme, “Justice, Justice We Shall Pursue,” featured a conversation between Jill Savitt, president and CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and Andrea Young, soon to be retired from her position as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Georgia.

Young discussed the changes she has seen in Georgia during her 10-year tenure at ACLU, including the incredible transformations for women in our community but also the decrease in family-friendly institutions. She challenged the more than 80 attendees to be upstanders — to speak out boldly against attacks on the democratic norms and values that define the United States, and to recognize and respond to the urgent needs of our community members. At the conclusion of the program, NCJW Board Member Sheri Labovitz presented Young with NCJW’s coveted Hannah G. Solomon Award, which recognizes an individual who has changed the lives of women, children, and families through leadership efforts and service.

Following a catered lunch by Annette Marcus Catering, Nancy Levine, former NCJW Atlanta Section president, installed the organization’s 2026-2027 board of directors and officers which include Laura Kurlander-Nagel joining Susie Greenberg as co-president.

The annual Sherry Z. Frank Leadership Award was also presented to NCJW Board Member Debra Saxe. Saxe was recognized for her tremendous efforts leading and expanding the organization’s community service work over the past few years.

Outgoing Co-President Susan Gordon was presented with a framed copy of the beautiful Haggadah cover created by artist Lindsay Belnick for NCJW Atlanta’s 2026 Community Women’s Seder. The gift was given in appreciation of Gordon’s three-year tenure in office.

NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who, inspired by Jewish values, turn progressive ideas into action. Since 1895, NCJW Atlanta has been striving for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms in our community.