Israeli Independence Day at the R.I. State House

Jewish legislators stand with leaders of Rhode Island’s Jewish community celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israeli independence. From left to right: Rep. Alex Finkelman (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown), Rep. Jennifer Smith Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence), Rabbi Michael Fel, House Deputy Majority Whip Mia Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), Jewish Alliance President Adam Greenman, Cantor Brian Mayer, President of the Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative Avi Nevel and Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren).

PHOTO | COURTESY STATE HOUSE

Posted Friday, May 5, 2023 8:27 am

PROVIDENCE —House Deputy Majority Whip Mia Ackerman hosted Jewish leaders from across Rhode Island at the State House on April 27 for Israeli Independence Day. She also sponsored a resolution (2023-H 6337) celebrating the 75th anniversary of that independence.

“As a proud Jewish American, I am honored to welcome leaders of our community here on this momentous day,” Ackerman said. “For more than seven decades now, Rhode Island, the United States, and Israel have maintained a special relationship based on mutually shared democratic values and bonds of friendship and mutual respect.”

In attendance were Adam Greenman, President of the RI Jewish Alliance; Avi Nevel, President of the Rhode Island-Israel Collaborative; Rabbi Michael Fel, of Temple Emanu-El; and Cantor Brian Mayer of Temple Emanu-El, who sang “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem.