Esther Panitch

Esther Panitch is an American attorney and politician currently serving as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, representing the 51st district. She is affiliated with the Democratic Party and has been in office since 2023. Panitch is notable for being the only Jewish member of the Georgia House during the 157th and 158th Georgia General Assemblies.

Early life and career

Esther Panitch was born on October 14, 1971, in Miami, Florida. She grew up in North Miami Beach, where she attended Lehrman Community Day School, a Jewish day school that emphasizes both academic and Jewish education. Panitch pursued higher education at the University of Miami, earning her bachelor's degree in 1992. She continued her studies at the University of Miami School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 1995.

Panitch describes her upbringing as "Conservadox," a term that reflects a blend of Conservative and Orthodox Jewish traditions. Her formative years included attending Camp Ramah, a Jewish summer camp that fosters Jewish identity and community among its participants.

After completing her law degree, Panitch began her legal career as an assistant public defender in Miami-Dade County, where she worked from 1997 until 2002. Following her tenure as a public defender, she established her own law practice. In 2004, Panitch relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she continued her legal career. Before opening her private law practice in Dunwoody in 2007, she served at the Fulton County Conflict Defender's Office, gaining valuable experience in public defense and legal advocacy.

Legislative service

Esther Panitch entered the political arena in February 2022 when she announced her candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives, seeking to represent District 51. This seat became available after the incumbent, Mike Wilensky, chose not to run for re-election. The previous representative, Josh McLaurin, had vacated the position to pursue a seat in the Georgia State Senate.

Panitch successfully secured the Democratic nomination and went on to compete in the general election, where she faced Republican nominee Peter Korman. Her victory in the November election marked her entry into the Georgia House of Representatives, where she became a member of the 157th Georgia General Assembly. Notably, both Panitch and Korman are Jewish, ensuring that the assembly would have at least one Jewish member.

In the subsequent election cycle, Panitch was re-elected to serve a second term in the Georgia House of Representatives during the 2024 elections. As a result, she continued her role in the 158th Georgia General Assembly, maintaining her status as the sole Jewish state legislator.

During her time in office, Panitch has been involved in various legislative activities. In January 2023, she invited Miriam Udel, a Yiddish professor at Emory University, to deliver the opening prayer at the Georgia House of Representatives. This event was significant as Udel became the first female Orthodox rabbi to offer an opening prayer at any state legislature.

Panitch has also faced challenges related to antisemitism during her tenure. Following the distribution of antisemitic flyers by a group in suburban Atlanta, including at her residence, she sponsored legislation to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Georgia law. In January 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed this bill into law, making Georgia the 11th state to adopt this definition. Panitch has publicly addressed concerns regarding the potential misinterpretation of the law, particularly in relation to criticism of Israel.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Esther Panitch has focused on various issues pertinent to her constituents in District 51. Her legal background informs her approach to policy-making, particularly in areas related to civil rights and social justice. Panitch has been an advocate for addressing antisemitism and promoting awareness of Jewish issues within the legislative framework.

Panitch's activism extends beyond her legislative duties. She has engaged in Zionist activism, purchasing trees in Israel through the Jewish National Fund to honor anti-Zionist groups and individuals. This includes actions taken in response to the absence of members from Jewish Voice for Peace at a planned meeting. She has also donated trees in recognition of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at the University of Georgia, highlighting her commitment to a multifaceted dialogue within the Jewish community.

In May 2025, Panitch was recognized by the Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization of America for her unwavering support for Israel, reflecting her dedication to Zionist principles. She participated in the 50 States One Israel conference held in Israel in September 2025, where she expressed pride in her Jewish identity and her commitment to Zionism.

Panitch's political stance has occasionally placed her at odds with other members of her party, particularly regarding issues related to Israel and Palestine. In 2025, she publicly supported the potential candidacy of Governor Brian Kemp in the upcoming U.S. Senate election, citing concerns over fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff's perceived betrayal regarding support for Israel. Panitch has been vocal about her views on pro-Palestinian advocacy within the Democratic Party, linking it to broader electoral consequences.

In her personal life, Panitch resides in Georgia with her husband, Roger, whom she met in 1997 at a singles event organized by the local Jewish Federation in Miami. The couple has three children, all of whom have attended Young Judea summer camp, further emphasizing their commitment to Jewish education and community involvement.

Esther Panitch's journey from a legal career to a prominent political role reflects her dedication to public service and advocacy for her community, particularly in the context of Jewish identity and representation in Georgia's legislative landscape.