Introducing the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement

Charlotte Jewish News, December, 2024

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is proud to introduce the iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement (iCenter), a new initiative that will be a cornerstone for enhancing our community’s connection to Israel. Through a variety of innovative programs, cultural exchanges, and educational resources, the iCenter initiative will foster a deeper sense of Jewish identity, bringing Israel’s rich history and vibrant modern culture closer to home for the greater Charlotte Jewish community.

This initiative is made possible by the Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund, honoring nearly two decades of leadership by Federation’s past CEO, Sue Worrel. Sue led Federation with dedication, helping to cultivate strong connections with Israel through various programs. The Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund ensures her legacy will continue by funding iCenter programming, which reflects her long-standing commitment to Israel education and engagement.

Rather than a physical space, the iCenter will serve as a central resource for numerous opportunities, catering to our community’s diverse interests in Israel. It will build on existing Federation programs, such as artists in residence, Partnership2Gether, Yom HaZikaron observances, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, and teen trips to Israel. It will also introduce new programs like professional development for educators, family workshops, Hebrew language learning (Ulpan), and expanded cultural offerings in literature, film, and cooking.

By deepening the community’s engagement with Israel, the iCenter initiative reinforces shared values, cultural heritage, and the importance of Israel in the fabric of Jewish identity. Israel, for Jews worldwide, represents a sense of belonging — a place rooted in shared history, language, and solidarity. Programming will be integral in creating meaningful ways for the Charlotte Jewish community to explore these connections and strengthen their understanding of Israel’s profound contributions to global culture, science, and innovation.

The creation of the iCenter initiative comes at a crucial time when strengthening bonds with Israel is more important than ever. Through engaging programming, it will provide meaningful opportunities for discussion and celebration of Israel, fostering thoughtful conversations about its significance within the Jewish world. Federation’s continued investment will ensure that this initiative becomes a vibrant and enduring part of the Charlotte Jewish community. By working closely with local synagogues, schools, and global partners, the iCenter will offer unparalleled resources to deepen ties between Israel, Jewish identity, and our local greater Charlotte Jewish community.

The iCenter for Israel Education and Engagement honors Sue Worrel’s legacy and represents a future-facing commitment to Israel and Jewish identity from our Federation and our entire community.