The Jewish Community Relations Council Leads the Charge Against Antisemitism

The Charlotte Jewish News, March 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

Against the backdrop of rising antisemitism, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is ensuring that knowledge and advocacy become our greatest defense. The fight against antisemitism is not just about reacting to hate, but equipping the community with the tools needed to challenge and dismantle it. Through education, legislative advocacy, security initiatives, and interfaith outreach, the JCRC is working tirelessly on multiple fronts to ensure that our Jewish community remains empowered.

One of the most pressing concerns in the Jewish community today is security. In January, the JCRC reinforced community safety efforts by hosting two national experts on antisemitism and security: Meredith Weisel, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and Stuart Frisch from the Secure Community Network (SCN). During their visit, Weisel and Frisch engaged in discussions with local law enforcement officials, the FBI, and the Department of Justice to examine evolving threats of antisemitism. These conversations provided an opportunity to bring forward the concerns of local Jewish organizations, exchange insights on security challenges, and explore ways to strengthen local protective measures.

While in Charlotte, Weisel and Frisch also met with staff from JFGC and the Levine JCC, as well as community leaders in Lake Norman and Davidson. These discussions reinforced a critical point: security is not just about responding to threats — it’s about taking proactive measures to prevent them. Maintaining open lines of communication with law enforcement and ensuring vigilance within Jewish organizations are key components of the JCRC’s approach to fostering a safer community.

Education remains a crucial tool in the fight against antisemitism, and the JCRC is dedicated to increasing awareness of the challenges Jewish communities face. This year, the Council helped bring the documentary “October H8te” to the Charlotte Jewish Film Festival. The film, which examines the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents, served as a stark reminder of how hate can spread when left unchecked. The most impactful moment of the screening, however, was during the panel discussion after the film.

Featuring Meredith Weisel, Emily Zimmern (co-chair of Outshine Hate), psychologist Dr. Barrie Morgenstein, and local high school senior Max Harr, the conversation delved into how antisemitism manifests in everyday life. For many audience members, the discussion was both eye-opening and deeply personal. Students spoke about the casual antisemitism they face in schools: comments made in hallways, ignorance from teachers, and the difficulty of speaking up without fear of backlash. Professionals shared their experiences with subtle but persistent discrimination in the workplace. The screening and discussion reaffirmed a key belief of the JCRC: raising awareness is just as important as direct advocacy. When people truly understand the impact of antisemitism, not just historically, but in real time, they are more likely to stand up against it.

Change often happens at the legislative level. That’s why the JCRC is committed to ensuring that Jewish voices are heard by lawmakers in North Carolina. This commitment was evident when Douglas Greene, JFGC’s Jewish community relations director, and Eric Laxer, chair of JCRC state legislative efforts, traveled to Raleigh to take part in North Carolina’s commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Standing alongside other Jewish leaders, they witnessed a moment of historic significance as the newly elected Speaker of the NC House of Representatives, Destin Hall, and other state officials formally recognized the day. The ceremony highlighted the importance of Holocaust education. But for the JCRC, it was also a call to action. The JCRC continues to engage with state leaders to push for meaningful policies that address antisemitism and protect Jewish institutions. By forging these relationships and making Jewish concerns heard, the JCRC is helping to shape a future where antisemitism is actively challenged at the highest levels.

The fight against antisemitism is multifaceted, and the JCRC understands that no single approach is enough, so the organization is working on multiple fronts to expand its impact. Among its efforts, the JCRC promotes Holocaust and antisemitism education in schools and partners with North Carolina Hillel to support Jewish students on campus, collaborates with businesses to combat workplace antisemitism, and fosters interfaith alliances to unite communities against hate. Their work is making a difference, but this fight cannot be won by a single individual or organization alone. It requires the collective action of an engaged and informed community. “The overwhelming support and engagement we’ve seen has been inspiring,” says Douglas Greene. “But this moment demands even more. We can’t afford to sit back — we need to take action.”

With the North Carolina General Assembly back in session, now is the time to reach out to state legislators, city council members, county commissioners, and school board representatives. They need to hear from the Jewish community about the issues that matter—from security funding to education policy.

Photo caption:

JFGC Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) director, Douglas Greene (top right). and chair of JCRC State Legislative Efforts, Eric Laxer (middle right) at the North Carolina House of Representatives General Assembly.