4 minute read
Sun City Carolina Lakes Community Unites for Peace and Solidarity
December 2023
By Shira Firestone
In the heart of Indian Land, just eight miles south of Ballantyne, the Sun City Carolina Lakes 55+ community, home to over 5,000 residents, came together in a display of unity on October 24, 2023. More than 200 Jewish and Christian residents from the Shalom Club and the Bible Study Club assembled, in a meeting hosted by the Shalom Club, setting aside religious and political differences to reaffirm their bond as friends and neighbors following the tragic Hamas massacre on Oct. 7 in Israel.
The Shalom Club, with more than 200 Jewish members, and the Bible Study Club, with over 360 members, have shared a cooperative and friendly relationship since their joint 2017 Peace Pole dedication. The Peace Pole, inscribed in 12 languages with “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” stands in the main lobby of the Lodge in Sun City as a testament to their commitment to unity. And in August of 2018, only days after the murders at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, the groups assembled in memory of the victims and as a reminder of the dark and dangerous reality of antisemitism in the United States and around the world.
Barry Greene, president of the Shalom Club, which began with just five people 16 years ago, underscored the club’s role in the greater Jewish community. A purely social, non-religious club, Shalom Club attracts Jews from varying backgrounds with different levels of observance. The club’s activities range from movie nights to celebrating holidays together. They also engage in civic activity, such as hosting an annual Holocaust Walk in support of the ADL.
The Oct. 24 gathering featured Douglas Greene, government relations and public affairs associate of the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and Bob Poliquin, president of the Bible Study Club.
Douglas Greene spoke about the Federation’s current efforts, including its participation in raising funds for the Jewish Federations of North America’s Emergency Israel Campaign, raising more than $500 million for Israel’s immediate needs, and the Blue Ribbons for Israel campaign, symbolizing support for the safe return of hostages. Greene’s presentation highlighted the Federation’s work, both locally and globally, in combating antisemitism. “The turnout tonight and the support from our non-Jewish neighbors are a powerful reminder of the strength of community,” Greene remarked, appreciative of the overwhelming response.
Poliquin observed that even among his non-religious Jewish acquaintances there is pride in “200 generations of cultural traditions that manifest in kindness, generosity, and hospitality,” noting that “the theology of their culture is woven into the fabric of their community.”
Speaking of the importance of community and cooperative relationships, such as that of the Shalom Club and the Bible Study Club, he added that “The Hamas attack crossed an unrecoverable and unforgiveable line,” but that “guarding the civility and friendships in our own communities is crucial. If we can’t make it work in America, it’s not going to work anywhere.”
Following the speakers, David Mermelstein, the son of Holocaust survivors, opened the floor for comments and questions. Most of the comments expressed frustration and sadness over ongoing antisemitism and general support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Comments also reflected unanimous support for all of the victims of the conflict who desire nothing more than to live peacefully. Unplanned remarks by some retired Israeli military personnel in attendance added depth and personal resonance to the gathering.
The meeting concluded with the lighting of an electronic yahrzeit candle, symbolizing the community’s commitment to remembering those lost in the conflict and hoping for peace. Beside the candle is a small sign, which reads, “This light glows to remind us of the pain and suffering in the Middle East. This light will extinguish when there is peace. We pray for peace.”
In a time when reports indicate a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 attacks, the partnership between the Shalom Club and the Bible Study Club stands as a beacon of hope. These collaborations exemplify how unity and understanding can overcome divisiveness, fostering a community determined to walk together in the way of peace.
