The Charlotte Jewish News - November 2023 - Page 24
Lonsmen Charlotte Jewish Motorcycle Club Forming in Charlotte By Jeff Komrower We are the JMA — the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance, a diverse group hailing from all corners of the country and even around the world. You’ll recognize us by our intimidating appearance, decked out in leathers, chaps, durags, and, of course, our distinctive cuts. We come roaring down the highways on two and three wheels, with the wind in our faces and a shared passion for motorcycling. As an alliance, we boast 50 clubs and nearly 1,000 dedicated members. Our clubs sport names that range from the formidable, like the Mazel Tuffs, Chai-Way Riders, Hillel’s Angels, and The King David Bikers, to the intriguing, such as the Mountain Menschen, Shalom and Chrome, The Wandering Twos, and the Lonsmen. Motorcyclists, in general, share a unique camaraderie that can be hard for non-riders to grasp. However, when you add our common heritage and a shared mission, that bond becomes truly exceptional.
And now, we are excited to announce the formation of a Charlotte chapter of the Lonsmen, and we’re actively seeking new members to join our ranks. Much like the established Lonsmen Boston chapter, which has thrived for 12 years, our focus will be on celebrating the sport of motorcycling and having a blast while doing it. We aim to strengthen our ties to our shared heritage, fostering new friendships and connections within our club. But there’s more to being a part of the JMA than the love of the open road, the wind in our hair (and the occasional bug in our teeth), and the joy of riding alongside fellow Jews and non-Jews. There’s a profound reason to join us: The Ride to Remember (R2R). Since 2005, JMA members have embarked on annual rides from various cities, including Boston, Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, JMA Riders arrive at the San Diego Jewish Academy for the 2021 Ride To Remember which raised over $30,000 for the Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Butterfly Project which teaches social justice through lessons of the Holocaust. Toronto, Montreal, Melbourne,
JMA Members at the 2023 R2R visit the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center in Milwaukee, WI
Australia, and Israel, among others. These rides have a vital purpose - raising funds for Holocaust awareness and education. Over the years, we’ve supported numerous causes, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Whitwell, Tennessee middle school known for its Paper Clips Project (twice), the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center in Providence, Rhode Island, the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum in Oswego, New York, and the Maltz Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, where we raised over $80,000 through the Schul Boys club. Recently,
our R2R event in May raised over $50,000 for the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our annual ride serves a critical purpose - to ensure that the world never forgets. We have the privilege of meeting and conversing with Holocaust survivors while they are still with us, hearing their firsthand accounts, and renewing our collective determination to remember the unspeakable atrocities committed against our people and others. We ride to ensure that the world never forgets. Beyond our annual R2R, our
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member clubs organize meetand-greets throughout the year. Sometimes it’s just about hitting the road and spending time together, while other times, it’s about showing support. In August 2019, several clubs joined forces with the Mazel Tuff’s of Pittsburgh to stand in solidarity with the Tree of Life Synagogue following the tragic shootings that occurred there the previous October. We are always there for our fellow Lonsmen. Combining our love for motorcycling with our Jewish heritage and promoting Jewish values and pride is a truly unique and immensely fulfilling experience. There’s a sense of satisfaction in being part of a powerful, formidable group of bikers thundering down the road, all united as Lonsmen, and all working together to ensure that the world never forgets. Much like the Boston Chapter, we anticipate that the Charlotte Lonsmen will be active not only in riding but also socially, fostering exceptional camaraderie among riders, as well as their spouses and significant others. Whether you’re an experienced rider or know someone who is, please help us spread the word. We’d be thrilled to have you join us! For more information, reach out to Jeff (aka Deerslayer) at jkomrower@gmail.com.
