By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist
When Jewish leaders from across the country were called to Washington, D.C. for a Jewish Federations of North America Emergency Leadership Fly-In, our Charlotte community showed up. From June 26 to 28, a delegation from Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, including members of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and other community leaders, joined more than 400 advocates in a coordinated effort to push for immediate federal action to confront the growing threat of antisemitism. Their presence on Capitol Hill sent a clear message: “Our safety is not optional. Our security is non-negotiable.”
During two days of concentrated advocacy, the Charlotte delegation met with key members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation, including Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Congressmen Mark Harris, Tim Moore, and Pat Harrigan, and Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis. These high-level meetings focused on advocating for a six-point strategy to strengthen national and local protections for Jewish institutions and individuals. The plan calls for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, support to offset the growing costs of securing Jewish schools, synagogues, camps, and events, and additional resources for the FBI, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies. Delegates also pressed for greater accountability for online hate and stronger enforcement of existing hate crime laws.
Congressmen Mark Harris, Tim Moore, and Pat Harrigan, and Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis. These high-level meetings focused on advocating for a six-point strategy to strengthen national and local protections for Jewish institutions and individuals. The plan calls for increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, support to offset the growing costs of securing Jewish schools, synagogues, camps, and events, and additional resources for the FBI, Homeland Security, and local law enforcement agencies. Delegates also pressed for greater accountability for online hate and stronger enforcement of existing hate crime laws.
This national mobilization reflects the core mission of the JCRC: to serve as the voice of Jewish Charlotte in public affairs, advance understanding through education and relationship-building, and promote a just and secure society for all. Through the JCRC, Federation plays a leading role in ensuring that local and national leaders understand and address the evolving challenges facing Jewish communities.
This work is far from over. Keeping the pressure up, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte will partner with the Greensboro Jewish Federation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh for a joint Advocacy Mission to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 2 and 3. This upcoming visit offers another opportunity for community members to engage directly with lawmakers, elevate Jewish priorities, and demonstrate the power of collective action across North Carolina.
Jewish security cannot be taken for granted. With continued advocacy, education, and partnership, Federation is helping ensure that the Jewish future is safe, strong, and heard.
Members of the Charlotte delegation in Washington with Rep. Pat Harrington