The Charlotte Jewish News- December 2025- Page 3
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Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Federation Welcomes Two New Team Members
The staff of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) continues to grow, with the addition of two new team members who bring exceptional experience to our organization. Federation is pleased to welcome Laurie Cohen as Administrative Assistant and Elizabeth Breyer Johnson as Editor of the Charlotte Jewish News.
As our community continues
Laurie Cohen
to grow, Federation’ s expansion ensures we can strengthen our capacity to serve, connect, and inspire Jewish life in greater Charlotte. Together, these new hires enhance Federation’ s ability to operate efficiently and share
Women’ s Philanthropy: Inspiring Strength and Dialogue with Dr. Rachel Fish
( Continued from front page)
as she shared stories from her own life. Growing up in Johnson City, Tennessee, she recalled the painful absurdity of being asked by a woman to“ feel her horns,” a reminder of persistent antisemitic myths. Later, as a teenager, she discovered a swastika carved into her locker. Rather than call for expulsion, she asked that the student be required to listen to her read The Diary of Anne Frank aloud each day after school, transforming hate into an opportunity for education and understanding.
Her reflections extended to her years in higher academia, where she encountered antisemitism in institutions that prided themselves on intellectual openness. As a student at Harvard University, she was stunned when a professor speculated on September 11, 2001, before any facts were known, that the attacks were likely due to“ U. S. support of Israel.” Later, at Columbia University, she documented student testimonies describing antisemitic experiences in the classroom, confronting faculty who used their platforms to spread bias rather than knowledge.
Dr. Fish emphasized that these the stories that unite and uplift those we serve.
Laurie Cohen, Administrative Assistant, joins with a strong background in executive support, operations, and customer service. Throughout her career, she has partnered closely with organizational leaders to streamline workflows, align strategic goals, and build collaborative work environments.
“ I’ m excited to bring my energy, organization, and love for people to this role, and look forward to getting to know everyone,” Laurie shared.“ I’ m passionate about creating systems that reduce complexity and help teams stay focused on growth.”
Laurie and her husband recently relocated to Charlotte to be closer to their two grown daughters and grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time with her family, including Buddy, their spirited 14-year-old dog. Laurie’ s enthusiasm and professionalism will help ensure the smooth operation of Federation’ s daily activities while providing vital support to the Executive Team, Board, and committees.
Elizabeth Breyer Johnson, Editor, Charlotte Jewish News, is a communications leader with more than 20 years of experience
experiences, though painful, shaped her determination to educate others and support those unprepared to face such prejudice.“ You probably can’ t change the mind of an antisemite,” she told the audience,“ but you can reach the‘ don’ t-knows.” She urged parents to speak openly with their children about antisemitism, preparing them for when, not if, they encounter it— and empowering them to respond with knowledge and confidence.
While the topic of antisemitism can be heavy, Dr. Fish’ s message was one of hope and endurance. She reminded attendees that tackling hate is not only a defensive act, but a source of inspiration, as communities, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, stand together in solidarity. She also spoke about the powerful role women play in Judaism, describing how Jewish continuity is sustained through mothers, grandmothers, and daughters who carry forward the traditions and values that have preserved the Jewish people for generations.
For Women’ s Philanthropy, the event underscored the mission that guides its work: to bring
Elizabeth Breyer Johnson
developing executive-level strategies and narratives for global organizations. A graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill, she launched her career in Düsseldorf, Germany, where she spent seven years before returning to the United States to pursue opportunities in corporation communications.
“ I’ m thrilled to step into the role of editor for the Charlotte Jewish News at such a meaningful moment for our community,” Elizabeth said.“ Local journalism is, at its best, an act of connection. It helps people see themselves and one another more clearly by illuminating the stories that reveal our shared hopes,
women together in shared purpose, to strengthen Jewish life, and to inspire leadership through giving and learning. Dr. Fish’ s words reflected that mission perfectly, affirming that meaningful change begins with individual voices united by knowledge, courage, and compassion.
As attendees departed, conversations lingered about how to translate her message into action: at home, in schools, and across the greater Charlotte community. Dr. Fish’ s call to remain steadfast resonated deeply, serving as both a reminder and a challenge. Her message served as a powerful call to action, affirming that each of us has the ability to educate, advocate, and strengthen the future of our community.
challenges, and humanity. I’ m honored to build on the paper’ s proud legacy while amplifying the diverse voices, dynamic perspectives and lived experiences that make Jewish life in Charlotte so vibrant.”
A proud Texan with South African and Brooklyn, New York roots, Elizabeth has long been an active member of the Charlotte Jewish community. Her daughter, Lucy, attended the Charlotte Jewish Preschool( CJP) and the Charlotte Jewish Day School( CJDS), and Elizabeth previously served on the CJP Board of Directors. She and her family are members of Temple Beth El, and she fondly recalls spending time at the JCC even in her high school years.
Outside of work, Elizabeth loves gardening, long walks, coffee and traveling. She is also an avid cook and writer, sharing her culinary adventures on her Substack food blog, Beets and Bratwurst. With her passion for storytelling and deep connection to Jewish life in Charlotte, Elizabeth will help guide the Charlotte Jewish News into its next chapter— one that continues to reflect and strengthen the heart of our community.
Andrew Rosen andrew. rosen @ compass. com M: 704.604.4756 | O: 704.234.7880
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