The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 3
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Advocacy in Action: Jewish Communities Unite in Raleigh
By Jessica Goldfarb
More than ever, advocacy has become an essential part of strengthening and protecting Jewish communal life.
Recently, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte( JFGC) joined Jewish leaders and advocates from across the state in Raleigh for the Third Annual NC Jewish Day of Advocacy, the largest coordinated statewide Jewish advocacy effort to date.
The statewide effort brought together Jewish leaders, advocates, and community members from across North Carolina for what became the largest coordinated Jewish advocacy initiative in the state’ s history. Participants included representatives from JFGC, Greensboro Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh, Durham Jewish for Good, the Wilmington Jewish community, the Asheville Jewish community, as well as partners from the Anti-Defamation League( ADL) and the American Jewish Committee( AJC).
Throughout the day, advocates met directly with members of the North Carolina House and Senate to discuss issues impacting Jewish communities across the state. The Charlotte delegation alone met with 35 elected officials from the Greater Charlotte region, while advocates statewide collectively engaged with more than 100 legislative offices.
Two major priorities guided
JFGC joined Jewish leaders and advocates from across the state in Raleigh, NC
Douglas Green and Emily Zimmern the day’ s conversations: The first centered on the growing rise in antisemitism, particularly within K – 12 schools and public discourse. Advocates shared examples from their local communities and emphasized the importance of Holocaust education, antisemitism training, and stronger systems for reporting and responding to incidents of hate.
The second priority focused on communal security. Advocates urged legislators to consider establishing a state-level supplemental nonprofit security grant program to help support vulnerable institutions throughout North Carolina. While the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program( NSGP) remains critical, demand continues to far exceed available funding, leaving many houses of worship, schools, and other nonprofits facing significant security needs.
Summer Is Officially“ On the Menu” at JCAFÉ
By Elizabeth Johnson
The soundtrack of summer at the Levine JCC is unmistakable: lifeguard whistles, children securing their green bands, splashing water, camp kids racing barefoot across the pool deck and the unmistakable scent of something hot coming off the grill. This season, JCAFÉ is entering a flavorful new chapter.
Rob Clement, owner of Meshugganah, has officially joined Shalom Park as its new food and beverage partner, bringing fresh energy and an elevated poolside menu to one of the community’ s most beloved summertime gathering spots.
For longtime JCC members,
JCAFÉ is more than a concession stand. It is the backdrop to summer afternoons that somehow stretch forever: post-camp french fries, dripping ice pops, parents catching up over lunch while children dart between the pool and patio tables.
Clement’ s menu leans into that spirit of relaxed, crowd-pleasing comfort food, but with thoughtful upgrades throughout. Alongside classics like grilled cheese, tuna melts and crispy mozzarella sticks are Mediterranean-inspired offerings including falafel plates with Israeli salad and tahini, Caprese paninis layered with fresh mozzarella and basil pesto and focaccia sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables and spinach.
The cafe will also introduce online ordering for the summer season, allowing members to order directly from their lounge chairs between swim lessons and sunscreen reapplications.
Operating as part of Shalom Park’ s kosher facility, JCAFÉ will serve lunch, snacks, supper and cold treats throughout the summer pool season.
At a place where so much of Jewish communal life unfolds season after season, food has always been part of the experience. And this summer, it will taste even better.
For JFGC and its JCRC, the day reflected a broader commitment to building long-term civic relationships and engaging proactively with elected officials.
At a time when antisemitism continues to rise, our community is not standing still,” said Douglas Greene, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.“ We are showing up, speaking clearly, building relationships, and ensuring that Jewish voices are heard across North Carolina.”
The annual Day of Advocacy also demonstrated the growing strength of statewide Jewish collaboration. Charlotte advocates served as team leads, storytellers, policy messengers, and relationship builders throughout the day, helping ensure legislators heard directly from constituents about the realities of Jewish life in North Carolina today.
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For Federation’ s JCRC, the work does not end when the Day of Advocacy concludes. The event is part of a broader statewide strategy focused on strengthening relationships with public officials, advancing education and security efforts, and building long-term infrastructure for Jewish communal advocacy and public affairs.
As these efforts continue to grow, we are committed to ensuring Jewish voices are represented, relationships are strengthened, and the needs of the community remain part of conversations shaping North Carolina’ s future.
Andrew Rosen
andrew. rosen @ compass. com M: 704.604.4756 O: 704.234.7880
Andrew Rosen is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
Jewish Community Relations Council