Below is a statement from the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte regarding the discovery of antisemitic pamphlets found around Charlotte:
Recently, a news story involving antisemitic pamphlets designed to mimic popular children’s books placed at several “Little Free Library” locations in our community. This story, aired by WSOC-TV, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of hate in our society and a call to action for us to stand together. Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte condemns these hateful actions in the strongest of terms and stands firmly against any form of antisemitism.
From October 7, 2023, to January 7, 2024, there has been a staggering 360% increase in antisemitic incidents. Acts like this one are meant to alienate and intimidate, but we refuse to let hatred take root in Charlotte. Our community is united and resilient, and there is no place for antisemitism here.
As always, our Federation prioritizes the safety and well-being of our Jewish community. We maintain robust security programs across Shalom Park and greater Charlotte, working closely with law enforcement, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Secure Community Network. At this point, it has been determined that the pamphlet does not appear to pose any security risk.
We understand that incidents like these can be distressing, especially with the global rise in antisemitism post October 7, but we want to assure you that our Charlotte Jewish community remains under vigilant protection. Among our community’s security initiatives is LiveSecure, which enhances security at local Jewish schools, synagogues, and institutions across greater Charlotte. Through our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), we continue to combat antisemitism at its root with our Outshine Hate initiative, which aims to foster understanding and resistance to hate through educational programs. On a legislative level, the recent passage of the Shalom Act, which our JCRC played a significant role in passing, establishes a singular, comprehensive definition of antisemitism across North Carolina, aiding in the fight against such incidents.
Caretakers of a Little Free Library location who find copies of this bigoted book should remove them, while public library and school library employees should also be on the lookout for attempts to place copies on public library shelves. We encourage community members to report any other antisemitic incidents to Federation via our online reporting system. We are in this together as a Jewish community, remaining united in our mission to fight antisemitism and foster a secure and inclusive environment for everyone.