As incidents of antisemitism continue to rise locally, it is crucial to equip parents with the tools and knowledge to combat these challenges head-on. Recognizing the need to empower our community’s parents in navigating incidents of antisemitism in schools, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, through its Outshine Hate initiative, has created an advocacy workshop series to provide invaluable support, guidance, and education to parents so that they can gain essential skills and knowledge to advocate for their children — fostering resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity.

Antisemitism remains a persistent issue in our communities. Unfortunately, schools are not immune to such bigotry. Jewish students often encounter various forms of antisemitism, ranging from micro-aggressions and stereotypes to overt acts of hatred. Consequently, parents find themselves in a challenging position, often without the tools and confidence to respond.

The Parent Advocacy Workshop Series empowers parents to confront antisemitism in schools and secure a safe and inclusive environment for their children. Parents will learn to recognize antisemitism in both the digital world and the school environment, develop effective communication strategies with school leadership, build alliances, navigate school policies, and drive meaningful change.

The series of five workshops provides a platform for interactive sessions with local education stakeholders from Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools and Union County Public Schools, covering essential topics, and collectively combating Jew-hatred. The first workshop in the series will be led by Dr. Rachel Fish, co-founder of Boundless, a think tank action organization focused on revitalizing Israel education.

 We are grateful to our parent ambassadors, including Raizel Kahn, Sara Kulbersh, Nikki Sacks, Allen Sherman, and Tal Stein, who are spearheading this effort with Federation. Their support helps garner awareness and create networks of solidarity. Together they will share stories, exchange ideas, and offer mutual support, creating a sense of community that can be instrumental in effectively challenging antisemitism.

The workshop series will launch this September, ahead of the 2023-2024 school year. Stay tuned to the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s website and social media pages for important registration information. For inquiries, please contact Douglas Greene, the government relations and public affairs associate, at the Federation office. (704) 944-6858.

In a time where incidents of antisemitism persist, empowering parents to advocate for their children is paramount. This initiative not only empowers parents, but also paves the way for a more inclusive and tolerant educational environment. Together, we can stand against antisemitism and create a safer future for our children.