Charlotte Jewish leaders focus on education after 2 antisemitic incidents

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is focusing on educating people of all ages to stop antisemitic incidents after two separate cases in Charlotte.

One incident happened at the Foundation of Shalom Park in south Charlotte, while the other involved students from a Charlotte private school.

“It’s sad that our society is still in a place where this is something that we have to fight, but fight it we will,” said Adam Kolett, the federation’s CEO.

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Charlotte Country Day investigation

On Nov. 7, the head of school for Charlotte Country Day sent a letter to parents about an investigation into a series of incidents the school described as racist, misogynistic and antisemitic at the middle and upper schools.

In the letter, the head of school said in part, “While no school or community is immune to the bias and hatred that exist in the broader world, we have a responsibility to confront them directly.”

Kolett said the Jewish Federation is working with the school to educate students.

“A lot of terrible things can begin with a joke. This is something that people need to be able to counter,” Kolett said. “When you see something, when you hear something, address it right away. Even as difficult as that can be, that is how we stop hate.”

“Kids absolutely know hate when they see it. They know antisemitism. They know that it’s wrong and they usually help each other, understand what’s going on and find ways to fight it,” he said.

Shalom Park flyers case

The other incident dates to Jan. 19 and targeted the Foundation of Shalom Park in south Charlotte.

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that Dalton Mullis pleaded guilty to federal crimes after he admitted to putting up antisemitic flyers around the campus.

A sentencing date has not been set for Mullis.

“Any kind of targeted antisemitic incident is going to be punished to the extent of the law. This is something that we are always prepared for,” Kolett said.

Education efforts

Kolett said the Jewish Federation will continue working to educate people of all ages.

“People are learning new things every day. For some people, antisemitism might be something that they grew up around. Others have no awareness of these incidents and mean no harm,” Kolett said. “I think that, writ large, when people learn about what antisemitism does to the Jewish community, we create allies.”