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SCC Foundation receives $200,000 gift from Jewish community
Members of the former Beth Israel Synagogue in Whiteville donated $200,000 to the SCC Foundation at its regular board meeting on March 7. Representing the Jewish community and presenting the check were Gary Kramer, Ricky Leinwand and Terry Mann to SCC Foundation Board Chair Brett Gore.
“We’re so fortunate that the Jewish community, who used to attend the Beth Israel Synagogue, have decided to support the college with this nice gift of $200,000,” SCC President Dr. Chris English said. “When the synagogue was torn down, they decided to take the proceeds and split it among different organizations; we happen to be one of the recipients of that money.”
SCC Foundation Executive Director Terrie Priest said that $125,000 of the donation will be used to establish the Beth Israel Synagogue Endowment Fund. Proceeds from this fund will be used annually to provide education and programing to students, faculty and staff of SCC with a special emphasis towards antisemitic education.
“So, this will provide what I would call a scholarship opportunity to allow our community and college faculty, staff and students to engage in understanding what antisemitism of the Jewish community is all about,” English said. “We could also include some diversity training in it as well.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
“The other $75,000 will be used to establish the Beth Israel Synagogue Community Room,” Priest said. “Room A210 is a former classroom in the administration building on campus. The SCC Foundation Board is extremely thankful for this gift to our college and community.”
Priest explained that the new community room will be renovated to provide space for SCC and community meetings. She said that potential upgrades would include new carpet flooring, wall finishes, window finishes, upgraded audio/visual technology, lighting and space for food and beverages.
