How It All Started
Our story began in 2019 when a group of Jewish parents in Charlotte recognized a critical need: their children needed the knowledge and confidence to stand up for themselves and for Israel—especially on college campuses.
That vision led to the launch of Club Z Charlotte, a local chapter of a national organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of proud and proactive Jewish Zionist leaders. After a successful pilot year, we welcomed Olga Meshoe Washington to Charlotte to lead and grow the program.
Honoring Olga Meshoe Washington
Under Olga’s passionate and visionary leadership, more than 60 teens participated—many for multiple years—and emerged as articulate, confident, and deeply informed Jewish advocates.
Club Z Charlotte alumni now lead pro-Israel activism across campuses in North and South Carolina. They serve as chapter presidents of Students Supporting Israel, have spoken at the March on Washington for Jewish Civil Rights, and addressed the North Carolina Legislature in support of the Shalom Act. In 2024, two of our grads helped defend the U.S. flag during a pro-Palestinian campus attack—a moment that made international news.
Olga Washington was a true visionary who played a pivotal role in introducing youth Zionism to the North Carolina region from the outset. A passionate advocate for Israel and Zionist values, Olga generously shared her knowledge, enthusiasm, and talents with our North Carolina community.
Olga embodied an extraordinary blend of legal acumen, spiritual devotion, and activism. She inspired both youth and adults within our community, and around the world.
Carrying the Vision Forward
Olga worked tirelessly alongside our current directors and advisory board to envision a future in North Carolina where Zionism would be taught with pride and where new leaders could grow and thrive.
Tragically, Olga passed away from an illness in January 2025, but her dreams, inspiration, and vision continue to live on through everything we do at NC TeenZ.
Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our mission, and we remain dedicated to carrying forward her passion for Zionist education and leadership.
The Future ofNC TeenZ
We are excited to bring fresh, engaging, and meaningful content to Jewish teens across North Carolina.
The Future ofNC TeenZ
We are excited to bring fresh, engaging, and meaningful content to Jewish teens across North Carolina.
Lena Kosinovsky