Gary Silverstein and Maxine Silverstein oral history interview, 2000 March 12

Description

Longtime Charlotteans Gary and Maxine Silverstein discuss their lives as members of the city's Jewish community and as travel industry professionals. Mr. Silverstein, whose family has a long history in the Charlotte area, recalls his grandfather, Benjamin Silverstein, who was one of the founders of Temple Israel in Charlotte. He also discusses childhood experiences in Hebrew school and his and his son's bar mitzvahs. The Silversteins talk about the important role Jewish youth groups like B'nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) played in their lives, and they discuss the network of relationships Jewish youth developed statewide. They discuss their experiences as the owners and operators of Mann Travels and Cruises, the receptivity of Charlotteans to Jewish-owned businesses, and the pervasiveness of Jewish-owned tour companies. Within the scope of their business, they recount an instance of antisemitism they experienced. Both cite the many changes within the Charlotte Jewish community, like tremendous growth and more community accommodation.