Augusta, GA
Georgia passes state law on antisemitism, some disagree with the vote
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia lawmakers passed a bill on Thursday allowing prosecutors to add antisemitism charges to crimes committed against Jewish people or places.
And Governor Brian Kemp says he will sign it.
A study by the antidefamation league shows antisemitic attacks are increasing.
It comes during a tumultuous time in the Middle East, but the Islamic Center in Augusta says the bill should include even more groups.
With war continuing in the Middle East, people are looking for different avenues to help. But when it comes to passing a state law on anti-Semitism, members of the Augusta Muslim community are torn.
“Peaceful coexistence, it did happen before for years and years, it can happen again,” said Azza Elremessy, who’s part of the Islamic Society of Augusta.
44 Georgia Senators votes to pass the bill.
“If you want to go out and say that you hate Israel after this bill is passed, you may absolutely do that. But if you want to commit a crime, you got a problem,” said Senate President John Kennedy.
But six Senators didn’t and some people here in Augusta agree with that vote.
“It does not help to alleviate this bad problem of anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is a very bad, heinous activity. And I or actually, all Muslims are against any anti-Semitic actions or talk but you cannot only limit this to the Jewish people, if you want to make a law like that, okay? Anti-Muslims should be outlawed, anti-Asian should be outlawed, anti-Black should be outlawed. So why there’s a distinction here?” said Hossam Fadel, who’s part of the Islamic Society of Augusta.
He says people should be allowed to have their own opinions and thinks this law may infringe on that right to free speech.
“There’s 35,000 Palestinians that have been killed in Gaza, at least for now or by now. So limiting our criticism of these actions by Israel is definitely not acceptable as far as anti-Semitism is. It is not. We have no problem with Jews as Jews or individuals. But we have a problem with the actions Israel committing, what we think is crimes against humanity,” he said.
At the end of the day, people just want peace.
Elremessy said: “I’d really like, you know, for us to be the one, remembered as providing the humanitarian aid, stopping the war, and taking the lead really, to bring back the peace to the Middle East.”
The Islamic Society of Augusta has events that are open to the public where they have discussions about what is happening in the Middle East and its history. For more information, visit their website.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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