July 15, 2021
Rally Showed Community Seeking Comfort, Strength
Jewish Exponent
Speaker Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, stressed the need to promote unity among the Jewish people itself. “While we can have differences, we need to reaffirm the basics: that we’re all Zionists and pro-Israel,” he said. “What joins us together as a community is far greater than what divides us. “None of us should need to be at a rally against antisemitism in 2021,” he added. “But we do need to be here. Because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.”
July 15, 2021
VA schools consider making meals, calendars more culturally inclusive
FOX 5 Washington DC
Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky of the Jewish Community Relation Council of Greater Washington is serving on the calendar subcommittee.---Sharofsky says many school calendars are outdated and centered mainly around Christian religious practices. When we look at a calendar it’s not enough to say well these are the days we’ve always had off from school because that might not currently meet the needs of all of our students, she said. Sharofsky said the subcommittee won’t suggest every holiday be given off but it will encourage districts to add certain days and at the very least ask them to take a look at curriculum planning around holidays.---Sharofsky said the calendar subcommittee’s recommendations will also vary by location. It’s where we get to this issue of faith equity. We talk a lot about what does it mean to have an equitable education and experience for all students and in recognizing that there are so many other faiths that make up our schools districts. How are we looking at meeting those needs in an equitable way, she said. 
July 15, 2021
The Jewish Voice
The Jerusalem Post reported that among the confirmed speakers at the event were Elisha Wiesel, the son of the late Elie Wiesel; Rabbi Jeffrey Myers from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh; Ron Halber, executive director at the JCRC of Greater Washington; Norm Coleman, chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition; and Ron Klein, chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, among others. --- The Times of Israel reported that Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington said: “None of us should need to be at a rally against anti-Semitism in 2021. “But we do need to be here. Because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.” 
July 14, 2021
At rally, this is what unity looks like
Washington Jewish Week
Speaker Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, stressed the need to promote unity among the Jewish people itself. “While we can have differences, we need to reaffirm the basics: that we’re all Zionists and pro-Israel,” he said. “What joins us together as a community is far greater than what divides us. “None of us should need to be at a rally against antisemitism in 2021,” he added. “But we do need to be here. Because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.”
July 13, 2021
Young and old brave heat in DC, ‘demanding change until this Jew-hatred stops’
Jewish News Syndicate
According to Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, the rally started out unusual for the Jewish community because the initial effort came from small, largely unknown groups, rather than national ones. It was not until Wiesel became involved that it gained credibility and major sponsors, noted Halber. “I think that this rally, which started out as a very small, grassroots effort—as a result of Elisha Wiesel’s guidance, wisdom and leadership—really turned into something the community could be proud of,” said Halber, who spoke at the rally. He said that from his experience organizing rallies, he believes that there were more than 3,000 or even more than 4,000 attendees. While it’s not a number that matches major rallies like the one held during the First Intifada in the early 2000s, which brought out 100,000 people, or the rally for Soviet Jewry in 1987 that brought 250,000, the turnout, he said, was good for the circumstances. “It was horrible heat. You have to remember, nobody is around in July here in Washington. Everybody is on vacation,” said Halber. “All the kids, all the youth, are at camp or are doing their jobs, and everybody—as soon as they lifted the COVID restrictions—is out of here on vacation.” Added to that Congress being out of session, it was a very difficult time to hold a rally, according to Halber. “And, in spite of that,” he said, “we made a good showing.”
July 13, 2021
Connection across ideologies: Refrain from crowd determined to battle anti-Jewish hate
Cleveland Jewish News
According to Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, the rally started out unusual for the Jewish community because the initial effort came from small, largely unknown groups, rather than national ones. It was not until Wiesel became involved that it gained credibility and major sponsors, noted Halber. “I think that this rally, which started out as a very small, grassroots effort—as a result of Elisha Wiesel’s guidance, wisdom and leadership—really turned into something the community could be proud of,” said Halber, who spoke at the rally. He said that from his experience organizing rallies, he believes that there were more than 3,000 or even more than 4,000 attendees. While it’s not a number that matches major rallies like the one held during the First Intifada in the early 2000s, which brought out 100,000 people, or the rally for Soviet Jewry in 1987 that brought 250,000, the turnout, he said, was good for the circumstances. “It was horrible heat. You have to remember, nobody is around in July here in Washington. Everybody is on vacation,” said Halber. “All the kids, all the youth, are at camp or are doing their jobs, and everybody—as soon as they lifted the COVID restrictions—is out of here on vacation.” Added to that Congress being out of session, it was a very difficult time to hold a rally, according to Halber. “And, in spite of that,” he said, “we made a good showing.”
July 12, 2021
Activists gather at the National Mall to protest the rise of antisemitism
The Jerusalem Post
Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said at the event that the Greater Washington community stands strong and united. “We are bolstered by the presence of our Jewish brothers and sisters from across America. And we are strengthened by the support of our interfaith allies and friends,” he said. “We value this unity, because even our nation’s capital has not been immune to the rising tide of antisemitism. “None of us should need to be at a rally against antisemitism in 2021, but we do need to be here because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.” He went on to say that “the Jewish people will not be divided,” and that “we will fight antisemitism from the Right and we will fight antisemitism from the Left; we will hold both of our political parties and all of our elected representatives accountable for protecting Jewish Americans from hatred and oppression.”
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July 11, 2021
The Jewish Voice
The Jerusalem Post reported that among the confirmed speakers at the event were Elisha Wiesel, the son of the late Elie Wiesel; Rabbi Jeffrey Myers from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh; Ron Halber, executive director at the JCRC of Greater Washington; Norm Coleman, chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition; and Ron Klein, chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, among others. --- The Times of Israel reported that Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington said: “None of us should need to be at a rally against anti-Semitism in 2021. “But we do need to be here. Because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.”
July 11, 2021
‘We cannot be scared:’ Some 2,000 rally against antisemitism in DC
The Times of Israel
“None of us should need to be at a rally against antisemitism in 2021,” said Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. “But we do need to be here. Because we must again respond to vile rhetoric, physical attacks and symbols of hatred against our people.”
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July 11, 2021
Numerous Jewish organizations to protest the rise of antisemitism
The Jerusalem Post
Among the confirmed speakers at the event are Elisha Wiesel, the son of the late Elie Wiesel; Rabbi Jeffrey Myers from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh; Ron Halber, executive director at the JCRC of Greater Washington; Norm Coleman, chairman of the Republican Jewish Coalition; and Ron Klein, chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, among others.
June 23, 2021
This organization was supposed to unite Jews. A debate over Black Lives Matter may fuel its demise.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
During the polarizing debate over the Iran nuclear deal in 2015, for example, federations and their JCRCs agonized over whether to support or reject the deal. Those close to the JCPA say the community needs a national organization adept at forging alliances with other groups and providing a Jewish voice in shaping civil society. Ron Halber, executive director of the JCRC of Greater Washington, said the federations, which are more susceptible to donor pressures, are necessarily less agile. “An independent JCPA will shield federations from some of the very, very difficult political issues, and divisive issues,” Halber said.
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June 23, 2021
Washington Jewish Week
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington did not take lightly our choice of words, and we stand behind our statement. We have no desire to engage in a tit-for-tat about this issue, but rather will focus on furthering dialogue between local leaders and the tens of thousands of Jews across Fairfax County and the rest of the DMV who were not only anguished by the death, destruction and terror perpetrated against their Israeli brethren last month, but who are also fearfully grappling with the recent dramatic and unprecedented surge in violent and hateful antisemitism in our own country. The Jewish community’s experience of being targeted is largely unseen by the broader community, and we need the vocal moral support of our leaders now more than ever. As the representatives of the Jewish community in Greater Washington, we are supporting numerous Fairfax County Public Schools stakeholders who have reported in recent weeks about Jewish students, faculty members and even school board members being subjected to horrific, frightening invective online. We look to our local leaders to partner with us in speaking out and bringing the community back together, not to fan the flames of division. We deeply value our relationships with our interfaith and intergroup partners and commend JAMAAT for fostering the dialogue and community-building that are so important to our region. We are committed to this sacred work and to bringing our full identities as Jews and Zionists to the interfaith table when we do so.
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June 23, 2021
This organization was supposed to unite Jews. A debate over Black Lives Matter may fuel its demise.
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
During the polarizing debate over the Iran nuclear deal in 2015, for example, federations and their JCRCs agonized over whether to support or reject the deal. Those close to the JCPA say the community needs a national organization adept at forging alliances with other groups and providing a Jewish voice in shaping civil society. Ron Halber, executive director of the JCRC of Greater Washington, said the federations, which are more susceptible to donor pressures, are necessarily less agile. “An independent JCPA will shield federations from some of the very, very difficult political issues, and divisive issues,” Halber said.
June 20, 2021
Gov. Northam announces new task force on inclusive school meals and calendars, names members
WFXR
Gov. Ralph Northam announced a task force that will explore the best ways to implement culturally inclusive calendars and meals in Virginia’s schools. “When our school environments reflect the history, values, cultures, and traditions of the communities they serve our students are better positioned to learn and thrive,” said Governor Northam.
June 18, 2021
Antisemitic flyers targeting school board members found in Fairfax County
WTOP News
Guila Franklin Siegel, associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, issued a statement condemning the flyers: “Yesterday homes in the Springfield and Sully districts of Fairfax County were targeted with hateful, anti-Semitic, homophobic flyers attacking the Fairfax County Public Schools Board. We are horrified at this expression of hate and at the targeting of elected officials. We note the particular insidiousness of targeting a district that is represented by a Jewish school board member who has been subjected to anti-Semitic rhetoric on previous occasions. Our leaders should not have to endure threats of this kind and such virulent hate has no place in our community. The JCRC is committed to addressing the root causes of hatred and fighting for equity throughout our region.”
June 18, 2021
Northam forms task force to study more inclusive school calendars and meals
Inside Nova
Gov. Ralph Northam has formed a new task force charged with identifying best practices for implementing culturally and religiously inclusive school calendars and serving school meals that accommodate more dietary restrictions. The JCRC's Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky of Silver Spring, Maryland, Director of Intergroup Relations and Rabbi in Residence, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington will be serving on the task force.
June 18, 2021
Ku Klux Klan Fanatics Distribute Antisemitic, Homophobic Flyers Targeting School Board in Virginia
The Algemeiner
In a statement, Guila Franklin Siegel — associate director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington — noted “the particular insidiousness of targeting a district that is represented by a Jewish school board member who has been subjected to antisemitic rhetoric on previous occasions.” “Our leaders should not have to endure threats of this kind and such virulent hate has no place in our community,” Siegel continued.
June 17, 2021
Protecting Our Community: The JCRC Combats Antisemitism
JCRC of Greater Washington
June 17, 2021
Call it Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Omeish said the U.S. was guilty of stealing land from Native Americans. She also denounced "extreme capitalism, individualism and white supremacy." She has previously made remarks, The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington has said, "target and marginalize Jewish students and their families."
June 17, 2021
Virginia's Growing Diversity Puts Focus On School Calendar, Menus
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"Virginia's schools benefit from increasing cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity — this diversity is a great asset, but also presents a challenge as schools strive to serve students of a variety of backgrounds equitably and compassionately," Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni said in a statement Thursday.
June 13, 2021
‘Cause good trouble’: Anti-Israel speaker addresses Virginia high school graduation
World Israel News
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) rescinded its decision to honor Omeish as one of five school board members who partnered with the JCRC to champion “faith equity.” “Ms. Omeish broke that unity by tweeting a one-sided, inaccurate, and hateful statement that smeared Israel, defamed Israelis, and disenfranchised the thousands of Jewish families in her district,” JCRC said in a statement.
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June 7, 2021
2nd Israel banner stolen from Har Shalom
Washington Jewish Week
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) offered to donate the cost of the third replacement banner.
“We stand with Har Shalom,” said executive director Ron Halber.
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June 7, 2021
2nd Israel banner stolen from Har Shalom
Washington Jewish Week
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) offered to donate the cost of the third replacement banner. "We stand with Har Shalom," said executive director Ron Halber.
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May 26, 2021
Principle and courage under fire
Washington Jewish Week
After careful consideration, JCRC decided to rescind its planned honor of Omeish. JCRC was clear and direct in its explanation, calling Omeish’s post “a one-sided, inaccurate, and hateful statement that smeared Israel, defamed Israelis, and disenfranchised the thousands of Jewish families in her district.
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May 22, 2021
Tweet about Israel becomes focus at Fairfax Co. school board meeting
WTOP News
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington was set to honor Omeish this week for her work in making the “academic year calendar more equitable for people of faith minorities.”
