February 17, 2025
Opinion: How lawmakers can help address Maryland’s antisemitism problem
Bethesda Today
These bills aren’t just about Jewish communities in Montgomery County and Maryland — they’re about the kind of state and county we strive to be. This legislative session, Maryland lawmakers have an opportunity — and obligation — to take action that protects students, families, schools and institutions. We are proud to help lead that worthy fight.
August 31, 2024
College plans to deal with protests face tests as students return
The Hill
“I know nationally the Jewish community has been reaching out to university presidents and officials, both at the national level and the state and local level, because everybody has been concerned … if what happened in the spring was going to happen this fall semester,” Ron Halber, the chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
August 29, 2024
Alsobrooks works to shore up support among Jewish voters in Maryland
Jewish Insider
JCRC of Greater Washington CEO Ron Halber said he doesn’t see the Jewish vote as being decisive in the race unless accompanied by a “significant shift” among moderate Democrats broadly.
August 28, 2024
Concerns About Antisemitism in Montgomery County as the New School Year Begins
Washington Jewish Week
As the new school year begins, some Montgomery County Jewish students and their parents are increasingly concerned that antisemitic acts will rise up again, perhaps even more frequently.
August 24, 2024
Local Views: MCPS still has an antisemitism problem
Moco360 Media
The start of a new school year is typically marked by hope, optimism and excitement.
For many Jewish parents, educators and children in Montgomery County, the feelings as school begins Monday are quite different.
August 20, 2024
Antisemitic graffiti found at 4 more Montgomery County schools
NBC Washington
"It affects the entire fabric of the community, said Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the JCRC of Greater Washington. "When such hatred is so boldly splattered across our community, it diminishes everyone."
August 20, 2024
Antisemitic graffiti and other vandalism found at more Montgomery Co. schools
WTOP News
“It’s disappointing that teachers and administrators returned to school today, only to face this kind of hateful graffiti on their building walls,” said Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
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August 20, 2024
Bethesda synagogue hit for second time amid spate of hate-bias vandalism
Moco360 Media
Montgomery County police are investigating multiple “bias-related vandalism” incidents at a Jewish synagogue and a coffee shop in Bethesda as well as several county public schools over the past nine days.
August 20, 2024
MoCo Most Influential 2024, Part Eight
Montgomery Perspective
16 (tie). Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Director Ron Halber (7 votes)
Has everyone’s cell phones and isn’t afraid to use them.
August 19, 2024
District Denounces Antisemitic, Anti-LGBTQ+ Vandalism Found at 4 Schools Monday
mymcm
Referring to the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7 and the ensuing war in Gaza, Franklin Siegel noted that “litigating the war on school walls will do nothing to achieve peace in the affected region and only further inflames tensions and divisiveness here at home.
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August 19, 2024
Antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti found at four more MCPS schools
Moco360 Media
Montgomery County police are investigating “bias-related vandalism” after what was described as antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti was found at four more Montgomery County public schools, according to officials.
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August 12, 2024
‘Despicable': Antisemitic graffiti found outside Bethesda Elementary School
NBC Washington
Antisemitic graffiti was found near Bethesda Elementary School in Maryland on Sunday, according to Montgomery County police.
“To have such graphic, hateful speech at that particular location is despicable,” Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said.
August 12, 2024
Montgomery Co. PD investigate anti-Semitic vandalism outside Bethesda Elementary School
ABC7 WJLA
"What happened here this morning is not a reflection of the best of Montgomery County’s values," said Guila Frankin Siegel, the COO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. "It’s something that impacts not only Jewish students, Jewish families, Jewish individuals, and Jewish allies –-- it affects the entire fabric of the community."
August 12, 2024
Police investigate antisemitic graffiti found at Bethesda school
The Washington Post
“I was thinking to myself, 'These parents have to have a discussion with their children about what rape means, and why Israel — a country that they are connected to, love — is being accused of that crime,” Franklin Siegel said. “I think those parents should not have to have those conversations with their children and that is not how those families should have to be spending their Sunday morning during the summer.”
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August 12, 2024
Antisemitic phrases found spray-painted at Bethesda school, police say
WTOP News
“Unfortunately, these messages — like the recent arson attack on the Jewish Museum in Baltimore — are a stark reminder that antisemitism as an ideology is still pervasive and not so easily erased,” Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the JCRC, said of the graffiti. “We hope the perpetrators of this outrageous desecration of school property are apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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August 12, 2024
Community Unites After Antisemitic Vandalism at Bethesda Elementary School
Washington Jewish Week
“The parents and children who did clean-up received thanks from tons of passersby who appreciated what they were doing. I think all of that is a statement about our community — it was a moment where hatred was answered with decency and sensitivity, not allowing our community to literally be defaced [and] allowing divisiveness to rule,” Franklin Siegel said.
August 12, 2024
Vulgar anti-Semitic graffiti found outside of Bethesda elementary school
FOX 5 Washington DC
Guila Franklin Siegel, the chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said she was disheartened that this happened, especially outside a school and where there’s a popular farmers market, but she was also encouraged by the response, which included volunteers and political leaders.
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August 5, 2024
Guila Franklin Siegel: Combating Antisemitism and Advocating for the Jewish Community
Washington Jewish Week
With nearly 30 years of experience in Jewish community relations and public policy, Guila Franklin Siegel is no stranger to fighting antisemitism.
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August 2, 2024
Israeli Brothers Recount Nova Music Festival Experience, Actions Afterward
Washington Jewish Week
Brothers Daniel and Neria Sharabi saved the lives of fellow festivalgoers at the Nova music festival on Oct. 7 by providing first aid and returning fire at Hamas terrorists. And today, they’re still working to save the lives of the survivors.
July 31, 2024
Attorney General announces appointments to Hate Crimes Commission
WUSA9
Adhering to changes from this year's legislative session, Attorney General Anthony Brown on Wednesday announced appointments to the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention.
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July 31, 2024
Mixed Reactions As Netanyahu Addresses Congress in D.C.
Washington Jewish Week
Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said many people are focusing on the fact that some representatives did not attend.
“I think those who purposely chose not to go because the prime minister was speaking made a mistake,” Halber said. “Overwhelmingly, [Netanyahu] was enthusiastically received — it doesn’t necessarily mean that they agree with all his policies — I think that when a foreign head of state comes to a joint session of Congress, it’s more about the symbolism than the individual.”
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July 27, 2024
DC Council weighs ceasefire resolution
FOX 5 Washington DC
A recent report from the Washington City Paper details conversations within DC Council on whether to introduce a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel/Hamas War. Jim discusses that and more with Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council on "The Final 5."
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July 23, 2024
Authorities stepping up security with protests expected during Netanyahu's visit to DC
FOX 5 Washington DC
"I think there will also be some significant detractors, and I think they will range all the way from the lunatic left fringe that doesn't believe Israel has a right to exist to the more authentic and appropriate protestors -- for example, families representing the hostages."
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July 22, 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in DC and protests increase
WUSA9
Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington says Netanyahu is reaching a point where he must make a decision on accepting a ceasefire or perhaps the collapse of his government as he plans to sit with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this week.
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July 22, 2024
Netanyahu visit to DC sparks protest, questions over future of ceasefire
WUSA9
“I’d say to the prime minister to please keep Israel a bipartisan matter in the United States,” said Ron Halber of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. “In the last six months, I would expect an unhindered President Biden, who doesn't have to worry about re-election, flexing his muscles and priorities and I think the prime minister will come under pressure to come to a ceasefire agreement.”
