September 11, 2025
JCRC Statement on Gun Violence in America
JCRC of Greater Washington
Yesterday’s assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah and a shooting that wounded students at a high school in Colorado are horrific reminders of the gun violence epidemic that plagues our country. The United States has the highest homicide rate in the world among developed nations, and gun violence is the leading cause of death for American children. Regardless of our political leanings, these facts should be unacceptable to all of us.
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September 10, 2025
JCRC Statement on Palestinian Folktale in MCPS Curriculum
JCRC of Greater Washington
In recent days, some Jewish MCPS parents have raised concerns about a Palestinian folktale called “Tunjur! Tunjur! Tunjur!” that is taught in some first grade classrooms. We take parental concerns seriously — particularly when they are related to antisemitism or anti-Zionism generally, or more specifically October 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza.
The book’s text and illustrations do not reference the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or Jews at all. Nevertheless, we spoke directly with the author, which confirmed our own professional analysis: We believe that this children’s story is appropriate and beneficial for all students.
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September 8, 2025
JCRC Statement on Terror Attack in Jerusalem
JCRC of Greater Washington
The slaughter of six people at a bus stop in Jerusalem is a horrific reminder that Israel’s enemies have no regard for innocent human life
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August 11, 2025
JCRC Statement on President Trump’s Actions Today in DC
JCRC of Greater Washington
As home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the country, the JCRC of Greater Washington has for decades proudly supported the principles of self-determination and home rule for Washington, DC. The Administration’s decision to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deploy National Guard troops into our nation’s capital is an affront to those principles, every city resident, and democracy itself.
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August 8, 2025
JCRC Statement on Federal Murder and Hate Crimes Charge Against Capital Jewish Museum Shooter
JCRC of Greater Washington
The horrific killings of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky showed how extreme antisemitic violence shatters lives in an instant. Our Jewish community continues to feel the pain of their senseless deaths as we keep them, their families, and their colleagues at the Israeli embassy forever in our hearts.
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July 18, 2025
JCRC Statement on Deadly Airstrike of the Holy Family Catholic Church
JCRC of Greater Washington
We recognize the pain felt by Catholics as they mourn their brothers and sisters in faith and stand with them in this difficult time. The Jewish people remain steadfast in our commitment to friendship and dialogue with the Catholic Church.
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July 8, 2025
JCRC Statement on Expulsion of Three Jewish Students from the Nysmith School
JCRC of Greater Washington
“Amidst the hundreds of school-based antisemitic incidents to which JCRC professionals have responded since October 7th, the case involving the Nysmith School stands out for its particular callousness and disregard."
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June 30, 2025
JCRC Statement on Passing of Woman Targeted in Antisemitic Boulder Firebombing
JCRC of Greater Washington
Karen Diamond, an 82-year-old woman walking to raise awareness of hostages being held by Hamas terrorists, joins Israeli Embassy staffers Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky as innocent people who have been murdered simply for being Jewish."
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June 22, 2025
JCRC Statement on U.S. Missile Strikes Against Iran Nuclear Facilities
JCRC of Greater Washington
As the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, Iran must never be permitted to develop or secure nuclear weapons. Over the past ten days, military strikes launched by Israel and now the United States have dealt a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. We welcome this development, and the rest of the world should as well.
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June 13, 2025
JCRC Statement on Operation Rising Lion
JCRC of Greater Washington
JCRC unequivocally supports Israel’s right and responsibility to defend itself against Iran. A nuclear-armed Iran would present an existential threat to Israel and put millions of lives at risk. We salute the courage and bravery of the Israel Defense Forces who at this very moment are protecting the entire world.
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June 13, 2025
JCRC Statement on Thursday Incident at Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
JCRC of Greater Washington
We are deeply grateful to the on-site security officers and Montgomery County police officers who responded to the incident on Thursday afternoon at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (JDS). The swift actions of law enforcement personnel prevented potential violence and kept students, parents, and staff safe.
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May 22, 2025
JCRC Statement on Murders of Israeli Embassy Staff and Need for Increased Security Funding
JCRC of Greater Washington
The DC Jewish community is reeling with grief and shock at the unbearable loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. Sarah and Yaron were young and vibrant adults at the prime of their lives, planning a beautiful future together. They also demonstrated wisdom and compassion well beyond their years, working to foster respect and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians to help achieve an elusive peace.
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May 21, 2025
JCRC Statement on Passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC of Greater Washington is saddened by the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly, a longtime public servant with whom we have enjoyed strong relations dating to his 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
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May 12, 2025
JCRC Statement on Release of Edan Alexander
JCRC of Greater Washington
"Nearly 600 days since Edan Alexander was kidnapped and subsequently held hostage by Hamas terrorists in deplorable conditions, we share in his family’s joy and relief that he has been returned safely. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Trump Administration officials who worked hard to secure Edan’s release and pray for his physical and emotional recovery."
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April 30, 2025
JCRC Statement on Removal of Appointees to US Holocaust Memorial Board of Trustees
JCRC of Greater Washington
"The sudden dismissal of trustees well before their terms expired — without any apparent cause and just days after Jewish people around the world commemorated Yom Hashoah — is an unwarranted intrusion into the museum’s operations, which by design and in practice are strictly nonpartisan."
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April 24, 2025
JCRC Statement on Misguided BDS Resolution at Georgetown University
JCRC of Greater Washington
"We strongly urge Georgetown’s campus community to see this resolution for what it really is—antisemitism masquerading as social justice— and for students to demand real leadership from a government that right now is failing to act in their best interests."
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April 21, 2025
JCRC Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis
JCRC of Greater Washington
"The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington joins Catholics in our local community and worldwide in mourning the loss of His Holiness, Pope Francis, a champion of interfaith dialogue who was committed to expanding Catholic-Jewish relations."
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March 12, 2025
JCRC Statement on Proposed Cuts to the District of Columbia's Budget by the US Senate
JCRC of Greater Washington
"The proposed spending bill currently being considered by the U.S. Senate would cut approximately $1.1 billion from the District of Columbia’s budget, which is funded by local taxes. This is completely inappropriate and will be devastating for the District. Money paid by DC taxpayers, who have long advocated for statehood, should be used at their discretion."
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February 20, 2025
JCRC Statement on the Murders of the Bibas Family and Oded Lifshitz
JCRC of Greater Washington
Our hearts are shattered today. No words can fully convey the depth of our grief and anger over the senseless murders of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, their mother Shiri Bibas, and Oded Lifshitz
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January 18, 2025
JCRC Statement on Postponement of Leading Israeli Doctor's Speech at UMD School of Medicine
JCRC of Greater Washington
The decision to temporarily postpone Dr. Elon Glassberg’s address at the University of Maryland School of Medicine was unfortunately necessary in light of security threats that no hospital should be forced to deal with, but which were sparked by the unjustified opposition to his appearance.
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January 15, 2025
JCRC Statement on Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
JCRC of Greater Washington
The ceasefire agreement announced today offers real possibilities and hope for the eventual return of all remaining hostages and an end to hostilities
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January 10, 2025
Joint JCRC Statement with Mason Hillel on Recent Events Involving George Mason University
JCRC of Greater Washington
Recent antisemitic threats uncovered by security personnel at George Mason University illustrate how difficult and scary life still is for many Jewish students at colleges and universities across the country. Fortunately, the steps taken by GMU administrators following these developments exemplify strong leadership and demonstrate much-needed commitment to and compassion for Jewish members of their community.
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December 10, 2024
JCRC of Greater Washington
The latest racist incident at Wootton High School — the n-word being written on a Black student’s desk — follows a series of egregious racist and antisemitic incidents at the school in recent years.
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November 22, 2024
JCRC of Greater Washington
We condemn the ICC for issuing an antisemitic ruling that draws a moral equivalence between Hamas’s slaughter of 1,200 innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, and Israel engaging in its basic right to self-defense against a terrorist adversary
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November 11, 2024
JCRC Statement on Vandalism at Char Bar on Kristallnacht Anniversary
JCRC of Greater Washington
We are disgusted and heartbroken to hear about the vandalism at Char Bar that appears to be the latest display of targeted violence against a Jewish-owned business.
