JCRC Statement
October 1, 2026
The following is a statement from Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
“JCRC appreciates MCPS’ prompt reply to Jewish clergy in our area who raised serious concerns about antisemitism in our schools. The urgency of this problem demands a swift response.
“The district’s commitment to engage in immediate dialogue with Jewish leaders is welcome, but cannot signal a prolonged process without action. Jewish families do not have the luxury of waiting for an entire school year or even a semester. School leaders should be implementing the specific recommendations that JCRC has been communicating to MCPS for years, which have now been endorsed by more than 40 local Jewish clergy from every corner of our community, as well as our partners at the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee.
“JCRC’s teacher and administrator training programs are available right now. Our Holocaust speakers have presentations ready right now. Our Student to Student peer leaders are willing and able to talk about their experiences right now. These programs are effective and free of charge to MCPS.
“Alongside our dedicated clergy and partners, JCRC is committed to working collaboratively to create safer and more inclusive school communities throughout MCPS. We urge district leaders to take full advantage of the wealth of resources being offered to them.”