May 1, 2023
Statement upon Senator Ben Cardin’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2024
JCRC of Greater Washington
For more than 55 years, Ben Cardin has devoted his life to public service to improve the lives of all Marylanders, first in the State House and then on Capitol Hill. He has been an extraordinarily effective leader, legislator, and unapologetic consensus builder who embodies Jewish values. Through unyielding moral clarity on the issues that mattered most to him and the constituents he served -- voting rights, access to health care, human rights, the environment and, of course, a strong and prosperous Israel – he has worked across party lines to pass meaningful legislation that benefits all Americans.
-
March 9, 2023
Statement on Minister Smotrich's Visit
JCRC of Greater Washington
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s upcoming visit to the United States has galvanized opposition across the American political spectrum and the U.S. Jewish community. The hateful views long expressed by Minister Smotrich are abhorrent, are opposed by a majority of Israeli citizens, and run contrary to Jewish values. No public servant should ever condone or incite hatred or hate-motivated violence, and when they do, they will be fiercely condemned by a wide swath of American Jewry.
-
February 28, 2023
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Virginia Jewish Communities thank the General Assembly for their bipartisan work in adopting – by overwhelming majority – the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as a guide and tool for training, education, understanding and combatting antisemitism. Thank you to Delegates and Senators from both sides of the aisle, as well as the Governor and Attorney General, for engaging in the discussion and finding consensus – a process that, in and of itself, highlighted the alarming rise in antisemitism and provided an opportunity to discuss the many forms that antisemitism can take.
-
February 22, 2023
JCRC Responds to Dr. McKnight Remarks
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC is gratified that Dr. McKnight’s remarks today about the cascade of recent antisemitic incidents within MCPS included specific measures being taken to ensure greater accountability for perpetrators of these incidents. Students and their parents must know that there will be serious consequences for the propagation of ugly hatred that deeply, tangibly harms our Jewish students, families and employees and those of other marginalized groups. Suspensions come and go, but hopefully the mandatory involvement of parents and the threat of incidents appearing on students’ permanent records will serve as a deterrent and a strong statement about our school system’s values and priorities.
-
December 17, 2022
Joint response to new antisemitic incidents
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC of Greater Washington, ADL DC, AJC DC, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington are angered and disgusted by the additional acts of antisemitic graffiti and vandalism in our region this weekend. Antisemitic symbols were found yesterday at a bus stop bench at Montgomery Mall. This morning, horrific antisemitic statements were found spray painted on the Walt Whitman High School sign. These incidents come on the heels of the graphic hateful graffiti found on the Bethesda Trolley trail just weeks ago. Antisemitic vandalism and graffiti were also recently reported at the Rock Creek Park trail in Washington, DC.
-
November 1, 2022
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC of Greater Washington thanks the Montgomery County Council for passing a non- binding resolution that affirms using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA ) definition of antisemitism as an educational tool in combating antisemitism in all forms of its manifestations. This resolution is overwhelmingly supported by Montgomery County’s diverse Jewish community.
-
July 14, 2022
Faith Community Advisory Group Statement on recent hate incidents
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Faith Community Advisory Group is very disturbed to learn about the incidents impacting St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Parish, North Bethesda United Methodist Church, and Wildwood Baptist Church over the weekend. We strongly condemn these manifestations of intolerance and hate. In this difficult time, we stand firmly with the community members impacted and encourage those who reside in Montgomery County, MD to continue to work toward building a more inclusive community that welcomes and respects people no matter their religion, race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity or disability. Differences in opinions and viewpoints are not a reason for anyone to take hateful actions, and prove our need for mutual respect and understanding in Montgomery County.
-
June 28, 2022
JCRC CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT DECISION IN SCHOOL PRAYER CASE
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC of Greater Washington joins numerous other Jewish organizations in condemning the Supreme Court’s decision yesterday in Kennedy v. Bremerton. In ruling that a high school football coach who led on-field Christian prayers immediately after games had not violated the Constitution’s Establishment Clause, the Court has turned church-state jurisprudence on its head, leaving students of minority faiths (and of no faith) feeling unseen, unheard, and unprotected from the pressures of religious conformity and indoctrination.
-
June 24, 2022
JCRC CONDEMNS SUPREME COURT DECISION OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE
JCRC of Greater Washington
Agency will forcefully oppose efforts to limit abortion access in the DMV, and work in coalition to ensure that our region is prepared to provide medical care to thousands of additional women
-
June 2, 2022
Statement on Antisemitic Vandalism in Montgomery County
JCRC of Greater Washington
This morning, hateful, antisemitic flyers referencing the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and featuring white supremacist tags, were posted on a bus stop in the heart of the Kemp Mill Orthodox Jewish Community at the corner of Arcola Avenue and Lamberton Streets in Kemp Mill. We are shocked and outraged at this blatant attempt to intimidate and put fear into our Jewish community throughout our County and region. The Montgomery County Police Department is investigating this incident and they are working to determine who was behind this horrible act. It is our hope that the people who are responsible for this act are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
-
May 24, 2022
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington is pleased to announce that it has been awarded grants from the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW), the Shapiro Foundation, and the Welcome US Fund, to coordinate and expand Jewish engagement in the local resettlement of Afghan newcomers.
-
March 29, 2022
JCRC & Federation Statement Following Today's Terror Shooting Attack in Israel
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the JCRC of Greater Washington condemn today’s deadly terror shooting attack in Israel—the most recent in a spate of vile attacks by those opposed to peace—and we are heartbroken by the loss of at least five Israeli lives. The continued incitement of violence has no justification, and we call upon all peace-loving individuals to join us in its condemnation.
-
March 22, 2022
JCRC & Federation Statement Following Today's Stabbing Attack
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the JCRC of Greater Washington are horrified by today’s brutal terror attack in Beersheba, Israel, and heartbroken by the loss of at least four innocent Israeli lives. This follows several stabbing attempts in Israel over the past few weeks. The continued incitement of violence perpetuated by Islamic extremists has no justification, and we join Israel’s Jewish and Arab political parties in their unified condemnation of the attack.
-
January 27, 2022
JCRC Statement on Fairfax County School Board landmark vote for equitable calendar
JCRC of Greater Washington
We are elated that the Fairfax County School Board has taken this landmark, long overdue step to advance equity for minority-faith students. Tonight’s vote is a game-changer; it will have an immediate, dramatic impact on FCPS’ Jewish students and employees, as well as those of other minority faiths, who for the first time will feel that they have been truly seen and heard. Importantly, it also remedies the system-wide confusion and hardships caused by the current “O” calendar, which both teachers and students found highly problematic, and gives Veteran’s Day the recognition it deserves. And it accomplishes all of this without disadvantaging hourly workers or diminishing quality instruction, recognizing the importance to staff of aligning FCPS’ calendar with those of neighboring jurisdictions.
-
January 27, 2022
Important News: Montgomery County Jewish Institutions Awarded Operating Dollars for Security Needs
JCRC of Greater Washington
We are pleased to inform you that at a press conference today headlined by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, he announced that the county has awarded a total of $700,000 in security grants for faith based non-profit organizations. In contrast to the federal and Maryland state security grants that are geared towards capital needs, this grant is focused on operating funds -that is resources to hire off-duty police officers to protect our houses of worship, day schools, and agencies.
-
January 16, 2022
Grateful for a safe resolution
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council are immensely grateful and relieved that the hostages held in Congregation Beth Israel are now free. We commend the bravery of the FBI, state, and local law enforcement who ensured this situation resolved safely. Our hearts and thoughts remain with the Colleyville Jewish community. We pray for the complete healing of all those involved in this deeply traumatic event.
-
January 15, 2022
JCRC/Federation statement on hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX
JCRC of Greater Washington
Shabbat should be a time of peace and joy. But this Shabbat, the Jewish community of Colleyville, Texas was attacked by an assailant who took hostages at area synagogue Congregation Beth Israel. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington stand with the Texas Jewish community as this frightening situation continues to unfold, and we pray for a swift and safe resolution. No one should ever be afraid to assemble in their place of worship. This situation is a sobering reminder that we must continue to combat and condemn antisemitism and all forms of hatred in America.
-
December 21, 2021
JCRC of Greater Washington
Leaders of the JCRC of Greater Washington, the ADL Washington, D.C., and American Jewish Committee (AJC) met Monday evening with Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Chancellor of the DC Public Schools, and Rev. Thomas Bowen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, to discuss the horrific incident at Watkins Elementary School involving a school librarian who allegedly instructed third grade students to reenact the elements of the Holocaust. Dr. Ferebee was joined by several members of DCPS’ equity and elementary school management teams.
-
October 26, 2021
JCRC Says New FCPS “O” Calendar Does Not Remedy Accommodation Failures
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) yesterday wrote to the Fairfax County School Board to share the results of its informal survey of Jewish parents, teachers, and students who sought accommodations to observe the High Holidays last month.
-
October 21, 2021
JCRC Outraged by Sunrise DC’s Antisemitic Statement
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC is outraged by Sunrise DC’s refusal to speak at the Freedom to Vote rally this weekend due to the participation of the JCPA, NCJW and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. The “opposition to Zionism” Sunrise DC so proudly espouses constitutes the fundamental denial of the Jewish people’s right to self-determination and is therefore antisemitic at its core.
-
October 1, 2021
Jewish Community Outraged by Antisemitic Attack on Elected Official
JCRC of Greater Washington
As the Jewish high holidays came to a close on Wednesday evening, we were outraged to learn of yet another incident of campaign-related antisemitism in Virginia, this one targeting Delegate Dan Helmer. The Northern Virginia state legislative incumbent candidate was targeted in a mailer created by a challenging candidate in which Helmer’s digitally altered image is shown—in a classic antisemitic trope, overlooking stacks of oversized gold coins.
-
September 9, 2021
Jewish Community Applauds Gov. Northam for Religious Sensitivity
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington today thanked Virginia Governor Ralph Northam for elevating and recognizing the critical importance of cultural and religious sensitivity in our school systems. Governor Northam heard recommendations from a taskforce he appointed to determine how Commonwealth schools can increase religious equity.
-
July 30, 2021
Jewish Community Dismayed by Trend of Offensive Remarks Minimizing the Holocaust
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington is dismayed by yet another instance of a public figure making offensive remarks that minimize the Holocaust in what has become a sickening trend. History teacher and candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Julie Perry this week likened being a conservative in Virginia to being a Jew in Nazi Germany. Also this week, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates Charles Russel Harper on Twitter compared yellow wristbands given to NFL players to signify their unvaccinated status to the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear by the Nazi regime.
-
June 17, 2021
Protecting Our Community: The JCRC Combats Antisemitism
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC envisions a Greater Washington Region with zero tolerance for antisemitism. The recent sharp rise in antisemitic incidents resulting from the conflict between Israel and Hamas demonstrates the need for the JCRC’s ongoing efforts to address this oldest hatred. As only one example among many, just yesterday, we were horrified to learn of hateful, antisemitic, homophobic flyers attacking the Fairfax County School Board distributed at homes in the Springfield and Sully districts. The JCRC is committed to responding forcefully to these hateful attacks and building a community of mutual respect for all.
-
May 19, 2021
JCRC Rescinds Honor to Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC has cancelled its decision to honor at its annual meeting to be held tomorrow, May 20, Ms. Abrar Omeish, one of the five members of the Fairfax County School Board who partnered with the JCRC to champion faith equity during the Board’s recent deliberations on the 2021-2022 calendar.
