Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Antisemitism

Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on Antisemitism

Antisemitic language, threats, and actions have no place in Montgomery County, our state, and throughout our nation and world. Similar to recent violence and vitriol against our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, the Jewish community of Montgomery County understandably is alarmed by the rise in antisemitic incidents that are currently occurring in our society.

While the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) has not had reports of any specific incidents at this time, they are vigilantly monitoring and increasing patrols around synagogues as well as Jewish businesses and communities. We continue to ask that if anyone experiences any form of hate or threats because of their racial, religious, ethnic, gender, and/or sexual orientation, they report these incidents to law enforcement. If you believe a bias/hate crime has occurred, please call 301-279-8000, or, in an emergency, dial 9-1-1, to report the incident to MCPD immediately.

I am all too aware of antisemitism, having grown up with it. And it is incredibly sad and disheartening that antisemitism, like other irrational biases, is still in our society in 2021. Montgomery County is a place of diversity, inclusion, and equity. We will have no tolerance for antisemitism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia or bigotry in any forms – in our homes, schools, places of business, government or online.

We will continue to monitor, help and protect all of our communities who receive threats, provocation or feel fear. Every inhabitant and visitor should be welcomed and feel safe in every neighborhood of Montgomery County.