Statements of Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Community Leaders Ron Halber and Meredith R. Weisel on Hate Messages Recently Found in the County

Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday 15 June
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today joined Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, and Meredith R. Weisel, regional director of ADL Washington, D.C., in condemning recent acts of hate that have been displayed in various areas of the County.

• Garrett Park Train Station Vandalized With Hate Symbols and Slogans
• KKK-Related Images Were Briefly Posted On A Damascus High School Review Page
• May 25: Montgomery County Council Releases Statement Condemning Anti-Semitism

Statement of County Executive Elrich:

“We are currently experiencing multiple incidents of hate in Montgomery County over the past two weeks. On May 31, KKK imagery appeared on internet app searches for Damascus High School.  On June 2, in Kemp Mill, antisemitic flyers were posted at Ride-On Station. Last week, on June 7, swastikas were carved at a MARC train station in Garrett Park. And, over past the weekend, flyers with references to groups affiliated with the KKK were discovered in Chevy Chase.

“Our residents are rightfully concerned and we want to assure them that we are mobilized, vigilant and are investigating each of these incidents. I am appreciative of the MCPD leadership and collaboration with the community on these incidents and ensuring our community members feel safe. Whoever is responsible for these incidents should know that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Additionally, the Jewish Community Relations of Greater Washington, together with the Anti-Defamation League, community partners  and the County, including the Montgomery County Police Department, will be hosting an upcoming webinar to discuss the increase of these incidents around the country, and what is being done to keep County residents safe.  I encourage residents to attend this webinar, and I appreciate the leadership of these organizations.”

Statement of Ron Halber:

“Recently, Montgomery County neighborhoods have witnessed anti-Semitic/racist-based vandalism and white supremacist flyers distributed in their communities. While these hate-filled perpetrators are trying to drive us apart, they have failed. These actions have only succeeded in strengthening the resolve of our community leaders to enhance our bonds of friendship and mutual care and support. In Montgomery County, we view our beautiful mosaic of diversity as strength. We thank the County Executive and the Montgomery County Police Department for their leadership, quick action and reassurance that hate has no place in our community.”

Statement of Meredith R. Weisel:

“We’re extremely disturbed to see this uptick in white supremacist, anti-semitic and racist incidents of fliers and vandalism in Montgomery County. Unfortunately, we are seeing a trend across the country of this type of activity, so we urge the community to report to law enforcement any of these types of hateful incidents.”

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