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.
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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.
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January 27, 2022
JCRC Statement on Fairfax County School Board landmark vote for equitable calendar
JCRC of Greater Washington
Tonight the Fairfax County School Board for the first time adopted an academic calendar that includes closures on three days coinciding with widely observed minority-faith holidays, Yom Kippur, Eid-al-Fitr and Diwali, as well as a professional day on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. It also includes scheduled professional days on Veteran’s Day and Orthodox Good Friday. This brings Fairfax County into alignment with five neighboring schools districts across Northern Virginia that had already adopted more equitable, inclusive calendars.
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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.
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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.
Federation and the JCRC remain committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred everywhere in America.
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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. -
December 21, 2021
JCRC of Greater Washington
Joint JCRC, ADL and American Jewish Committee Statement on DCPS Holocaust Education Incident
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October 26, 2021
JCRC Says New FCPS “O” Calendar Does Not Remedy Accommodation Failures
JCRC of Greater Washington
Results of High Holiday survey highlight consequences of refusal to adopt equitable, inclusive calendar
WASHINGTON DC- October 26, 2021 - 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.
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October 21, 2021
JCRC Outraged by Sunrise DC’s Antisemitic Statement
JCRC of Greater Washington
Agency condemns divisive action ahead of Freedom to Vote Rally in D.C.
WASHINGTON DC—October 20, 2021 – The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington this evening issued the following statement in response to Sunrise DC’s declining a speaking slot at the Freedom to Vote rally this weekend, due to the participation of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), and the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC):
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October 1, 2021
Jewish Community Outraged by Antisemitic Attack on Elected Official
JCRC of Greater Washington
Jewish Community Outraged by Antisemitic Attack
on Elected Official
JCRC Demands Response by Gubernatorial Candidates -
September 9, 2021
Jewish Community Applauds Gov. Northam for Religious Sensitivity
JCRC of Greater Washington
Jewish Community Applauds Gov. Northam
for Religious Sensitivity -
July 30, 2021
Jewish Community Dismayed by Trend of Offensive Remarks Minimizing the Holocaust
JCRC of Greater Washington
WASHINGTON DC—July 30, 2021 – 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.
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June 17, 2021
Protecting Our Community: The JCRC Combats Antisemitism
JCRC of Greater Washington
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May 19, 2021
JCRC Rescinds Honor to Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish
JCRC of Greater Washington
JCRC Rescinds Honor to Fairfax County School Board Member Abrar Omeish
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.
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May 11, 2021
Statement on Situation in Israel
JCRC of Greater Washington
The JCRC of Greater Washington stands with our sisters and brothers in Israel. We condemn Hamas and Islamic Jihad, whose rocket fire incessantly and indiscriminately targets Israelis, and we mourn the deaths of those who have been killed in the barrage. The violence perpetuated by Hamas terrorists has no justification.
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April 30, 2021
JCRC of Greater Washington
Dear Friends,
As we enter a somber Shabbat for the Jewish people, we are still reeling from the tragic loss of life at Mount Meron in Israel during a celebration of Lag Ba’Omer. Many families are still searching for their loved ones, while others are caring for the seriously injured, or grieving.
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April 20, 2021
JCRC Statement: A Step Towards Justice
JCRC of Greater Washington
Dear Friends,
Today jurors in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin found the defendant guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd.
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April 8, 2021
JCRC of Greater Washington
Washington, DC - April 8, 2021 - Executive Director of The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington, Ron Halber, today issued the following statement following offensive and hurtful remarks made by Maryland State Delegate Daniel Cox on Holocaust Remembrance Day when he attempted to compare a bill that would allow children to seek mental health treatment to the horrors of the Holocaust:
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March 19, 2021
FCPS School Calendar Vote: A letter from the JCRC
JCRC of Greater Washington
Dear Friends:
As Shabbat nears, we want to take a moment to reflect on last night’s deeply disappointing vote by the Fairfax County School Board. Like so many of you, we hoped that meaningful progress was finally within reach, after years of struggling with FCPS over unfair treatment of Jewish students forced to miss school on our holidays, endure inappropriate Christmas-related activities, and bear the brunt of increasing incidents of antisemitism.
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March 18, 2021
Letter to Montgomery County Board of Education on Proposed 2021-2022 Calendar Options
JCRC of Greater Washington
To: Hon. Brenda Wolff and Members of The Montgomery County Board of Education
cc: Dr. Jack Smith
Dr. Monifa McKnight
Mr. Troy Boddy
Dear President Wolff and fellow Board of Education members:
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January 7, 2021
Jewish Community of the Nation’s Capital Condemns Violence at U.S. Capitol
JCRC of Greater Washington
Washington DC - Jan. 6, 2021 - The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington condemns the lawlessness and violence taking place in our nation’s capital. Today, the JCRC issued the following statement:
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December 4, 2020
JCRC of Greater Washington
Washington DC —Dec. 4, 2020 – The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington today applauded the Arlington County School Board and the Loudoun County School Board for voting to adopt academic calendars for the 2021-2022 school year that will close schools on days coinciding with major religious observances.
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November 7, 2020
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his victory in the 2020 presidential election. American citizens came out in record numbers to participate in our democracy and their voices have been heard and counted. We further congratulate Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on her historic victory as the first woman, black person, and person of South Asian descent to be elected to the office of Vice President.
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October 13, 2020
The JCRC Statement on Threat to VA Governor Northam
JCRC of Greater Washington
Washington DC – Executive Director of The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington Ron Halber and JCRC President Ronald A. Paul, MD today issued the following statement:
The JCRC is alarmed that conspirators who this week plotted to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also discussed Virginia Governor Ralph Northam as a potential target. Violence or violent threats targeting elected leaders are abhorrent in a civilized society and threaten the foundation of our democratic system.
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September 17, 2020
The Jewish Community of the Nation's Capital Dismayed at Lack of Holocaust Awareness
JCRC of Greater Washington
Washington DC—September 17, 2020 – The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington is shocked and dismayed at the U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey put out by The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany. The report reveals appallingly low levels of Holocaust awareness and understanding among American millennials and members of Generation Z in our region.
