JCRC Statement
June 13, 2025
The following is a statement from Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington.
“We are deeply grateful to the on-site security officers and Montgomery County police officers who responded to the incident on Thursday afternoon at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School (JDS). The swift actions of law enforcement personnel prevented potential violence and kept students, parents, and staff safe.
Video footage of the incident shows an individual, who was allegedly carrying a knife, making anti-Jewish comments, in addition to other hateful language. While the investigation is ongoing, the situation is yet another reminder that Jewish families and institutions remain under near-constant threat. It also demonstrates the importance of state and local governments continuing to make security dollars available to nonprofit institutions that are at risk of attacks. It is precisely because of those dollars that JDS was able to hire the on-site security officers who were on the scene. That investment can and does save lives.
JCRC is committed to ensuring that Jewish institutions throughout our region can operate safely, openly and proudly. We will continue working closely with law enforcement, elected officials, and community partners to protect our institutions and confront antisemitism wherever it appears."