For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 20, 2020
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 20, 2020—Montgomery County Councilmembers Andrew Friedson, Sidney Katz (who serves as Council President) and Gabe Albornoz will host a town hall event entitled “A Discussion of Security for Our Faith Communities” on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the third-floor hearing room of the Montgomery County Council Office Building (100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville). Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones is also expected to attend.
Since 2017, jurisdictions across the U.S. have experienced a rise in hate speech, violence and other hate crimes directed at communities of faith. This event provides an opportunity for members of all of the County’s diverse faith communities to work with the Council in discussing and addressing their immediate and long-term safety and security concerns.
“With a deeply disturbing rise in acts of violence and hatred against people and institutions of faith, we must step up to ensure that every Montgomery County resident can safely worship free from fear,” Councilmember Friedson said. “An attack against anyone in our community based on their faith or religion is an attack against the community itself. I’m proud to join Council colleagues to provide this constructive opportunity for residents to communicate their concerns and inform us on how we can best help."
“I look forward to hearing from our faith community partners,” said Council President Katz, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “There is a need for us to act quickly and proactively to address their urgent concerns.”
“Hate and intolerance has no place in our community, especially in our places of worship,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, “This is why I am joining my Council colleagues to host a meaningful discussion on how to best protect our residents from harm.”
This event is free and open to the public. Residents who wish to attend can RSVP here or by e-mail at Councilmember.Friedson@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov. RSVPing is encouraged but not required. Interpretation services are available but must be requested at least three business days prior to the event.
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Release ID: 20-051