For Immediate Release: Monday 14 November
For the second time in just over three months, the Bethesda Trolley Trail has been tagged with antisemitic graffiti in the Wildwood Manor neighborhood. Additionally, we also learned of a second location, at Old Georgetown Road and Tuckerman Lane, where more antisemitic graffiti was tagged on a brick wall.
Montgomery County response teams have already removed the hateful images. I visited the trail after the first incident in August and it deeply saddened me to see this. My Chief Administrative Officer, Rich Madaleno, visited this morning and was also appalled. To see this happen again just a few months later is truly upsetting.
Antisemitism, hate, and attempts at intimidation, in any form, should not exist nor be tolerated anywhere, especially in a community like Montgomery County. I have had to personally deal with antisemitism throughout my entire life, and I have always hoped that there would be a day in my lifetime when it would no longer be a part of our society. Sadly, from pop culture icons to right wing hate groups, we are witnessing a rise in antisemitism throughout this nation. I never imagined we would be at this place in the 21st century.
We must combat these tragic and despicable incidents through unity in every neighborhood and community throughout the County. We are one of the most diverse jurisdictions anywhere in the world and now is a time when we need to use it to make us stronger. We must support and uplift our Jewish community during this time and we must continue to not tolerate hate in any form in Montgomery County, the state of Maryland and in this nation.
I encourage anyone with any knowledge or information about these crimes to contact the Montgomery County Police Department as soon as possible. I have followed up with MCPD Chief Marcus Jones about the concerns from the community regarding these incidents. I also want to thank the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington for their partnership, outreach and engagement whenever antisemitic incidents arise. Their concern and care for our Jewish residents is greatly needed and appreciated during difficult moments such as this.
Statement from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington:
“JCRC appreciates the high priority that the county has placed on combatting antisemitism, illustrated today by the county’s quick attention, including law enforcement’s swift response. We thank the County Executive for is words of support and Chief Jones for his immediate and personal attention to this matter.”