BJC IN THE NEWS
Maryland politicos weigh in on Israeli-Hamas war
Baltimore Banner
March 17, 2024
Maryland politicians weighed in on the Israeli-Hamas war over the weekend, appearing on major talk shows as concerns seem to be growing about a humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, weighed in on the Maryland senators’ recent talking points in an email to The Baltimore Banner on Sunday. Speaking for the council, Libit said Van Hollen’s approach to condition or limit United States assistance to Israel is wrong. The relationship between the countries “is too important.” Click here for the full article.
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Maryland rabbis pen letter to U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen after push to block weapons to Israel
WJZ-TV
March 14, 2024
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen has also been questioning Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military operation in their war with Hamas. The senator’s remarks, however, do not sit well with a large group of Maryland rabbis. The leader of Baltimore’s Jewish Council Howard Libit says Van Hollen’s recent statements are driving a wedge within the Jewish community. Click here for the full article.
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The Associated, BJC Host Two Invitation-Only Screenings of Oct. 7 Footage
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 13, 2024
When Howard Libit watched the raw footage from the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, what stood out to him the most was the glee from the terrorists as they murdered, mutilated and kidnapped people in southern Israel. “They were laughing,” Libit said. “They were excitedly calling relatives. They were sharing it on social media. That kind of depravity and joy and killing innocent people is beyond me.” Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, watched the footage for the first time on March 4 at a film screening organized by the BJC, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Embassy of Israel. Click here for the full article.
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4 ‘antisemitic’ graffiti incidents in Cockeysville being investigated by Baltimore County Police
Baltimore Sun
March 5, 2024
Baltimore County Police are investigating “antisemitic” graffiti in Cockeysville. On Saturday, officers responded around 5 p.m. to reports of four incidents of graffiti on the 200 block of West Warren Road near a recycling plant, on the 10500 block of York Road, on a state highway sign for westbound of Warren Road, and at the intersection of York Avenue and Warren Road, according to the department. “We condemn the antisemitic and anti-Israel graffiti that was found in northern Baltimore County over the weekend,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, in an emailed statement. “It is one thing to disagree in a respectful manner. But hate has no place in our community, and the graffiti that we see crosses the line into hate. This is just another example of the staggering surge in antisemitism that we have seen since the October 7th attack.” Click here for the full article.
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Several antisemitic graffiti incidents reported in Cockeysville
WBAL-TV
March 4, 2024
Baltimore County police are investigating several instances of antisemitic graffiti found in Cockeysville. Baltimore Jewish Council executive director Howard Libit issued a statement, saying in part, “We condemn the antisemitic and anti-Israel graffiti that was found in northern Baltimore County over the weekend. It is one thing to disagree in a respectful manner, but hate has no place in our community, and the graffiti that we see crosses the line into hate.” Click here for the full article.
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Police Investigate Antisemitic Graffiti in Cockeysville
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 4, 2024
The Baltimore County Police Department is investigating several incidents of graffiti found in the Cockeysville area over the weekend, including at a youth baseball field. The graffiti is being investigated as a bias incident and for the destruction of property. Click here for the full article.
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250 Marylanders Participate in Jewish Advocacy Day
Baltimore Jewish Times
Feb. 28, 2024
More than 250 people from across the state traveled to Annapolis for Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day, which took place in person for the first time since the pandemic. The day, which happened on Wednesday, Feb. 21, was organized by the Baltimore Jewish Council, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Howard County, JCRC of Greater Washington and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. “Showing up as a community is hugely important,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “Lawmakers know that our community cares, and they hear us when we advocate for issues that are important.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council Presents: Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day 2024
JMORE Living
Feb. 21, 2024
On Feb. 21, 2024, the BJC will join with our partners at The Associated Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the JCRC of Greater Washington, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, and the JCRC of Howard County to host lawmakers and members of the community for Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day. Click here for the full article.
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Anti-Israel Resolution in the Maryland Legislature Likely to ‘End up in the Dust Bin’
Baltimore Jewish Times
Feb. 15, 2024
A nonbinding resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire “in Israel and Palestine” was introduced in the Maryland House of Delegates late last month. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, also criticized the state legislators who are calling for a cease-fire. “I hardly think anyone in the Middle East or Congress is looking to see what Maryland is saying in a non-binding resolution,” he said. A cease-fire would allow Hamas to continue attacking, which it has vowed to do, Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Leaders Express Concerns about Support for Jewish Student Life at Goucher
JMORE Living
Feb. 2, 2024
Jewish life at Goucher College goes back more than a century. But in a letter to Goucher’s administration, local and regional Jewish leaders expressed their deep concern about the protection of Jewish students and groups on the Towson campus in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and amid skyrocketing antisemitism at colleges across the nation. The letter was signed by Marc B. Terrill, president of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore; Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit; Mark B. Rotenberg, vice president for university initiatives and general counsel at Hillel International; Meredith R. Weisel, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League in Washington, D.C.; and Allison R. Kahn-Pauli, associate regional director of the ADL and a 2007 graduate of Goucher. Click here for the full article.
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Associated and BJC Security Chief Keith Tiedemann Dies at 69
JMORE Living
Jan. 18, 2024
Keith Frank Tiedemann, a 32-year Baltimore Police Department veteran who served as security director for The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council, passed away last Saturday, Jan. 13, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air. An Abingdon resident, he was 69. “Keith was truly a guardian of our community,” said BJC Executive Director Howard Libit. “He built such valuable relationships with law enforcement, rabbis, community leaders and so many others. Whenever there was a concern, he was immediately responsive.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council Creates Educational Posters as Part of Campaign to Fight Antisemitism
Baltimore Jewish Times
Jan. 15, 2024
The Baltimore Jewish Council recently became a part of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore’s Shine a Light on Antisemitism campaign, applying for a microgrant to produce educational posters to promote the initiative. While BJC has participated in Shine a Light on Antisemitism in the past, this is the first time BJC has directly applied for a grant to support promotional efforts. Click here for the full article.
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Marylanders seek ceasefire, release of hostages as Israel-Hamas war reaches 3-month mark
WBAL-TV
Jan. 8, 2024
A rally Sunday afternoon filled Lawyers Mall in Annapolis, as a group said it’s “standing up against censorship of calls for solidarity with Palestine.” Sunday’s three-month mark since the Hamas terror attack on Israel comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sets out on his fourth trip to the region since the war began, and the impact is being felt in Maryland. In the meantime, Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit said he supports Blinken’s mission aimed at preventing the Israel-Hamas war from spreading across the region. “Across the Baltimore community, the first thing we’re all thinking about are, it’s 90 days with these hostages still being held, over roughly 130 people still being held by Hamas,” Libit said.
Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore lawmaker seeks to remove CAIR from Md. hate crimes commission
Jewish Insider
Jan. 4, 2024
A legislative effort is underway in Maryland to remove the Council on American-Islamic Relations from a state hate crimes body after the organization’s Maryland director published a series of antisemitic Facebook posts after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel, a lawmaker confirmed to Jewish Insider. “If lawmakers think it would be appropriate to remove CAIR as a designated organization, particularly given the White House’s decision on that as well, I think that’s something we would certainly be open to supporting as well,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, which is represented on the commission. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s signs vandalized for second time
WBAL-TV
Dec. 30, 2023
The Baltimore Hebrew Congregation is again pushing back after a second act of vandalism that destroyed two signs in front of the synagogue. Photos show both signs were slashed multiple times Thursday night. The signs were actually replacements for the original ones that were also vandalized on Dec. 10. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County synagogues react to vandalism, strengthen resolve
WJZ-TV
Dec. 29, 2023
Baltimore County Police are investigating two cases of vandalism at synagogues after banners in support of Israel and a display of Israel’s flag were found cut up on Friday. For one of the synagogues, it’s the second time such an incident has happened within the past few weeks. “I know our broader community is better than this,” Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said. “I’m really disappointed the actions of a few make the whole community look bad. We are a community that comes together in times like this, that stands against hate.” Click here for the full article.
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BHC, Suburban Orthodox Suffer Property Destruction Due to Support for Israel
JMORE Living
Dec. 29, 2023
While differing in their approaches to Jewish thought and practice, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Suburban Orthodox-Toras Chaim share a property line and have been neighbors in good standing for nearly six decades. Last night, Dec. 28, both synagogues also shared being victims of anti-Israel and antisemitic property destruction. At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Dec. 29, BHC’s Rabbi Andrew Busch and Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said a security camera was installed by police and the Shomrim volunteer safety patrol at the corner of Park Heights and Slade avenues to provide surveillance of the signs after the first incident. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s Israel Signs Vandalized for a Second Time
Baltimore Jewish Times
Dec. 29, 2023
Two outdoor signs at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation were vandalized last night, for the second time in a month. The signs, reading “We Stand with the People of Israel” and “Bring the Hostages Home,” were ripped. According to Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, Baltimore County Police have indicated that they are going to increase patrols around the area and review camera footage, including from neighbors in the community who may have captured something. “It is gratifying to know how seriously Baltimore County Police are taking this,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s signs vandalized for second time
WBAL Radio
Dec. 29, 2023
The Baltimore Hebrew Congregation is again pushing back after a second act of vandalism that destroyed two signs in front of the synagogue. Photos show both signs were slashed multiple times Thursday night. The signs were replacements for the original ones that were also vandalized on Dec. 10. Listen as Robert Lang interviews Howard Libit, Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Police investigate hate crime at ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ Christmas lights display
WJZ-TV
Dec. 27, 2023
Baltimore Police confirmed to WJZ on Tuesday that an act of vandalism along one of the city’s most popular holiday attractions is being investigated as a hate crime. Antisemitic acts have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas War started. The Anti-Defamation League has reported a nearly 400% increase in these types of incidents since Oct. 7. “You see it on college campuses, virtually every campus here in Maryland. We’ve seen it in high schools, we’ve seen it in communities,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “The most recent incident over the weekend on 34th Street is just the latest example.” Click here for the full article.
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Charm City Dreamers: Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) – Howard Libit
Charm City Dreamers
Dec. 20, 2023
In this episode we interview the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Howard Libit. Given the continued rise in antisemitism and the national conversation around hate speech on college campuses, we thought it was important to learn about solutions addressing these problems in our community locally that can serve as an inspiration nationally. The Baltimore Jewish Council is the political and community relations arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its agencies. The BJC focuses on combatting Jewish hate through government relations, community engagement, Holocaust education, leadership development, Israel advocacy, and the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel. Click here for the full article.
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Environmental Forum Covers Sustainability, Legislation and Mr. Trash Wheel
Baltimore Jewish Times
Dec. 19, 2023
Environmental stewardship is an important Jewish value. Tikkun olam, or “repairing the world,” refers not only to doing good deeds but also taking care of the world. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Pearlstone and the Baltimore Jewish Council held its annual environmental forum at Beth El Congregation. “I’ve been a huge fangirl of the Mr. Trash Wheel initiative since before I joined the BJC team,” said Abigail Snyder, the director of government relations at BJC. “When I was thinking about who or what would really encompass the basis of the forum, it dawned on me that this Baltimore icon would be the perfect initiative to highlight. I reached out to [Lindquist], who is in charge of the Mr. Trash Wheel caravan as part of his duties as vice president of the Healthy Harbor Initiative. He was thrilled to be a part of the event.” Click here for the full article.
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Pro-Israel Signs Vandalized at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation
Baltimore Jewish Times
Dec. 11, 2023
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s outdoor signs supporting Israel and demanding the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas were vandalized and destroyed on the night of Sunday, Dec. 10, coinciding with the fourth night of Chanukah. These signs, which read “We Stand With the People of Israel” and “Bring the Hostages Home” were shredded, and one was stolen. In the time since the vandalism was discovered, Baltimore Hebrew Congregation has received several shows of support from other local rabbis and the Baltimore Jewish Council, as well as getting a call from the Union for Reform Judaism. Click here for the full article.
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Rise in Antisemitism Has Impacted Baltimore, Say Community Leaders
Baltimore Jewish Times
Dec. 8, 2023
Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, the Anti-Defamation League has recorded a significant spike in antisemitic incidents — 315% increase compared to the same time period a year ago. The spike in antisemitism has “absolutely” impacted Baltimore, said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “We’re seeing it on our college campuses in the area,” Libit said. “We’re seeing it in some of the high schools. We’re seeing it on social media in particular. Everyone involved in social media, whether they’re here or anywhere in the world, is seeing a huge spike in antisemitism.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish community embraces Hanukkah spirit
WJZ-TV
Dec. 7, 2023
Jewish families across the world on Thursday lit the first of eight candles on their menorah, a ritual symbolizing light in the darkness. “Lighting those candles brings a sense of light to the community,” Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council said. Click here for the full article.
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Suspension Lifted for Maryland CAIR Director on Maryland Hate Crime Commission
Baltimore Jewish Times
Dec. 7, 2023
Zainab Chaudry’s suspension from the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention was lifted on Dec. 6 by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown after his office determined they did not possess the power to suspend or remove commissioners as they serve out their four-year terms of service. “While we understand that legal technicalities are tying the Attorney General’s hands, it’s incredibly disturbing that someone who has posted such hateful, anti-Jewish things on social media is back on a commission intended to fight hate crimes in Maryland. To deny the brutal killings of so many Jewish children, and to use so many hateful references to the Holocaust, suggests that this member of the commission is more focused on promoting hate than fighting against it,” said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Attorney General reinstates Zainab Chaudry to Hate Crimes Commission
WMAR-TV
Dec. 6, 2023
Attorney General Anthony Brown announced Wednesday morning that Dr. Zainab Chaudry’s temporary suspension is lifted. Chaudry, the Executive Director of the Maryland Office of CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), was temporarily suspended from the Commission late last month after some personal Facebook posts “had [been] deemed disruptive to the work and mission of the Commission.” “While we understand that legal technicalities are tying the Attorney General’s hands, it’s incredibly disturbing that someone who has posted such hateful, anti-Jewish things on social media is back on a commission intended to fight hate crimes in Maryland. To deny the brutal killings of so many Jewish children, and to use so many hateful references to the Holocaust, suggests that this member of the commission is more focused on promoting hate than fighting against it, ” said Howard Libit, Executive Director of The Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council reflects on Hamas releasing hostages, what’s next in the conflict
WBAL-TV
Nov. 24, 2023
Now that two dozen hostages and 39 Palestinian prisoners have been exchanged on the first day of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, some Baltimore-area residents are waiting to hear whether a certain Israeli nurse will be released. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the fighting will restart at the end of a four-day ceasefire. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, told 11 News it’s vital for the Israeli military to end Hamas’ terrorist rule in Gaza, but for now, Libit said it’s critically important to help those released Friday. Click here for the full article.
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Attorney General Suspends CAIR Director From State Hate Crimes Commission After Social Media Posts
Baltimore Jewish Times
Nov. 22, 2023
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has suspended Zainab Chaudry, director of Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), from the newly created Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention, as of Tuesday, Nov. 21, the office of Maryland Attorney General said in a press release. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said that BJC has a member on the committee who has been attempting to raise this issue for some time, and they’re glad that it has been finally addressed. Libit was hopeful that next steps would include the committee setting forth the previously mentioned conduct guidelines, and that CAIR would be able to put forth another representative. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Hate Crimes Commission member suspended following social media comments
WJZ-TV
Nov. 21, 2023
Attorney General Anthony Brown Tuesday “temporarily suspended” a member of the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. Brown said his office learned last week about social media posts from Zainab Chaudry, the state director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “I don’t think you see how you can interpret it any other way but praising Hamas,” Howard Libit, of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said. “Any reasonable person who reads those social media posts is going to come away with someone who is dismissing the horror of what Hamas did.” Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Hate Crimes Commission Member Suspended for Anti-Israel Posts
JMORE Living
Nov. 21, 2023
On her Facebook page, Zainab Chaudry characterizes herself as an “unapologetic civil & human rights activist. Views expressed are my own.” But now, the views of Chaudry, director of the Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, are drawing international attention due to her social media posts claiming reports of Israeli infants brutally murdered in the Hamas terrorist attacks were “fake” and making comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany. Said Baltimore Jewish Council Deputy Director Sarah Mersky Miicke, who serves on the hate crimes and prevention commission: “The Baltimore Jewish Council believes it is important to have Muslim representation on the Commission. We were deeply troubled to see the social media posts from Ms. Chaudry. Hate has no place on our Commission. We are happy to see as a first step that the Attorney General has temporarily suspended Ms. Chaudry and is working on drafting a values statement for Commission members.” Click here for the full article.
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Big Fish: Baltimore Jewish Council’s Howard Libit, on combatting antisemitism amid a growing war
Baltimore Fishbowl
Nov. 15, 2023
These are trying times for Baltimore’s active and growing Jewish community. Many feel the effects of the current war: they know reservists in Israel who have been activated; they have friends and family huddling in bomb shelters day and night. Antisemitism has been on the rise for years, and is now more prevalent than ever. Baltimore’s Jews grapple with how to show care for the Palestinian people while defending the state of Israel against historic threats. The Baltimore Jewish Council is at the forefront of these conversations, as an organization that fosters cooperation and understanding and seeks to build relationships and understanding with ethnic, racial and religious groups across the state. Howard Libit has been the executive director of the Council since 2016, and has led the organization as it has advocated for such issues as Holocaust education in schools and vouchers for Orthodox day schools. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimoreans Among Hundreds of Thousands of People at March for Israel
Baltimore Jewish Times
Nov. 15, 2023
The signup link to get a seat on one of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore’s buses headed to the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., filled up within 12 hours of going live. Ultimately, nearly 1,000 people headed to D.C. on The Associated’s 20 buses on Tuesday. Other Baltimore Jewish organizations, such as synagogues and schools, sent an additional 40 buses, while other Baltimoreans also came via car and Metro to join the hundreds of thousands of people from across the country who packed onto the National Mall. “It has been amazing to see such strong interest from so many parts of our community,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “I think that Baltimore is excited to join with so many other communities from across the country to make a strong statement in support of Israel, calling for the safe return of the hostages and against the surging acts of antisemitism and hate.” Click here for the full article.
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Kristallnacht Community Commemoration Focuses on Nazi Book Burnings
Baltimore Jewish Times
Nov. 15, 2023
The increasing frequency of book bans in American public schools may remind some of the book burnings in Germany that served as a precursor to Kristallnacht. This year’s Community Kristallnacht Commemoration — hosted by the Baltimore Jewish Council and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation on Nov. 9 — centered not on the titular “night of broken glass” that saw German Jewish businesses attacked and business owners assaulted, but on the 1933 book burnings, how they led to Kristallnacht and what can be learned from this history in 2023. Click here for the full article.
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Students learn about Holocaust amid unrest in Israel, Gaza
WBAL-TV
Nov. 14, 2023
Hundreds of students spent Tuesday learning lessons from the Holocaust during an inter-faith, inter-school program aiming to fight prejudice and hatred. The program at The John Carroll School in Bel Air spurred conversations between students about the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore-area students learn about history of Holocaust, standing up against prejudice
WJZ-TV
Nov. 14, 2023
The John Carroll School in Harford County hosted Lessons of the Shoah Tuesday, in partnership with the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full video.
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One month later, Hamas attack still weighs heavy on Baltimore Jewish community
WMAR-TV
Nov. 7, 2023
Letters across Howard Libit’s wrist spell out a name: Nili Margalit, a 41-year-old hostage still held by Hamas. “I’m wearing a bracelet to remember one of the hostages,” Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, told WMAR. “We put together over 240 of them, one for each hostage. People across the community are wearing them – I intend to wear it until either she’s released or I learn of some other unfortunate fate.” Click here for the full article.
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‘Empty Shabbat Table’ Vigil Brings Together More than 300 Baltimoreans to Advocate Release of Israeli Hostages
JMORE Living
Nov. 5, 2023
At times, Joe Pachino couldn’t stop himself from sobbing uncontrollably while touching and blowing kisses at highchairs at “The Empty Shabbat Table” vigil last Friday afternoon, Nov. 3, at Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation. “To see all of the groups that stepped up to put this together in just a few days was inspirational and heartbreaking,” said BJC Executive Director Howard Libit. “We are all thinking of the people and the hostages who we need to bring home. The need has never been more critical.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish community calls for release of hostages in Gaza during Shabbat
WBAL-TV
Nov. 3, 2023
Dozens of people gathered to call for the release of hostages in Gaza and pray for peace during the Jewish Day of Rest, Shabbat. A long row of tables lined the front of the Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation. Pictures were attached to the backs of chairs representing more than 200 men, women and children being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. “Particularly in Israel, families come together and there is a simple prayer, and it’s just a time to relax and be with family. So many tables in Israel tonight, and for the last month, have been empty, missing people that have been taken captive,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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In Pikesville, 240 empty chairs for 240 hostages
WMAR-TV
Nov. 3, 2023
Gadi Moses, 80 years old, Israeli. Bipin Joshi, 23 years old. Nepali student. Evyatar David, 22 years old, Israeli. 240 of these names and photos were posted behind empty chairs at an empty Shabbat table in Pikesville – the empty seats representing hostages held by the militant group Hamas. “What I found most chilling when I walked past the table were the high chairs,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “The babies, the children who are being held in Gaza. It’s just so startling.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council President Howard Libit on “Empty Tables”
WBAL Radio
Nov. 3, 2023
Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit talks to WBAL’s Robert Lang about the “Empty Tables” exhibit in Baltimore, sett to call attention to the more than 200 Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7. Click here for the full interview.
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‘That’s Our Family’: Hundreds Rally for Israel at Penn Station
Baltimore Jewish Times
Nov. 1, 2023
Miriam Goliger traveled from New Hampshire to attend the Rally for Israel held at Baltimore’s Penn Station on Sunday, Oct. 29. She wanted to show support for Israel three weeks after Hamas killed more than 1400 people and took more than 200 hostage in a surprise attack. “It was so meaningful and powerful to see hundreds and hundreds of people in our community come together as an expression of support for Israel, for the kidnapped hostages and for all Jewish Baltimore,” Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, told the JT at the rally. “From the songs, to the signs and flags, to the thoughtful remarks from rabbis and elected officials, the rally was an emphatic display that Baltimore stands with Israel.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore-area Jewish organizations rally at Penn Station in support of Israel
WJZ-TV
Oct. 29, 2023
As the war rages on between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization, Baltimoreans continue to voice their support. Hundreds showed up to Baltimore’s Penn Station Sunday afternoon for a rally to support Israel. “It’s so uplifting to be here today with so many entities of the Jewish community and not Jewish community in Baltimore standing up for Israel,” Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore students in Elijah Cummings Youth Program check on host families, friends in Israel as fellowship marks 25 years
Baltimore Sun
Oct. 26, 2023
A rabbi called for “hope, love and light” in the wake of the terror attacks in Israel that “shook us to our very foundation.” Maryland’s governor encouraged listeners to summon “the courage to reach across boundaries” and “remember their humanity to others.” A Baltimore teen voiced her hope that ongoing violence in the Middle East won’t prevent a planned trip to Israel next summer. Rabbi Daniel Burg of Beth Am Congregation, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, and Maya Ortiz, a junior at Baltimore School for the Arts, were among the hundreds of people who packed the Museum of Industry on Wednesday night to celebrate the 25th anniversary of one of the signature legacies of a political legend, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel. The Baltimore congressman, who died in 2019 after serving 36 years in elective office, established the program in conjunction with the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel Looks Back on 25 Years of Connections
Baltimore Jewish Times
Oct. 26, 2023
Twenty-five years ago, Rep. Elijah Cummings had an idea. He wanted to bring Baltimore’s Black and Jewish youth together under one banner, raising them up to be future leaders, engaging them in community service and giving them an appreciation for Israel and its culture. Cummings had long been a friend and stalwart ally to the Jewish community, frequently working with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and championing pro-Israel causes. And so the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel was born, and it has been training Baltimore-area teenagers through its two-year fellowship program ever since. Click here for the full article.
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Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel celebrates 25 years
WMAR-TV
Oct. 25, 2023
Congressman Elijah Cummings created the youth program in 1998 to teach Baltimore’s youth leadership and connect them to the world. The youth program has a unique partnership with the Jewish community. His daughter, Jennifer Cummings, says a personal connection with the Jewish community is what led to the creation of this program. Click here for the full article.
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Hundreds attend festival in Park Heights to bring people of all different backgrounds together
WBAL-TV
Oct. 15, 2023
Hundreds of people from all different backgrounds got together Sunday for a festival in Park Heights. The event’s organizer, Baltimore Jewish Council, told 11 News it was a special event that now has even more meaning amid escalating world events. “When we bring people together to just have a little bit of relaxation, to get to know one another, it’s really one of the most important things we can do,” said Sarah Miicke, deputy director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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One Park Heights hosts first community fall festival
WMAR-TV
October 15, 2023
One Park Heights, a coalition of non-profit and faith-based organizations in the Park Heights neighborhood, held their first One Park Heights Fall Festival on Sunday. The goal is to bring together the diverse Park Heights community with a free day of family fun. ”We have making soup kits that we’re making for soup kitchens so the kids got to learn and get to put the soup in correctly and we have a resource fair for resources within the greater Park Heights community. We have city parks and rec out here different non-profits mentoring services; we have mental health services for everyone,” Sarah Miicke, deputy director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore’s Jewish Community Center hosts festival as families grapple with conflict overseas
WJZ-TV
October 15, 2023
The “One Park Heights” coalition hosted the first-of-its-kind fall family festival Sunday at the Jewish Community Center. “We have magicians and story time and bouncy houses and fun carnival food,” Sarah Miicke of the Baltimore Jewish Council said. Click here for the full article.
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One Park Heights Family Fun Festival celebrates diversity of Baltimore neighborhood
WBAL Radio
October 14, 2023
A Baltimore neighborhood celebrates its diversity on Sunday. It’s the One Park Heights Family Fun Festival. It takes place Sunday afternoon at the Weinberg JCC (Jewish Community Center) on Park Heights Avenue. Organizers say the event with face painting and games for the kids, music for adults and Kosher food isn’t just for the Park Heights Jewish Community. “It’s a historically Jewish community, historically Black community, and also a growing diversity with a Latino community and others, ” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council which is one of the groups that makes up One Park Heights that is organizing the festival. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore-area Jewish communities feeling impact of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel
WJZ-TV
October 10, 2023
After years of simmering tensions, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization, has erupted into open warfare after a surprise attack by Hamas. The death toll continues to rise as local Jewish leaders are galvanizing unity for the people of Israel. “Everyone wants to get to a stage of peace but this has just complicated it in so many ways,” said Howard Libit, from the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Impact from Israel attacks felt among Baltimore Jewish community
WBAL-TV
October 10, 2023
The impact of recent attacks in Israel is being felt in Baltimore. Video of Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director reacting to Israel attacks. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council reacts to Israel declaring war on Hamas
WBFF-TV
October 9, 2023
Israel formally declared war against Hamas over the weekend and the death toll continues to rise with more than 1000 lives taken so far. Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council Howard Libit joined Fox 45’s Morning News to talk about the reaction to these unfortunate events. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council’s Howard Libit reacts to attacks on Israel
WBAL Radio
October 9, 2023
Hundreds of people thus far have been killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel. With so many people in Baltimore having strong ties to Israel, it’s been tough for many in the area. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, spoke with WBAL’s T.J. Smith about the attacks. He said it has been tough. Click here for the full article.
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Local Jewish communities respond to attack in Israel
WMAR-TV
October 9, 2023
“It feels like every half hour, more and more horrifying news comes out,” said Howard Libit, head of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “The American-Jewish community has such a deep relationship with Israel. So many of our families here have children who take a gap year after high school and study in Israel. My son spent a month in Israel after his sophomore year of high school, and we anticipate my daughter will do the same next summer. This is part of the American-Jewish experience is to build that deep relationship with Israel.” Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Cemetery Vandalized With Antisemitic Graffiti
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 22, 2023
Baltimore County Police said that they are investigating the appearance of antisemitic vandalism at Lubawitz Nusach Ari/Ner Tamid Cemetery in Rosedale. The graffiti appeared during the Days of Awe between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. “It’s obviously a sensitive time,” Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit told the Baltimore Sun. “It’s a time where a lot of people go to visit the graves of their loved ones.” Click here for the full article.
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Swastika found in Jewish cemetery days before Yom Kippur
WMAR-TV
September 21, 2023
A bright red swastika is a shocking thing to see anywhere. But in a Jewish cemetery, days before Yom Kippur, it’s more than that, it’s scary. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened in the Baltimore area – which is home to a number of historic Jewish cemeteries. Howard Libit is the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. He recalls an even more brazen act that took place two years ago. “We had a number of gravestones that were marked with swastikas and that was really an awful incident,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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‘A sensitive time’: Jewish cemetery in Rosedale vandalized with antisemitic symbolism amid High Holy Days
Baltimore Sun
September 20, 2023
Authorities are probing an act of antisemitic vandalism discovered Wednesday at a Jewish cemetery in Rosedale as a “bias incident,” a Baltimore County Police spokesperson said. The graffiti, a swastika found on a wall at Lubawitz Nusach Ari/Ner Tamid Cemetery off Hamilton Avenue, appeared in the period between Rosh Hashana — which was celebrated starting at sundown last Friday — and Yom Kippur — which will begin Sunday evening. “It’s obviously a sensitive time,” Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council said of the period between the High Holy Days, a time of reflection called the Ten Days of Repentance. “It’s a time where a lot of people go to visit the graves of their loved ones.” Click here for the full article.
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Panel Addresses Gun Violence Concerns
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 7, 2023
So far, in 2023, there have been more than 400 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive. If that number disturbs you, you aren’t alone. How can people feel safe in the grocery store? Sending their kids to school? Going out? These are the questions speakers sought to answer at a panel called “How to Cope with Stress in a World Where Gun Violence Exists,” hosted by Baltimore Jewish Council and Jewish Community Services, agencies of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. The panel took place at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation on Aug. 29. Click here for the full article.
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Times of Israel Analyst Talks Israeli Politics at Baltimore Jewish Council Virtual Event
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 6, 2023
Between judicial reform and large-scale protests, it can be difficult to keep up with recent Israeli news. But the Knesset recess, which started in early August and is set to last until mid-October, provides those invested in current events in the country with a brief opportunity to assess where it stands and where it can go from here. The Baltimore Jewish Council recently held “Catching our Breath During the Knesset Recess: An Update on Israel,” a virtual discussion with “Times of Israel” Senior Analyst Haviv Rettig Gur about the current state of Israeli politics and what might happen when the Knesset resumes work. Click here for the full article.
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Race-based attacks can have traumatic impact on targeted communities
WBAL-TV
August 29, 2023
An increase in violence often running along racial lines can leave members of targeted communities experiencing their own trauma. Recent acts of violence have directly affected Asian and Black and brown people, as well as the LGBTQIA+ and Jewish communities. “It really is a difficult time. As we prepare for the high holidays in a few weeks, we all have to think about security. We think about security more than we ever have. It’s not just about celebrating the joys of the holiday, it’s making sure we’re going to be safe,” said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Holocaust Memorial May Benefit From Nearby Building Demolition
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 11, 2023
Baltimore City Community College recently approved a contract to demolish its Bard Building on August 2 — a move that may prove beneficial to the nearby Holocaust Memorial, which stands directly next door to the building. “It’s a little intimidating and discouraging to see this fenced-off building right next to the memorial,” BJC Executive Director Howard Libit said. “I don’t think it’s a particularly welcoming part of that parcel [of land].” He added that, despite this, the Baltimore Jewish Council takes responsibility for the memorial’s upkeep and regularly pays for cleanup and snow and pest removal services around the area. Click here for the full article.
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At Summer Teachers’ Institute, Educators Tackle Holocaust Denial
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 9, 2023
Every year, the Baltimore Jewish Council holds Summer and Winter Teachers’ Institutes in partnership with the Jewish Museum of Maryland. This year’s focus: Holocaust denial and distortion, a topic that has become unfortunately common lately. “We have seen from different school districts in the state that more and more schools are experiencing Holocaust denial in the classroom. There is a concern from our educators on how to properly address that,” said Emily Braverman Goodman, director of Holocaust and countering antisemitism programming at the BJC. Click here for the full article.
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BCCC Bard Building demolition will clear way for new downtown green space
Baltimore Banner
August 2, 2023
Baltimore City Community College is planning to demolish its long-vacant Bard Building in downtown Baltimore and turn the property into green space while the school determines a permanent use for the property. Adjacent to the Holocaust Memorial and the Power Plant Live! complex, the reconstruction will regrade the site with trees for shade bordering three sides of the plot, according to the meeting agenda. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said the group had been in conversations with the state about ensuring that the memorial is protected during demolition and they are confident that the appropriate steps will be taken. Click here for the full article.
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Global and local reactions to Israel’s judicial reforms
WYPR Radio
July 27, 2023
Israel has been rocked by protests and strikes after Monday’s vote in the Knesset that diminished the authority of the Supreme Court. Many people fear that this will lead to a true constitutional crisis, and the end of checks and balances in Israeli governance. Howard Libit, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, joins Tom Hall to talk about the news out of Israel. Click here for the full interview.
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Study of the Holocaust wasn’t formalized in Maryland school curriculums until 2019. Jewish leaders call for more.
Baltimore Sun
July 12, 2023
The Holocaust wasn’t included explicitly in the learning standards for teaching world history to Maryland high schoolers until late 2019. The genocide of 6 million European Jewish people by Nazi Germany during World War II still isn’t included in the state’s learning standards for middle schoolers, though a revised guideline was scheduled to be released in May. Although some learning standards have improved to include more explicit requirements for teaching the Holocaust, there still is more to be done, said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County residents find anti-Semitic flyers throughout community: ‘An awful feeling’
WJZ-TV
June 28, 2023
Another Baltimore County neighborhood was targeted with anti-Semitic posters. “It’s been weekend after weekend, week after week, in parts of Baltimore County,” said Howard Libit, from the Baltimore Jewish Council. Libit said they have noticed a spike in reports since January. He says he’s working with police to try to track down the group responsible. Click here for the full article.
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Antisemitic Flyers Make Reappearance in Baltimore County
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 28, 2023
North Baltimore County has seen a reappearance of flyers that the Baltimore County Police Department has called antisemitic. The Baltimore County Police Department has reported nine separate incidents of antisemitic propaganda since January, with the Anti-Defamation League receiving six similar reports since late May alone. “It’s an attempt to harass and intimidate the Jewish community and to spread hate, and it’s not going to be tolerated,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Libit has been speaking out against antisemitic vandalism and propaganda in the area since similar instances occurred in 2022. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council to Honor Jeanette Parmigiani
JMORE
May 19, 2023
The Baltimore Jewish Council will be honored Jeanette Parmigiani at its annual meeting on June 5. Parmigiani spent 13 years as director of Holocaust programs at the BJC before retiring from the job in December of 2020. Click here for the full article.
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Md. Legislative Session Includes Numerous Bills Relevant to Jewish Community
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 10, 2023
Hate crimes. Holocaust education. Elder abuse. The Baltimore Jewish Council, the advocacy arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, along with Jewish Community Services, CHANA and the wider Jewish community, helped usher in a package of bills and continued state funding for Jewish programs in fiscal year 2024. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Primary Election Date Moved, Avoiding Passover
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 2, 2023
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has signed legislation officially moving the date of the 2024 Maryland primary election following a push to do so from local Jewish organizations, as the original April date was set to coincide with the first day of Passover. “As soon as this conflict was pointed out, a number of legislators and other elected officials quickly understood our concerns and stepped up to find a solution that worked — both for our local primaries here in Maryland and as part of the national presidential primary calendar,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “We were pleased to see Governor Moore sign the legislation.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore to Celebrate Israel’s 75th Anniversary in Style
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 19, 2023
April 26 marks Yom Ha’atzmaut, more commonly known as Israel Independence Day. The holiday honors the founding of Israel in 1948, when David Ben-Gurion declared its independence as a Jewish state. This year, though, the date has even more significance than usual: 2023 marks 75 years since the founding of Israel, a cause for celebration for many Jewish people across the world. On the business side of things, the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Maryland/Israel Development Center and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore will be holding a showcase of Israeli businesses and technology at the Baltimore Museum of Industry on May 2. Click here for the full article.
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‘Abolish the hate’: Community, survivors honor Holocaust victims
WMAR-TV
April 16, 2023
96-year-old Irma Pretsfelder will never forget her family members killed in concentration camps during the Holocaust. But today, she spends extra time remembering them. She was among the survivors at the Baltimore Community Commemoration of the Holocaust, known as Yom Hashoah. The Baltimore Jewish Council held the event at Bethel El Congregation in Park Heights Sunday afternoon. Click here for the full article.
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Yom HaShoah Marks 80th Anniversary of Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 5, 2023
This year during Yom HaShoah, Jewish people around the world will be remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust. But 2023 also marks the 80th anniversary of one of the most famous acts of Jewish resistance against the Nazi regime: the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest Jewish revolt during World War II and the first significant protest against German occupation. The Baltimore Jewish Council is holding a community commemoration on April 16 with special guest Judy Batalion, an author and Holocaust historian. Her 2020 book, “The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos,” about a largely unknown group of Polish “ghetto girls” who fought Nazis, is an international bestseller that made the New York Times bestseller list. Click here for the full article.
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Antisemitic incidents nearly double in Maryland in 2022 over previous year, audit finds
Baltimore Banner
March 30, 2023
Maryland saw 109 reported incidents of antisemitism in 2022, a 98% increase from 2021, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. There were 55 incidents in 2021, 47 in 2020 and 20 in 2019. “I think it comes from all sides. Antisemitism is not just grounded in the right, the left or in faith. Unfortunately, we are seeing it from all political points of view,” the Baltimore Jewish Council’s Howard Libit said. “There was a noticeable surge during the presidency of Donald Trump. But it’s not all just tied to him.” Click here for the full article.
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New campaign fighting antisemitism premieres on NBC
WBAL-TV
March 27, 2023
A new report shows the number of antisemitic incidents is on the rise, and Maryland is no exception. Monday night, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism aired a public service announcement during NBC’s “The Voice” to mobilize all groups to speak out against hate, with the support of local partners The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish Council. Howard Libit, of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said the campaign comes at a critical time. “(There has been) a 98% increase in incidents in Maryland from 2021-22. It speaks to the increasing hate and antisemitism. It’s the Jewish community, but (also) against so many other communities,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore groups get involved with national campaign to combat antisemitism
WBAL Radio
March 27, 2023
The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council have partnered with the “Stand Up To Jewish Hate” effort through the Foundation to Company Antisemitism. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his familly, which started the foundation back in 2019, invested $25 million into the new campaign that would create special TV and digital media ads. Click here for the full article.
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Associated and BJC Join Campaign to Fight Escalating Antisemitism
JMORE
March 27, 2023
Billionaire businessman Robert K. Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and his family want to combat antisemitism in America. Joining him in this fight are The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council. The Associated and the BJC announced Mar. 27 they have joined forces with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism as an official partner of #StandUpToJewishHate, a new national campaign to mobilize Americans to combat antisemitism. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland had dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents, report shows
WJZ-TV
March 23, 2023
Jewish hate crimes are seeing a shocking uptick across the country. According to the Anti-Defamation League, an organization that works to stop hate against Jewish community, there were 3,697 reports of Jewish hate crimes in 2022 in the U.S.—the most they’ve ever recorded. Some of the incidents hit close to home. Last month, antisemitic flyers were found in a neighborhood in Parkville. Back then WJZ spoke to the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, Howard Libit. We reached back out to him about the ADL report. “Obviously, it’s really troubling,” Libit said. “It’s not really a surprise.” Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know … Samuel Lubell
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 22, 2023
Samuel Lubell, 24, is passionate about bringing communities together. After growing up in Pikesville, Lubell went to the University of Idaho for communications. He then went to South Korea to teach English. Now, he works as the program coordinator at the Elijah Cummings Youth Program. Sam Lubell currently lives in Ellicott City with his dog Axl. Click here for the full article.
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Active Threat Trainings Teach Preparedness
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 22, 2023
Rising antisemitism, hate crimes and hate rhetoric have put the Jewish community and other faith communities on high alert, according to Shauna Leavey, director of community engagement for the Jewish Federation of Howard County. The Countering Active Threat Training program was held by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Howard County and the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center. Another training was also held at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC on March 20. Click here for the full article.
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Faith leaders train for active shooter situations at houses of worship
WBAL-TV
March 21, 2023
Threats against synagogues and houses of worship are becoming more common. Faith leaders in Baltimore came together to train for the possibility of a life-threatening situation. Organizers said they hope no one ever needs to use the training they practiced Monday. But these threats are part of a new reality for houses of worship. The Baltimore Jewish Council hosted an active threat training session Monday night for people of all faiths. They gave tips to help everyone involved survive one of these scenarios. Click here for the full article.
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Local Officials Push for 2024 Election Date Change Due to Overlap With Passover
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 1, 2023
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, along with Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr., recently expressed concerns over the date set for the primary election in April of 2024, citing the fact that it will coincide with Passover. “When we became aware of that April conflict, we shared it with some legislators here in Annapolis knowing that it would impact a lot of voters in Baltimore city and Baltimore county,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “Both the mayor’s office and the county executive’s office realized that this would impact a lot of Jewish voters in their jurisdictions.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Police: Antisemitic flyers have been circulating in the Parkville area
WJZ-TV
February 28, 2023
The Baltimore County Police Department has received reports that antisemitic flyers and other propaganda have been circulating in the Parkville area. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said that several incidents of propaganda-sharing have occurred in the area over the past few days. “These flyers are basically an attempt to intimidate and harass the Jewish community, Jewish residents,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore region leaders ask Maryland lawmakers to change Election Day for 2024 primary
WYPR
February 23, 2023
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott penned letters to Democratic leaders of the Maryland General Assembly asking to move Election Day for the 2024 primary because it overlaps with the first full day of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Olszewski said the Baltimore Jewish Council brought the issue to his attention. “I just wanted to weigh in so that our residents and especially our Jewish residents know that we take this seriously and we want to weigh in on their behalf to ensure we’re providing every opportunity for them to vote,” Olszewski said. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland General Assembly considers permanent body to tackle hate crimes, antisemitism
Jewish News Syndicate
February 22, 2023
A bill passing through Maryland’s General Assembly aims to establish a permanent Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention at a time that antisemitism is on the rise in parts of the state, as well as nationally and internationally. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, told JNS that the commission would be “an important step to address our concerns,” which “will be useful in combating hate crimes and antisemitism.” Click here for the full article.
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Discussion on Antisemitism
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 15, 2023
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, appears as a special guest at a Beth El Congregation of Baltimore Hebrew-school program. Focused on addressing antisemitism, the presentation was separated into a parent program and one for the 7th grade Lapid Learners class. Click here for the full article.
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FBI arrested two, including neo-Nazi leader, who planned ‘potentially catastrophic’ attack on Maryland power grid
Maryland Matters
February 6, 2023
A Baltimore County woman once imprisoned for robbing convenience stores by threatening clerks with a machete was arrested Monday by federal authorities, along with a neo-Nazi leader in Florida, and charged with conspiring to destroy electrical substations in Maryland. Howard Libit, executive director at Baltimore Jewish Council, also praised law enforcement’s efforts to “thwart an attack on energy infrastructure in the Baltimore area planned by two neo-Nazis.” “The arrests remind us that extremist hate and domestic terrorism remain an ongoing and growing threat to our communities,” Libit said in a statement. “Similarly, we have seen a steady rise in antisemitic incidents here in Maryland and across our nation.” Click here for the full article.
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‘It would lay this city to waste:’ Catonsville woman conspired with neo-Nazi leader to destroy Baltimore power grid, FBI says
WJZ-TV
February 6, 2023
A Catonsville woman and a Florida man with neo-Nazi ties have been arrested and charged with conspiring to attack Baltimore’s power grid, the FBI and local officials announced Monday. “The arrests remind us that extremist hate and domestic terrorism remain an ongoing and growing threat to our communities. Similarly, we have seen a steady rise in antisemitic incidents here in Maryland and across our nation,” The Baltimore Jewish Council said in a statement. Click here for the full article.
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Associated, BJC Thank Law Enforcement Partners for Preventing Attack on Baltimore’s Power Grid
JMORE
February 6, 2023
In a statement, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council thanked law enforcement agencies Feb. 6 for their arrests of two suspects — one of whom is reportedly a well-known neo-Nazi leader — before they could launch an attack on Baltimore’s power grid system to “completely destroy this whole city.” The suspects, Brandon Clint Russell of Orlando, Florida, and Catonsville resident Sarah Beth Clendaniel, were taken into custody last week. Authorities described the plot as “racially or ethnically motivated.” Click here for the full article.
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Law Enforcement Thwarts Potential Terror Attack on Area Power Grids
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 6, 2023
Jewish groups in Baltimore are praising law enforcement after the U.S. Justice Department announced the Feb. 3 arrest of two individuals who they allege had planned to attack power grids in the Baltimore area. “The Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated want to express our thanks to our law-enforcement partners for their efforts thwart an attack on energy infrastructure in the Baltimore area planned by two neo-Nazis,” the two agencies said in a joint statement. Click here for the full article.
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Police Investigating Hate Fliers Dispersed on Lawns, Placed on Cars
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 1, 2023
The Baltimore County Police Department is investigating the discovery of antisemitic fliers that were left on lawns in Perry Hall in late January. “The police have been in contact with us on this,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “Over the past few years, there has been periodic graffiti around the Towson area and central Baltimore County with markings associated with the Goyim Defense League. There are also hate fliers from time to time in different parts of the county.” Click here for the full article.
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Two Antisemitism Reports Show Troubling Signs on the Horizon
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 18, 2023
A new survey released last week by the Anti-Defamation League indicates that the overwhelmingly vast majority of Americans believe at least one antisemitic trope and that 20% of Americans believe six or more tropes about Jews. “The new survey from ADL underscores a number of trends that we are seeing and hearing about locally, in our state and across our nation. It is extremely troubling as we try to build a society that is free of antisemitism and hate,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Chanukah shines brightly in Baltimore
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 21, 2022
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott joined Councilman Zeke Cohen (District 1), Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer (District 5), director of the Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland Rabbi Chesky Tenenbaum, executive director of Baltimore Jewish Council Howard Libit and community members to light the menorah in City Hall on Dec. 19, the second night of Chanukah. Other lightings were planned for the mayor throughout the eight-day holiday. Click here for the full article.
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Leslie Gray Streeter — Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights in this current place of darkness
Baltimore Banner
December 19, 2022
I first learned about Hanukkah in third grade, when a Northwood Elementary School classmate of my sister’s named Ann Zeidman did a presentation about it. Other than the eight days of gift-giving, which was intriguing for a 9-year-old, I remembered that it was a holiday about oil that miraculously lasted longer than expected. That fascinated me. How had that happened? Was it real? And could a miracle really shine light into a time of terrible darkness? It’s 42 years later, in a wildly disjointed time of open hate and violence, and the Jewish community is facing a renewed period of darkness. Hanukkah may not be a major religious event, but it fits neatly into efforts to spread the word about antisemitism, said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. In the last two years, the ADL has developed a campaign called Shine A Light, which uses the story to educate about anti-Jewish incidents and sentiment. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: Stemming the rise of antisemitism once more
Baltimore Sun
December 18, 2022
As a 50-year-old Jew in America, I never would have imagined that a former president of the United States would openly dine with individuals who are leading voices of antisemitism, white nationalism and hate. Nor would I imagine that the Fourth of July parade in the heavily Jewish Chicago suburb where I grew up would be terrorized by a barrage of gunfire. That’s just a glimpse of a year in which our Jewish communities are experiencing an unprecedented surge in antisemitism. Click here for the full article.
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Antisemitic attacks on the rise, most ever in U.S. history
WMAR-TV
December 16, 2022
Earlier this year, we saw swastika’s spray painted on mailboxes and bomb threats called in to the Jewish community center. Antisemitic attacks are on the rise across the country, reaching the highest point in U.S. history, last year, according to the anti-defamation league. “We anticipate it’s going to keep going higher in 2022 and unfortunately we’re seeing it more and more from the people that people are looking up to,” said Howard Libit. Libit is the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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How to combat online hate and anti-Semitism
WYPR
December 15, 2022
Words are powerful. And can be dangerous. No where is that more evident than on social media platforms where hateful speech is spewed — and sometimes spreads at alarming speed. Can it be silenced? If so, how? We’re joined by Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the ‘Center for Countering Digital Hate.’ The nonprofit, based in the U.K. and Washington, DC, works to quell hate and disinformation by going after the online platforms that enable its global spread. Then we hear from Baltimore Jewish Council executive director Howard Libit about ‘Shine A Light,’ a national effort to dispel and counter anti-Semitic language and behavior that has been on the rise. Click here for the full radio broadcast.
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‘Shine a Light’ campaign heightens awareness of antisemitism
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 14, 2022
As part of a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Jewish Federations of North America, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore is working to educate the public about antisemitism. “Shine a Light on Antisemitism” is the latest effort to warn people about antisemitic harassment in their communities, why it happens and what they can do to stop it. “Fighting antisemitism is a year-round job,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “But we wanted to tie this to the Chanukah holiday and the idea of light on antisemitism. Last year was the first year we did it, but this year, it feels especially necessary because of all this talk we’ve been seeing about the normalization of antisemitism.” Click here for the full article.
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97-year-old Holocaust survivor tells family’s harrowing brush with Kristallnacht
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 16, 2022
Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore commemorated the 84th anniversary of Kristallnacht (“Night of Broken Glass”), the wide-scale Nazi-led pogrom against Jewish citizens and their businesses over the night of Nov. 9-10, 1938. It was on that night that Nazis in Germany and Austria torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses, and murdered nearly 100 Jews. In the aftermath of Kristallnacht, some 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and sent to Nazi concentration camps. Click here for the full article.
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Son of Old Bay Seasoning Creator Speaks at Community’s Kristallnacht Observance
JMORE
November 10, 2022
It’s safe to say that virtually every Marylander and resident of the Chesapeake region is familiar with the iconic blue-and-yellow cans that contain Old Bay Seasoning. But not everyone knows that Old Bay’s origins are rooted in the darkness of the Holocaust and Kristallnacht, the infamous “night of broken glass” that took place 84 years ago today and is viewed as the precursor to the Shoah. For its annual community-wide Kristallnacht commemoration, the Baltimore Jewish Council hosted a talk on Nov. 9 by Ralph Brunn, son of Old Bay’s creator, at the MMAE Congregation in Pikesville. Click here for the full article.
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After battles with Hogan, Baltimore welcomes fresh start with Moore
Washington Post
November 10, 2022
For many Baltimoreans, Democrat Wes Moore’s historic victory in the governor’s race on Tuesday couldn’t come soon enough. It wasn’t just that Moore lives in Baltimore — though that was a big plus. It also meant they were that much closer to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s departure from office and the end of an acrimonious eight years between the residents of Maryland’s largest city and a leader many felt often worked against them. Not all Baltimoreans agree that the governor has been uniformly hostile to the city. Projects like the redevelopment of the Pimlico Race Course and surrounding neighborhood and Project C.O.R.E, a $75 million investment by the state to tear down abandoned buildings to create green space and develop affordable and mixed-use housing have made a real difference, said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish entities get millions in federal grants to implement safety measures
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 2, 2022
More than 30 Jewish synagogues, day schools and communal entities in the Baltimore region were awarded nonprofit security grants in 2022 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of an ongoing program to bolster security at institutions at high risk for terrorist attacks. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, agreed that the federal grants have provided a critical lifeline for schools, synagogues and other nonprofits. “Many of the enhanced security devices that are in place — ranging from cameras to doors to lockdown systems — are only there due to the support of the federal grants … ,” said Libit. “With a rising need for security amid surging anti-Semitism and safety concerns, these grants have been critical to institutions that frequently operate on tight budgets.” Click here for the full article.
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Antisemitism in Maryland: Looking at hate crime data
WMAR-TV
October 27, 2022
Four years ago, eleven people were gunned down in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. With antisemitic rhetoric sparking conversation internationally and locally, we decided to take an in focus look at hate crimes in Maryland. Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council spoke with us about the scope of what we’ve seen in our region. “We are seeing a surge in antisemitic incidents, both those reported to places like the anti Defamation League are those as reported by the Maryland state police and the FBI,” says Libit. “But for the most part, those incidents have been things like graffiti, like a break-in at a synagogue, like a swastika scratched on a street sign or scratched on a Jewish person’s car, things like that, that are certainly harmful and hurtful, but aren’t of the level of violence that we’ve seen elsewhere in the country to this point.” Click here for the full article.
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Former Ravens player apologizes after Kanye tweet receives pushback
WMAR-TV
October 26, 2022
With companies dropping Ye, the entertainer formerly known as Kanye West, following a series of antisemitic comments, many have taken to Twitter to express frustration that companies hadn’t cut ties with him sooner. Former Ravens player, Torrey Smith, tweeted this on Wednesday and received pushback for what many saw as an antisemitic trope. We also spoke with Howard Libit, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, about the series of tweets. Libit said the most important thing is to educate people about anti semitism. “I’m reading through those tweets today. It looks like, you know, some people reached out they got to him,” he said. “He’s been educated, he’s expressed contrition and expressed, ‘I learned something today.’ Well, that’s really what we want.” Click here for the full article.
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Former Maryland GOP candidate Kim Klacik planning rally using same name as deadly Charlottesville event
Baltimore Banner
October 11, 2022
Several Republican candidates are scheduled to attend a political event later this month called “Unite the Right” — the same name used at the deadly 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The fact that political hopefuls are attending an event that shares a name with the deadly white supremacist rally is alarming to Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “The phrase ‘Unite the Right’ has become associated with the terrible events of Charlottesville and it seems to serve as a dog whistle for antisemitic white nationalists,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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After backlash, ‘Unite the Right’ rally renamed ‘Maryland United’ to avoid invoking anti-Semitic Charlottesville event. Dan Cox had pulled out.
Baltimore Sun
October 11, 2022
Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox on Monday canceled an upcoming appearance and denounced a Republican event called “Unite the Right” — the same name as the white supremacist rally that turned deadly in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said he appreciated “the quick response of Del. Cox and his campaign to dissociate themselves from an event named ‘Unite the Right.’” The phrase, Libit said, has become inextricably tied to the anti-Semitic events in Charlottesville, when members of far-right groups gathered one weekend to protest the proposed removal of a Robert E. Lee statue and chanted statements such as “Jews will not replace us.” Click here for the full article.
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Cox withdraws from ‘Unite the Right’ event after Jewish group raises concerns
Maryland Matters
October 10, 2022
Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox abruptly withdrew from a GOP unity gathering on Monday after a Jewish group said the event’s name evoked memories of the deadly white supremacist uprising that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. But Cox and his running mate, Gordana Schifanelli, denounced the event after a leading Jewish organization noted that it appeared to represent the first time since the 2017 riot in Central Virginia that anyone has used the name “Unite the Right.” The head of a prominent Jewish group said that if the use of the name Unite the Right was inadvertent, the organizers need to go with something else. “Using the phrase ‘unite the right’ to name a rally feels to me like a dog whistle to anti-Semitic white nationalists,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “It clearly harkens to the tragic rally in Charlottesville.” Click here for the full article.
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Meet Jonathan Schwartz
Baltimore Fish Bowl
September 22, 2022
For Jonathan Schwartz, executive director of the Lyric Foundation which operates the Lyric Theatre, and active volunteer with The Associated and its agencies, growing up going to school in London, England developed his interest in the arts and influenced his current career path. You currently sit on the board of the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC). How did you first get involved? The BJC is a wonderful combination of my interests in both the Jewish community and in government. I first got involved when I was working for Delegate Jon Cardin – he was invited to attend the BJC meetings and I would go sometimes in his place. And then similarly when I worked for Councilwoman Vicki Almond. I am now the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s representative on the BJC Board. There have always been great people leading the BJC which makes you more inclined to want to participate. Click here for the full article.
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Synagogues, police focus on security for high holidays
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 14, 2022
Synagogues in the Baltimore area are working with the Baltimore County Police Department and community organizations to ensure that congregants and visitors stay safe during the High Holidays. “By this point, every synagogue is thinking about safety in some fashion,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “It’s important to take a few minutes to review your synagogue’s plan to see if things have changed.” Click here for the full article.
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Keith Tiedemann Has Been Keeping Baltimore Safe for Decades
Baltimore Fishbowl
September 14, 2022
Keith Tiedemann never expected to pursue a career in criminal justice. Yet it only took a few math courses in college to make him realize that his initial idea of becoming an accountant just wasn’t in the cards. After changing direction, he graduated and began a 32-year career with the Baltimore City Police Department. When he retired, this New Jersey native joined The Associated as its Security Director. Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know … Abby Snyder
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 7, 2022
After serving as legislative and communications director and then chief of staff for State Senator Cheryl Kagan (D – District 17) over the course of two and a half years, Abby Snyder feels ready to transition from the legislative side to the lobbying side of work in Annapolis. In mid-August, she joined the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) as its new director of government relations. “As an active member of the Jewish Community, this position felt like the perfect next step in my career,” said Snyder, 30. “I hope to represent the ideals of the Baltimore Jewish community in Annapolis and successfully create partnerships with legislators and activists to further our goals.” Click here for the full article.
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Documentary Examines Raw Footage of Polish Jewry Before the Holocaust
JMORE
August 25, 2022
It was a fleeting moment captured on celluloid of a vanished world. But now, like the photographer Roman Vishniac’s celebrated images of shtetl life, it will remain a testament to the vibrancy of Jewish culture in pre-World War II Europe. “Three Minutes: A Lengthening,” by Dutch filmmaker, historian and culture critic Bianca Stigter, will be presented at a pair of special screenings on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 11, at The Charles Theatre by the Baltimore Jewish Council and local Holocaust survivors. The documentary will open at The Charles, at 1711 N. Charles Street, on Friday, Sept. 2. Click here for the full article.
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Northwest Baltimore Partnership Hosts ‘Taste of Northwest’
JMORE
August 7, 2022
Join the Northwest Baltimore Partnership for the “Taste of Northwest: From Park Circle to Pikesville,” a family-friendly, outdoor festival celebrating Northwest Baltimore as a great place to live, work, eat and play. Admission is free. The festival, co-sponsored by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council, will take place on Sunday, Aug. 14. Click here for the full article.
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Under pressure, Jewish federation network announces opposition to abortion ruling
Forward
July 21, 2022
Nearly one month after the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, the Jewish Federations of North America said Wednesday that it disagrees with the decision, belatedly joining legions of other Jewish nonprofits. The statement came after pressure from a member of Congress and feminist activists, and in response to inquiries from the Forward about the group’s silence on the issue since a draft of the ruling ending the constitutional right to abortion was published on May 3. Other leaders were less concerned. “We have not given any thought to what statements JFNA has made,” said Howard Libit, director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, which reiterated its support for reproductive rights after the Dobbs decision. Click here for the full article.
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Kelly Schulz’s political catch-22
Jewish Insider
July 15, 2022
As a centrist Republican running with the backing of her popular boss and mentor, Gov. Larry Hogan, Kelly Schulz appears to already be on third base, the political equivalent of being one hit from home plate. “The conventional wisdom seems to be that a Republican statewide candidate is only going to win by appealing to moderate voters, whether that’s moderate independents or even moderate Democrats,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, the political and community relations arm of Baltimore’s Jewish federation, known as The Associated. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish organizations take stock and envision future at annual meetings
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 30, 2022
As the evening sun shone and a warm breeze riffled the white tent perched in the parking lot of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, the Baltimore Jewish Council’s June 20 annual meeting was about to start. Attendees nibbled on catered treats, chatting with friends, colleagues and a bevy of area politicos. The BJC celebrated retiring State Sen. Delores Kelley and Del. Maggie McIntosh, recognized for their decades of service. Previous BJC Presidents Rabbi Andrew Busch and Neuberger were also honored, while incoming President Elizabeth Green closed the meeting. Click here for the full article.
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Who will be Maryland’s next governor?
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 30, 2022
More than a dozen candidates are vying to succeed Larry Hogan as Maryland’s governor, and Jewish voters have much to consider. Jewish community professionals noted a wide range of issues that will be important to Maryland’s Jewish community in this year’s gubernatorial election. These include increasing antisemitism and security for nonprofits such as synagogues, as well as issues that impact all Marylanders, such as the economy, the environment and crime. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said the next governor should have a strong commitment to the Maryland/Israel Development Center, so that Maryland businesses have support in setting up subsidiaries in Israel, and Israeli businesses can more easily set up their businesses here. Click here for the full article.
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Candidates Carnival offers opportunity for conversation with candidates
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 17, 2022
Baltimore Jewish Council, in collaboration with Jews United for Justice, will be holding its Candidates Carnival event on June 30. Taking place at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation from 5:30-7 p.m., the event will give residents an opportunity to meet with candidates in the upcoming district elections and ask them questions about their policies. Click here for the full article.
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Redistricting shakes up Baltimore County’s upcoming local elections
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 13, 2022
Come the primary election next month, and again during the general election in the fall, residents of Owings Mills, Pikesville and other neighboring communities may find themselves voting for different candidates than they were expecting. This is due to a redrawn legislative map created by the General Assembly that is expected to be used in the upcoming midterm elections, according to Sarah Miicke, deputy director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Barry Bogage retires from Maryland/Israel Development Center
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 6, 2022
When Barry Bogage first started working at the Maryland/Israel Development Center on June 12, 1992, he hadn’t originally been planning on staying there for three decades. On June 12 of this year, however, he will be celebrating at his official retirement party, marking 30 years to the day that he has been at MIDC. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, recalled working with Bogage on a number of different occasions. “My first encounter with [Bogage] was when I had the opportunity to join a mission to Israel with Governor [Martin] O’Malley, and Barry helped organize and lead the mission,” Libit said in an email. “He had a great handle on the details of the trip, but also the flexibility to adjust to the unexpected — a common occurrence in foreign travel. Publicly, he seems unflappable.” Click here for the full article.
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Jewish life picks up steam in Towson area and its university
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 26, 2022
Is Towson becoming a new hub of Jewish life in the Baltimore area? The numbers seem to point toward yes, as Towson and its neighboring communities have been seeing significant growth, according to Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “It’s clear from the last couple of population surveys, as well as our own anecdotal experiences, that there’s a growing Jewish population in the Towson area and along the I-83 corridor into Baltimore County,” Libit said in an email. Click here for the full article.
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An inside look into how the JCC responded to a bomb threat
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 24, 2022
At around 1 a.m. on May 15, the JCC of Greater Baltimore received a bomb threat through the info page of its website. The threat, first noticed by JCC staff sometime after 8 a.m., contained no specific demands. Rather, it spoke of Jews in a particularly negative light and warned of some form of harm coming to the JCC. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, noted that The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore invests heavily, both in resources and time, into the security of the JCCs and all the institutions in its system. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Community Center Reacts To Bomb Threat, Anti-Semitic Email
WJZ-TV
May 16, 2022
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore received an email filled with hateful and anti-Semitic language, which threatened to bomb their facility Saturday, the organization wrote to its members. Baltimore County Police deemed the threat non-credible. At the time, there was a children’s dance competition scheduled at the center, according to Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “A number of girls and their families had to be evacuated for a while as our partners with Baltimore County Police did a thorough job with searching,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Local Jewish Federations to commemorate Yom HaShoah
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 18, 2022
One of the more upsetting aspects of the 1942 Wannsee Conference, at which Nazi Germany settled on its Final Solution for Europe’s Jews, was how educated and otherwise highly regarded men could so willingly engineer what became the Shoah, said Emily Goodman, the director of Holocaust and countering antisemitism programming at the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Teens learning to give back to community
Washington Post
March 30, 2022
When Rumbidzai Mangwende decided to apply for the Elijah E. Cummings Youth Program, she didn’t know what to expect. But much to the now-20-year-old’s surprise, she gained lifelong friends, mentors and invaluable experience that prepared her for life.
“There were so many milestones the program provided me with that I wouldn’t have had access to because of my social or economical background,” Mangwende said. “This program gave me the empowerment that people do want to hear my voice.” Nearly 25 years ago, U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) worked with the Baltimore Jewish Council to create the Elijah E. Cummings Youth Program, a two-year fellowship program offered to rising juniors in high school who live or go to school in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District, which encompasses just over half of Baltimore City and parts of Baltimore and Howard counties. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland teens learn leadership skills, give back to community in program established by Rep. Elijah Cummings
Baltimore Sun
March 29, 2022
When Rumbidzai Mangwende decided to apply for the Elijah Cummings Youth Program she didn’t know what to expect. But much to the now 20-year-old’s surprise, she gained lifelong friends, mentors and invaluable experience that prepared her for life. Nearly 25 years ago, the late Rep. Elijah Cummings worked with the Baltimore Jewish Council to create the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, a two-year fellowship program offered to rising juniors in high school who live or go to school in Maryland’s 7th congressional district. Click here for the full article.
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‘The building is the beginning’: Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim breaks ground on new building
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 21, 2022
On a bright and chilly Sunday afternoon, members of Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim gathered together for the groundbreaking ceremony of what would become their new synagogue building. Attendees of the Feb. 20 groundbreaking included Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3), County Executive John A. Olszewski Jr., Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka, Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer, state Sen. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-11), Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt, Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit and Dels. Dalya Attar (D-41), Lisa Belcastro (D-11), Dana Stein (D-11) and Sandy Rosenberg (D-41). Click here for the full article.
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After Colleyville, community renews focus on security
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 26, 2022
Jews around the world are still reeling from the horrors of the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. In Baltimore, the community is coming together to support each other after this tragic event. “People are very grateful that what happened last Saturday [ended] without physical injury to any of the hostages,” said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. The hostage situation has prompted an increased focus on security for Jewish organizations. BJC has helped provide synagogues with a refresher course on security procedures and active shooter trainings. Click here for the full article.
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Local Jewish leaders share their New Year’s resolutions
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 28, 2021
New Year’s Eve would not be quite the same without a New Year’s resolution, and many members of Baltimore’s Jewish community have theirs at the ready. The JT reached out to community leaders to learn what they hoped to accomplish in 2022, and these leaders shared personal and professional goals.“In 2020, I vowed to work with our many friends and partners to create a better Baltimore for everyone,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “As I think back over the past year, I would like to think that I made progress toward that goal. But I also can think of many places where I fell short, and I hope to apply the lessons I learned from this past year to my actions and decisions in 2022.” Click here for the full article.
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Infrastructure law could mean millions for Jewish nonprofits
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 6, 2021
In what has become an increasingly rare occurrence in the nation’s capital, on Nov. 15, President Joe Biden signed a major piece of legislation into law following the passage of his $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by Congress. Tucked inside the larger bill is the Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Act, which could mean big changes for local Jewish nonprofits. Because of this act, “the U.S. Department of Energy will have a year to set up a new $50 million pilot program that will allow nonprofits to get grants for up to $200,000 to install energy-efficient materials,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit & Emily Goodman: Shine a Light on Antisemitism Campaign Calls Out Hate During the Festival of Chanukah
JMORE
November 26, 2021
As Jews across Baltimore light candles on Sunday night, Nov. 28, to mark the start of the eight-day Chanukah holiday, we begin this year’s celebration with a renewed commitment to stand up against antisemitism and hate. The Baltimore Jewish Council, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and our partner agencies are joining with Jewish communities across the nation to launch the “Shine A Light on Antisemitism” campaign. Through community programs, policy announcements, public communications and education, we will come together to call out and combat antisemitism. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore judge Karen Friedman appointed to Justice Department post
Jewish Insider
November 15, 2021
Karen Friedman, a judge on the Baltimore City Circuit Court’s 8th Judicial Circuit, has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as director of criminal justice innovation, development and engagement at the Department of Justice, Jewish Insider has learned. Friedman’s volunteer work off the bench involves a mix of legal activities and Jewish commitments, including board positions on the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Associated and the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, a leadership development program started by the former longtime Baltimore-area congressman. Click here for the full article.
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In-person interfaith volunteering returns to Baltimore Jewish Council
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 18, 2021
People experiencing homelessness in the Baltimore area are getting a little extra help courtesy of the Jewish and Christian communities, thanks to the in-person return of the Baltimore Jewish Council’s Interfaith Volunteering program. “We’re bringing together people from different parts of the community, from different faith backgrounds to come together, to build relationships with one another and do that through service, through serving the greater community,” said Josh Sherman, director of community relations at the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Wes Moore bets on Maryland
Jewish Insider
October 18, 2021
As the former CEO of New York City’s largest anti-poverty nonprofit, Wes Moore stayed loyal to his Maryland roots. So loyal, in fact, that he commuted to Manhattan from Baltimore throughout his four years at the Robin Hood Foundation. Now, Moore, a Democrat, is taking his love for the Old Line State to a new level, having entered the race for governor of Maryland.“He has a relationship with us, with the broader Jewish community,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, the political and community relations arm of The Associated. Click here for the full article.
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Protecting Jewish Baltimore
JMORE
October 5, 2021
The High Holidays have come and gone and for the past month, Keith Tiedemann has been collaborating closely with local police departments to make sure our synagogues remain safe. Yet, although this is a busy period, his work doesn’t end here. For Tiedemann, the director of security at The Associated’s Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), protecting the Jewish community is a year-round job. A former Major with the Baltimore Police Department, Tiedemann talks about how The Associated, through the BJC, is protecting our Jewish organizations. Click here for the full article.
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‘Unwelcoming and unsafe’: Online spaces see rise in antisemitism
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 30, 2021
Antisemitism has existed for millennia, but its appearance on the internet is a relatively new phenomenon, and it is on the rise. “We have seen, in the last few years, a real surge of antisemitism online,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Holocaust survivor Edith Mayer Cord dies at 93
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 27, 2021
As much as anything else, Edith Mayer Cord may have owed her survival during the Holocaust to her facility with languages, said Emily Cord-Duthinh, one of Cord’s two daughters. Cord was fluent in German, French and English and knew reasonable amounts of Italian and Yiddish. She survived the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied France by posing as a native. Click here for the full article.
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Communal leaders reject comparing the unvaccinated to Holocaust victims
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 23, 2021
Last month, Francois Amalega Bitondo was standing on a Montreal street, megaphone and cellphone in hand, protesting against COVID-19 vaccines. A bright yellow six-pointed star stood out against his black T-shirt. The star, which read “unvaccinated,” was an explicit reference to the yellow Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear during the Holocaust. “I find this comparison despicable,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, in an email. “It is appalling to see people comparing the worst atrocity in the history of humanity to a debate about mandates to counter a public health crisis.” Click here for the full article.
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Event to highlight Israeli nonprofit work in Africa
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 15, 2021
Can Israeli technology make a difference in the lives of people in Africa? Attendees of an upcoming Zoom webinar will have the chance to find out. The webinar will feature Sivan Ya’ari, the Israeli founder and CEO of Innovation: Africa, a nonprofit organization that works to bring Israeli solar, water, agricultural and technological advancements to rural African communities. The Baltimore Jewish Council is hosting the webinar, which will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 19. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland awards millions in security grants to Jewish nonprofits
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 25, 2021
Sixty-four Maryland nonprofits received a combined $7.7 million in federal homeland security grant funds. Much of this grant money went to Jewish nonprofits. In the Baltimore area, 34 out of 48 grants went to Jewish organizations, totaling more than $4 million, according to the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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New mosaic of Elijah Cummings unveiled
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 12, 2021
A new mosaic has been unveiled at the Cummings Courthouse by The Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, in honor of the organization’s founder, the late Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. Click here for the full article.
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Mosaic to be Dedicated in Honor of the late Rep. Elijah Cummings
JMORE
August 6, 2021
To honor the memory and legacy of its namesake, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel will unveil a mosaic artwork at the Cummings Courthouse, at 111 N. Calvert Street, on Monday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m.. The 3-by-5-foot “Living Messages” mosaic — which features the likeness of the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings bearing his quote, “Our children are the living message we send to a future we will never see” — was commissioned by the ECYP’s alumni and created by the local nonprofit Art with a Heart. It will be permanently installed in the courthouse. Created in 1998, the ECYP was a joint effort between Cummings and the Baltimore Jewish Council, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland will review whether it has contracts with Ben & Jerry’s
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 6, 2021
Following a call by Maryland Jewish organizations for the state government to review if it has contracts with Ben & Jerry’s, Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith has announced it will be doing exactly that. In a letter addressed to Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, and to Ronald Halber, executive director of the JCRC of Greater Washington, Wobensmith said that Maryland will be reviewing its contracts to determine if Ben & Jerry’s, and parent company Unilever, have any existing contracts with the State of Maryland, and promised to respond accordingly. Click here for the full article.
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Groups urge Maryland to freeze relations with Ben & Jerry’s
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 4, 2021
Following an announcement by Ben & Jerry’s that it would no longer sell product in the West Bank, Maryland Jewish organizations are asking the state to review its contracts in light of a 2017 executive order requiring contractors to affirm they are not taking part in Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions activities against Israel. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said the BJC and JCRC of Greater Washington sent a letter expressing their concerns to Gov. Larry Hogan. Click here for the full article.
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Md. to review state contracts with Ben & Jerry’s over Israeli boycott
WTOP
August 3, 2021
Maryland plans to take a closer look at any business dealings that the state might have with Ben & Jerry’s after the company said it decided to halt business operations in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. In a letter to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the Baltimore Jewish Council, Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith vowed to find out if the state has any existing contracts with the ice cream maker and its parent company, Unilever, and that “the State will respond accordingly.” Click here for the full article.
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Maryland to review state contracts with Unilever over Ben & Jerry’s boycott of Israel
Washington Times
August 3, 2021
Maryland officials said they will review whether the state has any contracts with Ben & Jerry’s and its parent company, Unilever, and “respond accordingly” over the ice cream maker’s decision not to sell its products in Israeli-controlled West Bank settlements. The state has a four-year-old policy prohibiting contracts with companies participating in boycotts of Israel, Maryland Secretary of State John B. Wobensmith noted in a letter to two area Jewish community leaders. Writing to Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, and Ronald Halber, executive director of the Rockville-based Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, Mr. Wobensmith said the state “ardently opposes” discrimination against “people or entities because of their Israeli national origin, or residence, or incorporation in Israel or its territories.” Click here for the full article.
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American Jews more critical of Israel, new poll finds
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 28, 2021
Up to a quarter of Jewish American voters agree with the statement “Israel is an apartheid state,” according to a new poll commissioned by the Jewish Electorate Institute. “I was both surprised and concerned to see those numbers, that they were as high as the poll found,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “Some of it speaks to the timing of the most recent conflict in Gaza, and how things were portrayed. Those numbers tell me that we, collectively, need to do a better job of educating about Israel.” Click here for the full article.
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Whatever happened to that John Hopkins teaching assistant who wanted to punish ‘Zionist students?’
The Forward
July 15, 2021
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has reportedly concluded its investigation into the actions of a teaching assistant who asked in a tweet last Nov. 15 if she could lower the grade of “Zionist students” because of their support for “ethnic cleansing.” But the university has not disclosed its findings nor replied to those asking what is being done to prevent future incidents. “We are frustrated by the lack of public transparency by the university on the outcome of this investigation,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore-area community leaders gather to condemn antisemitic vandalism in Jewish cemetery
Baltimore Sun
July 9, 2021
Baltimore-area officials and faith and community leaders gathered Friday at German Hill Road Jewish Cemeteries to denounce acts of antisemitism after more than a dozen gravestones were spray-painted with swastikas this past weekend. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said his organization has been in close contact with city police. “Whether it was done by teenagers who may not know better, or adults who want to send a message to the Jewish community, in either case it was wrong,” Libit said in an interview. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore leaders unite against hate after recent anti-Semitism incidents
WBAL-TV
July 9, 2021
Political and faith leaders are coming together to speak out against hate in Baltimore. The show of unity comes after two incidents involving swastikas in Baltimore’s first district – last weekend’s discovery of swastikas painted on headstones in a Jewish cemetery, and last month’s discovery of swastikas painted in public spaces in Fells Point. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council said police are working to find out who is behind the desecration. “Baltimore City police are working on this. They are treating it as a hate crime. They have been out here, they have talked to neighbors, they are trying to investigate, they are treating this seriously like they should,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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‘We stand united for justice’: A show of unity as community leaders denounce vandalism at Jewish cemetery in Baltimore
WMAR-TV
July 9, 2021
A group of elected officials, faith leaders, activists and others came together to stand up against hate after more than a dozen gravestones at Jewish Cemetery had swastikas and other anti-Semitic messages spray-painted on them. “It’s so important for us all to be allies whenever any of us are attacked all of us are attacked,” said Howard Libit of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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“Downright scary”: Faith, local leaders push back against anti-Semitic vandalism at graveyard
Dundalk Eagle
July 9, 2021
Elected officials and faith leaders gathered at the Jewish cemeteries off German Hill Road on Friday morning to decry anti-Semitic graffiti which was left on graves there over the July 4 weekend. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Area Leaders Speak Out After Jewish Cemetery Defaced With Swastikas
WJZ-TV
July 9, 2021
More than a dozen gravestones in a Jewish cemetery in Baltimore had swastikas spray-painted on them over the holiday weekend, Click here for the full article.
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Community leaders gather in show of solidarity after headstones spray painted with swastikas
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 9, 2021
In the sweltering heat Friday morning, local and state political and religious leaders came together at the Jewish cemeteries of German Hill Road in a show of solidarity after a number of headstones at the site were spray painted with swastikas days before. Attendees included Baltimore City Councilmember Zeke Cohen; Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka; Maryland state Dels. Sandy Rosenberg (D-41), Robbyn T. Lewis (D-46) and Jon S. Cardin (D-11); Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council; Rabbi Andrew Busch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Steve Venick, president of the Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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Police investigate vandalism of gravestones at German Hill Road Jewish Cemetery
WBAL-TV
July 8, 2021
There is outrage in Baltimore’s Jewish community after more than a dozen gravestones in southeast Baltimore were found vandalized with anti-Semitic messages. Thirteen gravesites were found vandalized on Sunday at the German Hill Road Jewish Cemetery in the Dundalk area near the city-county line. “Painting swastikas on Jewish gravestones is an intentional act of anti-Semitism, and a despicable act of hate,” said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Swastikas found spray-painted on more than a dozen headstones at Jewish cemetery in Baltimore
WMAR-TV
July 7, 2021
Baltimore Police are investigating after anti-Semitic messages were spray-painted on more than a dozen headstones at a Jewish Cemetery. The Jewish Cemetery Association of Greater Baltimore, which is the non-profit that oversees the German Hill Road Cemetery, said swastikas and other hateful messages were found on 13 headstones. Howard Libit with the Baltimore Jewish Council said his organization created a task force that looked into the issue of anti-Semitism. He said they came up with a series of recommendations that included focusing on education and advocating for certain laws. Click here for the full article.
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Gravestones Vandalized at Jewish Cemetery in Dundalk
JMORE
July 6, 2021
On the Fourth of July this year, while most Baltimoreans were barbecuing with their families, vacationing at the beach or watching fireworks, Deborah R. Weiner, Eric L. Goldstein and Dianne Weiner Feldman were touring the German Hill Road Jewish Cemeteries in Dundalk. When the trio approached the entranceway, they were taken aback when they saw swastikas spray-painted on more than a dozen gravestones. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said his agency’s director of security, Keith Tiedemann, will be following up with law enforcement agencies on the case. Click here for the full article.
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‘This Is A Step Toward Healing For Us’ Family Reacts To Arrest Of Suspects In Murder Of Israeli Tourist, Efraim Gordon
WJZ-TV
June 4, 2021
Police said they have arrested and charged a 16-year-old male, a 17-year-old male, and 18-year-old, William Clinton III, of Baltimore in connection to Gordon’s murder. “It’s tragic that we have teenagers committing crimes like this,” said Howard Libit, Executive Director of Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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2 teens, 18-year-old man arrested in killing of man visiting Baltimore from Israel
WBAL-TV
June 4, 2021
Police arrested two teenagers and an 18-year-old man in connection with the killing of a man from Israel who was killed while visiting Baltimore. Efraim Gordon, 31, was shot and killed on May 3, in the 3700 block of Fords Lane in northwest Baltimore, police said. Family and friends said Gordon was visiting from Israel to attend his cousin’s wedding. “Unfortunately, there are horrific crimes happening at the hands of teenagers in our community,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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As volunteers and professionals, Baltimore Jews work to prevent crime
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 3, 2021
Is it safe to step outside your home and walk the streets of Baltimore? The question has come to the fore following a number of violent crimes during the spring, and local Jewish institutions and community members are stepping up to help prevent crime and build a secure community. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, also said the last several weeks have seen an increase in homicides and other types of crime. “It’s certainly a challenging time for crime, particularly in Baltimore City,” Libit said. “I don’t think anyone would deny that.” Click here for the full article.
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Officials dispute antisemitism as motive in Israeli visitor’s murder
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 7, 2021
Local officials are disputing antisemitism as a motive in the May 3 shooting death of Efraim Gordon, a 31-year-old Israeli who had come to Baltimore to attend a cousin’s wedding. Gordon was shot outside of the home of his aunt and uncle where he was staying, according to JTA. “It had been a very violent weekend in Baltimore,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, referring to a number of violent incidents in the area that included a shooting at Carroll Park over the weekend. Click here for the full article.
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After legislative session, Jewish groups see some wins, some losses
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 30, 2021
The recently completed Maryland General Assembly session began under the haze of the pandemic, with many residents and businesses suffering financially and legislators having to social distance from their peers. But despite COVID-19, many in the Jewish community lauded what Maryland was able to accomplish, partly thanks to large infusions of federal dollars. Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit said he had expected much of the budget to focus on helping those hurt by the pandemic and was pleased the state was able to do that as well as allocate money for needy Jewish agencies. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: Surge in hate crimes requires government action at all levels
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 21, 2021
The FBI tells us that hate crimes have risen to their highest levels in a decade, according to the 2019 Hate Crime Statistics. The Anti-Defamation League reports that antisemitic and racist propaganda incidents doubled in 2020. And our own experiences tell us that we are seeing more and more incidents of hate across all communities — verbal, graffiti and worse. As a Jewish community that frequently experiences acts of antisemitism, we know we must stand with all marginalized communities that are threatened by hate. Click here for the full article.
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Anti-hate bills make their way through Maryland legislature
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 5, 2021
The Baltimore Jewish Council is pushing hard for the passage of several state bills aimed at protecting Marylanders from hate crimes and symbols of hatred. As part of BJC’s Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day 2021, the group is publicly supporting the passage of House Bill 418, Senate Bill 220/House Bill 128, Senate Bill 864/House Bill 1227 and House Bill 452. Click here for the full article.
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The pandemic is teaching CEOs how to say ‘no’
eJewishPhilanthropy
March 5, 2021
Howard Libit was diagnosed with COVID-19 right before Thanksgiving, spending a night in the hospital with breathing problems before being discharged. Once home, he quickly took up his duties again as executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, a community relations, advocacy and interfaith group. His colleagues tried to let him rest. He put naps on his calendar, and was “pretty good” about taking them — for a while. Now fully recovered, Libit has learned one thing from the pandemic. “The mental wear and tear is real,” he told eJewishPhilanthropy. “I’m trying to say ‘no’ to stuff. I have to.” Click here for the full article.
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New Baltimore Jewish Council position to focus on anti-Semitism
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 21, 2021
A new position at the Baltimore Jewish Council will focus on addressing and educating on anti-Semitism. The new position will be filled by Emily Goodman, who previously served as the program coordinator for the BJC. Her new role is director of Holocaust and countering Antisemitism programs. Part of the role will involve implementing the recommendations of the Baltimore Jewish Community Task Force on Anti-Semitism. Click here for the full article.
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Young Republicans Chapter Dissolved Over Alleged Anti-Semitic Email
JMORE
February 19, 2021
In a statement, the Maryland Young Republicans organization recently announced it will dissolve the charter of the Harford County Young Republicans because of an anti-Semitic email allegedly posted by leaders of that chapter. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, praised Maryland Young Republicans for taking a strong stand against the email. Click here for the full article.
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Hogan outlines accomplishments for Jewish community
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 17, 2021
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) made Israel, COVID relief and security improvement projects the center of his address to members of Maryland’s Jewish community on Monday.” Hogan’s appearance was part of Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day, hosted by The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the JCRC of Greater Washington, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Howard County and Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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In wake of Capitol attack, no new threats to local community
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 29, 2021
While the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has shaken many, the Baltimore Jewish Council notes that there are no specific new threats against the local community, though BJC is encouraging continued vigilance. “It was horrifying for all of us to see an assault on democracy like that,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the BJC. “I was particularly offended by some of the anti-Semitic images that I saw afterward. … But all across the board it was awful. And it didn’t represent the America that I think any of us believe we live in.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jews condemn storming of the Capitol
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 13, 2021
Jan. 6 was the first time the Capitol had been ransacked since 1814, when British forces invaded Washington, D.C. Members of Congress were in the process of certifying the election results — which some, based on false claims of election fraud, were contesting — when the rioters broke in with the intention of disrupting the process. The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council released a simple statement: “Unacceptable. Our nation is better than this.” Click here for the full article.
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Johns Hopkins teaching assistant tweets about failing students who support Israel
Fox 45
January 13, 2021
A pro-Palestine teaching assistant at Johns Hopkins University suggested on social media she would take points away from students who support Israel, prompting an investigation by the university’s Office of Institutional Equity. Howard Libit, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, condemns the idea of changing a student’s grades based on their personal beliefs, saying he believes the teaching assistant’s comments go beyond anti-Zionism. Click here for the full article.
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Johns Hopkins TA tweets poll on failing ‘Zionist’ students
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 11, 2021
Jewish organizations are condemning social media posts from a Johns Hopkins University teaching assistant and graduate student, who tweeted about giving Zionist students lower grades. On Jan. 5, the Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore released a statement condemning the tweets. Their statement also noted that both federal law and JHU policies are meant to protect students from discrimination, including on the basis of religion and race, and that it is unacceptable for Jewish students to be threatened with academic punishment due to their religion. Click here for the full article.
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investigates TA’s tweet about failing a Zionist student
Johns Hopkins News-Letter
January 9, 2021
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) has opened an investigation into comments made by Rasha Anayah, a teaching assistant (TA) and graduate student in the Department of Chemistry, following reports that several of her tweets targeted Zionist and Jewish students. The Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) condemned her tweets in a statement, noting that the group has been working with the University on the issue. “This is an urgent matter and we believe this situation must be resolved as quickly as possible and with transparency,” the statement read. “If the allegations are true, we expect there to be clear communications from top leadership to the University’s Jewish community that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and has consequences.” Click here for the full article.
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Johns Hopkins teaching assistant suspected of lowering Jewish students’ grades
Forward
January 7, 2021
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore has launched a probe into allegations against a university teaching assistant for “alleged anti-Semitism and potential abuse of authority in the discharge of academic responsibilities on our campus.” The campus Hillel is calling upon students to contact its office if they suspect the teaching assistant lowered their grade as an act of antisemitism. The Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore issued their own statement this week to say they “condemn this reported outrageous act of antisemitism and hatred of any kind.” Click here for the full article.
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Associated, Baltimore Jewish Council Condemn Anti-Semitic Postings from Hopkins Teaching Assistant
JMORE
January 5, 2021
In a statement issued Jan. 5, the Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore condemned the anti-Semitic comments allegedly posted on social media by a Johns Hopkins University teaching assistant. “The teaching assistant — who is also a graduate student at the University — is reported to have openly threatened to give lower grades to Jewish and Israeli students in her classes because of their religion and background,” the statement read. “She allegedly followed up with additional racist and antisemitic remarks on social media.” Click here for the full article.
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How Jewish communities stand to benefit from the new stimulus
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 29, 2020
The new $900 billion pandemic relief includes another round of payroll protection, and the Jewish Federations of North America is set to reprise the role it played earlier this year and explain how nonprofits can get their share. Howard Libit of the Baltimore Jewish Council stated that the “stimulus aid package and federal budget approved by the House and Senate provide critical resources for a number of priorities for our community, particularly in the areas of assistance to vulnerable communities, health care, security, care for Holocaust survivors and financial support to individuals and nonprofits struggling in
the pandemic.” Click here for the full article.
the pandemic.” Click here for the full article.
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Our Community’s Collective Fight against Hate and Antisemitism
JMORE
December 24, 2020
The Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The Chabad synagogue of Poway, Calif. A Chanukah celebration in Monsey, N.Y. A march in Charlottesville, Va. A kosher grocery store in Jersey City, N.J. For Jewish Americans, these have come to symbolize some of our worst fears of antisemitism – deadly attacks on our community, motivated by hate. As leading Jewish organizations in the region, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council collectively decided that our system and our community cannot sit idly by. To that end, we felt it was our urgent responsibility to convene the leaders of our community in spring 2019 to discuss our response to antisemitism. Click here for the full article.
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In the face of anti-Semitism, Baltimore makes a call for action
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 16, 2020
On April 27, 2019, a gunman stormed Chabad of Poway in California and began shooting, killing Lori Gilbert-Kaye and wounding three others, including Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein. Against this backdrop of hate, the Baltimore Jewish Community Task Force on Anti-Semitism last month released a 13-page action plan to combat anti-Semitism. The plan, which took more than a year to create, makes recommendations in a number of areas and calls on the Jewish community at large, and its many allies, to engage in the work ahead. The Baltimore Jewish Council has also created a position of a director of Holocaust and anti-Semitism programming, who will help coordinate these efforts around the community. Click here for the full article.
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Local Holocaust Survivor Morris Rosen Dies at 98
JMORE
December 14, 2020
A longtime Baltimore resident and survivor of the Holocaust who frequently spoke publicly about his wartime experiences, Morris Rosen died on Dec. 12. He was 98. In a statement issued on Dec. 14, the Baltimore Jewish Council said, “We were saddened to learn of the passing of Morris Rosen this past weekend. Morris was such a passionate advocate, and his experiences during the Holocaust always made a powerful impact on audiences of all ages. We were privileged to have worked with Morris for so many years in our collective effort to educate about the Holocaust. “On behalf of the Baltimore Jewish Council and the BJC’s Holocaust Remembrance Committee, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be for a blessing.” Click here for the full article.
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Former Sen. Paul Sarbanes dies at 87
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 11, 2020
Former Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, the first U.S. senator in Maryland’s history to win a fifth term to office, died Dec. 6 at 87, according to his son, Rep. John Sarbanes (D-District 3), whose wife is Jewish and who belongs to Bolton Street Synagogue. The Baltimore Jewish Council also released a statement on social media. BJC’s Executive Director Howard Libit said in an email that Sarbanes’ “humility and his commitment to looking out for vulnerable communities made him an example for all elected officials. We were fortunate to have him as a partner and advocate of the Jewish community’s needs for so many years in the U.S. Senate.” Click here for the full article.
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Jeanette Parmigiani to Retire from Baltimore Jewish Council after 13 Years
JMORE
December 8, 2020
Jeanette Parmigiani admits that people often look a little confused when hearing her name and learning that she is the director of Holocaust programs at the Baltimore Jewish Council. But since taking over that job in July of 2007, Parmigiani, who describes herself as a “cradle Catholic,” has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, educators, students, Holocaust survivors and their families for her commitment to local community programming and education about the Shoah. A longtime Howard County resident and congregant at the Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City, Parmigiani, 76, will retire from her position but remain on the BJC’s Holocaust Remembrance Commission. Click here for the full article.
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BJC & The Associated: Anti-Semitic hate crimes rose 14% last year; a Baltimore task force confronts the crisis
Baltimore Sun
November 20, 2020
Eighteen months ago, The Associated and Baltimore Jewish Council convened Baltimore’s Jewish community leaders to confront the challenges of anti-Semitism. We needed to address not just the high-profile horrifying attacks, but the dramatic rise of anti-Semitic incidents of all types — the swastikas being spray-painted in our communities, the hateful insults exchanged on high school sports fields and in supermarkets, the harassment that college students encounter on campuses. As co-chairs of the Baltimore Community Task Force on Antisemitism, we now stand ready to present our work to all who believe in a civil and more just society. Click here for the full article.
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Matt Peterson: Takeaways from this Year’s Elections from a Stateside and Local Perspective
JMORE
November 16, 2020
Exactly one year ago, the Baltimore Jewish Council hosted an event aimed at strengthening and unifying the Park Heights community. It was a cold, dark night, but nearly 200 residents from across Northwest Baltimore joined us. One of our featured guests was Park Heights native Brandon Scott, who will be sworn in as the 52nd mayor of Baltimore next month. At the BJC, we are excited to have someone who is so intimately familiar with this corner of the city now leading Baltimore, and we look forward to continuing our work with him on behalf of the community. Additionally, we want to congratulate all of the recently elected officials in Baltimore and across Maryland. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Baltimore reacts to presidential election
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 11, 2020
Former Vice President Joe Biden has achieved the rare ousting of an incumbent president, Donald Trump, and stands to dramatically shift U.S. policy in a number of areas, including a robust confrontation with the flourishing of bigotry in the United States and the repairing of U.S. ties with European and Asian allies. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said that he was “pleased to see an election with record-breaking numbers of people who were engaged and who voted. And am looking forward to the challenge of trying to work to bring people back together.” Libit was reassured by what he called Biden’s longstanding ties with the national Jewish community and his record of support for Israel. Click here for the full article.
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Local Places Of Worship Change Ways Of Holding Services Amid Statewide Spike In Coronavirus Cases
WJZ-TV
November 11, 2020
Many places of worship have had to drastically change their ways of holding religious services throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Now, with the recent surge in cases, some have decided to suspend services for at least the next two weeks. The Baltimore Jewish Council said many have live-streamed their teachings and services and plan to continue. “It has been hard, but protecting the health of the community is most important,” Howard Libit, Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said. Click here for the full article.
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Brandon Scott eyes the future
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 10, 2020
Baltimore will soon have a new mayor in current city Council President Brandon M. Scott, following the results of the 2020 election. Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said that Scott has a long relationship with the Jewish community, having grown up in Park Heights and having worked in city government and on the City Council for years. Scott has been a speaker at BJC events, such as at its annual meeting in June, its teen social justice summit at Loyola University in March 2019 and a November 2019 event on bridging the gaps between Park Heights communities. Scott, Libit said, was sensitive to the community’s needs and responsive when the BJC wished to discuss issues with him. Click here for the full article.
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Speaker addresses how results of election might impact Israel
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 30, 2020
The Baltimore Jewish Council held an online discussion Oct. 29 with David Makovsky of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy on how the U.S. presidential election could affect the American-Israeli relationship. Makovsky began discussing the differing views of Donald Trump and Joe Biden on the Iran nuclear deal. Click here for the full article.
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Cybersecurity expert warns it only takes one slip
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 20, 2020
Nonprofits are being hacked more frequently than ever, and the global pandemic is only making matters worse. Local organizations are aware and cautious. At the Baltimore Jewish Council, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore maintains a robust system of security to similarly prevent hackers and threats. This includes regular trainings for employees and periodic tests. “We are aware that there are a lot of risks, and what happened with the D.C. Federation has certainly prompted all of us to review our policies and procedures,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the BJC. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council Launches Virtual Racial Justice Program
JMore
October 5, 2020
It’s no accident that the Baltimore Jewish Council scheduled its program “18 Days Exploring Racial Justice – The Baltimore Jewish Community Learns Together” in the days following the Sukkot holiday, says Sarah Mersky Miicke, the BJC’s deputy director. Sukkot, she said, tends to be a season when many Jews feel introspective, and “18 Days” – which will be held from Oct. 14 to Nov. 2 – was created to capitalize on that feeling. Click here for the full article.
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BJC calls on community to join 18 days of racial justice
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 5, 2020
As part of a program beginning Oct. 14, the Baltimore Jewish Council invites community members to join them and pledge 18 days focusing on racial justice. BJC will send participants a daily email for the 18 days with an article, video or podcast and reflection questions about racism, anti-Semitism, power and privilege. The journey is meant to be cohesive, rather than random events to pick and choose from. Click here for the full article.
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Superintendent Salmon talks education during the pandemic
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 1, 2020
The Baltimore Jewish Council organized an online “Lunch & Learn” session with State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon Sept. 23 to discuss the current state of education. Hosted by Sarah Mersky-Miicke, BJC’s deputy director, and Matt Peterson, the assistant director of government relations and communications, Salmon took questions on the topic of educating children during a pandemic. Click here for the full article.
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Survey reveals gaps in Holocaust knowledge
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 22, 2020
More than one in 10 American adults under 40 believes that Jews caused the Holocaust. That’s one finding from a national survey of 1,000 respondents ages 18-39 across 50 states on knowledge of the Holocaust. Jeanette Parmigiani, Baltimore Jewish Council director of Holocaust programs, was particularly disappointed about the results after the BJC’s efforts and success in expanding Holocaust education in Maryland. She said she has seen, though, that students who do meet survivors are incredibly impacted and will remember the experience. Click here for the full article.
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The Last Word: Howard Libit goes from interviewer to interviewee
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 15, 2020
As a liaison between Baltimore’s Jewish community and the government, Howard Libit, Baltimore Jewish Council executive director, gets to see a diverse array of perspectives in the community. His extensive background helps a lot with this, but another key to his leadership is simply speaking with others. Click here for the full article.
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Three questions with the Baltimore Jewish Council
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 14, 2020
The JT caught up Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit for a quick Q&A about the Baltimore Jewish community’s political voice. Click here for the full article.
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Orioles rookie Dean Kremer and his Israeli-American heritage already a hit with Baltimore’s Jewish community
Baltimore Sun
September 11, 2020
“You saw, throughout the day, a number of Jewish organizations here in Baltimore and also nationally were sharing posts about him being the first Israeli-American pitcher in the majors,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Were fans allowed at Camden Yards this year, Libit guessed that there would be synagogue men’s groups or community organizations trying to organize a way to be at his next home start. As a partial plan holder with Sunday tickets throughout the season, he likely would have been at Kremer’s debut himself. Click here for the full article.
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Community leaders share their thoughts for the Jewish New Year
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 11, 2020
“This past year has been extraordinarily challenging in so many ways for all of us. I hope that in this next year, I will be able to work with our many friends and partners to create a better Baltimore for everyone. There is much to be done, but I believe that if we work together, we can accomplish a lot.” —Howard Libit, Baltimore Jewish Council executive director. Click here for the full article.
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Matt Peterson: A Quick Guide to Voting in the General Election this November
JMORE
September 10, 2020
The Baltimore Jewish Council is joining with The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and each of its agencies to help spread the word that the best and safest way to vote in November is through the mail. While in-person voting will be an option, as will early voting from Oct. 26 through Nov. 2, the only way to avoid exposure to COVID-19 at the polling place is to vote from home. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Community Leaders Work for Accurate Census Count
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 26, 2020
While in Genesis, Abraham may have been given the seemingly impossible task of numbering all the stars in the sky, this year U.S. Census workers have their own rather daunting task. Whereas census personnel in previous years would go door to door to take an accurate count, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact on that approach, said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Holocaust Education Summit Teaches How to Cultivate Upstanders
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 11, 2020
The Annual Summer Teachers Summit concluded last week after an intense three-day dive into how to teach students to stand up to injustice. The Baltimore Jewish Council, Jewish Museum of Maryland, Maryland State Department of Education and the Macks Center for Jewish Education co-hosted and presented this professional development opportunity for teachers in the area of Holocaust education. The conference lasted from Aug. 3 – 5 and was streamed live on Zoom. Click here for the full article.
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Attorney General Frosh Shares Plans with Baltimore Jewish Council
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 16, 2020
The Baltimore Jewish Council led a zoom discussion with Attorney General Brian Frosh July 13. Matt Peterson , BJC assistant director of government relations and communications, led the Q&A session. Click here for the full article.
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A hateful twist to an armed robbery
WMAR-TV
July 14, 2020
As four teens left the Towson Town Center mall on Thursday evening, police say 34-year-old Seneca Rice followed behind them, approaching them with bad intent. “To hear that during the commission of the crime, anti-Semitic things were said to the victims and it sounds like, the victims at least believe they were targeted, because they were wearing open expressions of their Jewish faith, that is of huge concern to all of us,” said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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A new millennial mayor on the horizon in Baltimore
Jewish Insider
July 1, 2020
Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott is gearing up to become the city’s youngest mayor in more than 100 years. Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said he has known and worked with Scott for many years. “He forged a strong relationship with a number of institutions in the community,” Libit told JI. “He’s been there, he’s been engaged on issues that we care about… I’m excited that someone I know and respect a great deal looks likely to be elected the next mayor.” Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know…Emily Goodman
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 3, 2020
If you’re feeling classy and in the mood for a tea party, you should meet Emily Goodman, 26. As something of a tea aficionado, she loves going to tea rooms to test new teas. Goodman is a gerontology graduate from Towson University. She used this degree (the study of aging) to work with Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. She called it a fascinating job, but ultimately it became draining. In college she was active with Towson’s Jewish life and she missed having that niche. So, Goodman continued to help others, just in a new avenue. She is now the program coordinator for the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Prayers to Action: Jews of Baltimore Sow Solidarity
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 10, 2020
Nearly 100 Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others gathered outside St. Vincent de Paul Church in downtown Baltimore on June 3 with their masks, social justice pins, and signs to pray for peace in light of George Floyd’s death and the nation’s internal conflict. Click here for the full article.
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Religious leaders, community members gather for interfaith prayer service on justice, healing
WBAL-TV
June 3, 2020
In Baltimore, leaders from several different faiths came together Wednesday night for a prayer service. The Archdiocese of Baltimore led the interfaith prayer service, including religious leaders from throughout Baltimore. The prayers focused on justice and healing. “We’re all here to stand up against racism, to stand up against hate — to speak with one voice,” said Howard Libit, executive for Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Local Religious Leaders Stress Importance Of Public Health, Safety Ahead Of Reopening
WJZ-TV
May 29, 2020
Howard Libit, with the Baltimore Jewish Council, said synagogues are moving forward very cautiously as well. “No one’s in a rush to reopen indoor services,” he said. “For all of them, the highest priority continues to be health of their congregants.” Libit said there’s no timeline right now, and many are sticking to online prayer. Click here for the full article.
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Stimulus Bill to Aid Jewish Baltimore
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 1, 2020
At more than $2 trillion, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is the largest emergency aid package in U.S. history. It will benefit individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and health care systems, and many in Baltimore’s Jewish community can expect to see its effects. Click here for the full article.
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Activists Meet with Legislators at Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day
JMore
February 20, 2020
More than 250 community and political activists converged on Annapolis Feb. 18 for Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day, an annual meet-and-greet for state legislators and members of the local Jewish community. The three-and-a-half-hour gathering at the Miller Senate Office Building was presented by the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know…Zahava Klein
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 5, 2020
Born and bred in Chicago, Zahava Klein, 30, is proud of her imperviousness to the cold this winter. As the director of Israel and Jewish advocacy for the Baltimore Jewish Council, Klein addresses issues regarding Israel as they relate to the Jewish community, whether it’s understanding the government and elections, Israel in the media, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or Israel’s technological advances. She has been to Israel several times, including for two years after high school to study in Jerusalem. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: Pimlico: a pivotal opportunity for Northwest Baltimore
Baltimore Sun
January 31, 2020
The General Assembly will take up legislation this session that represents a pivotal moment for the future of Northwest Baltimore. The legislation outlines an expansive new plan for Pimlico race course that could benefit the surrounding neighborhoods for years to come. The package to redevelop Pimlico Race Course — carefully negotiated over many months — ensures the historic Preakness Stakes stays in Baltimore, offers a clear vision for horse racing’s future in Maryland and creates the kind of momentum that is critical for redeveloping and strengthening Central Park Heights and beyond. Click here for the full article.
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Meet Elijah Cummings’ predecessor — who is aiming to become his successor
Jewish Insider
January 29, 2020
The mile walk from Baltimore Pennsylvania Station to Kweisi Mfume’s campaign office in the former Jewish-owned Charles Fish & Sons furniture store on Eutaw Street is a study in contrasts. Estimates of the likely Jewish voting population vary widely, but there is definitely “a significant Jewish presence within the district,” Howard Libit said. Oriole Park is just outside of the district, but the latter’s unusual boundaries evoke a baseball mitt’s finger slots. Several synagogues, yeshivas, and Jewish cemeteries lie within the district’s eruv, or boundaries, so to speak. Click here for the full article.
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‘My whole world disappeared’: Holocaust survivor in Pikesville reflects on 75th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation
Baltimore Sun
January 27, 2020
Goldie Szachter Kalib’s memories of Auschwitz are as clear as the number — A-14313 — the Nazis tattooed on her left forearm when she arrived in the summer of 1944. The 75th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, which is being commemorated in Baltimore and around the world Monday, comes as the Holocaust fades from the public consciousness, according to recent surveys, and some people deny its occurrence. Such a milestone is a chance to reflect on the genocide of the Holocaust and to contextualize the events that led to it, especially in light of the anti-Semitism and other prejudice again rearing its nasty head in today’s society, said Jeanette Parmigiani, director of Holocaust programs for the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland legislators, faith leaders back funding increase in wake of religious hate crimes
Baltimore Sun
January 13, 2020
Baltimore faith leaders said they could use any increased funding to harden security in houses of worship and to support outreach programs that would encourage awareness and understanding across faith traditions. Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori, Baltimore Jewish Council Executive Director Howard Libit and Mubaraz Razvi of the United Maryland Muslim Council were among the faith leaders and local legislators who also called for unity in the face of acts of hatred. Click here for the full article.
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Critical Issues to be Explored During the 2020 General Assembly
JMore
January 7, 2020
The 441st legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly will convene this Wednesday, Jan. 8, in Annapolis and runs through April 6. To gauge the issues that will be of most importance to Marylanders, Jmore recently spoke with four local Jewish political leaders — Del. Jon S. Cardin (D-11th), Del. Shelly L. Hettleman (D-11th), Del. Samuel I. “Sandy” Rosenberg (D-41st) and Del. Dana M. Stein (D-11th) — as well as Sarah Mersky, deputy director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, about the upcoming session. Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know…Matt Peterson
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 11, 2019
If Matt Peterson, 25, could travel through time, he says would go to Eastern Europe to experience the culture of Jews pre-World War II. As the assistant director of government relations and communications at the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Peterson carries his interest for history like this in his desire to write a better future history for Baltimore. Peterson represents the interests of the Greater Baltimore Jewish community at the State House when Annapolis is in session. Click here for the full article.
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Challenging the Idea of ‘Two Park Heights’: Some Residents Say This Characterization Is Part of the Problem
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 27 2019
It was a cold November evening when approximately 110 members of the African American and Jewish communities packed into a multi-purpose room on the second floor of the CC Jackson Recreation Center on Park Heights Avenue. The gathering’s objective was to enhance dialogue between the two communities living to the north and to the south of Northern Parkway in northwest Baltimore City. While many participants appreciated the opportunity to come together and discuss shared issues and concerns, others expressed their feelings that there is still much to do toward building community.
Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: Clear plan needed for Baltimore police academy site in Park Heights
Baltimore Sun
October 25, 2019
What’s most important, is that we need to quickly develop a clear long-term plan for the property that is supported by the many neighborhoods affected by this decision. As Baltimore seeks to promote the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars at nearby Pimlico Race Course, what message would the city be sending to potential investors if it allowed this nearby city-owned site to become another vacant building? Click here for the full article.
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School officials in Maryland strengthen requirements for Holocaust education
Washington Post
October 23, 2019
Several elected leaders and advocates lauded the state’s plans, citing a critical need for greater awareness and education. Some pointed to an increase in hate crimes, incidents and threats at schools. “We thought the state curriculum guidelines were lacking and fell short of the depth of instruction in the Holocaust and its causes necessary to ensure our children learn about it and that our society never repeats it again,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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MD Politicians Honor Thomas Kennedy, Religious Freedom Champion
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 17, 2019
On Oct. 11, Hagerstown dedicated the Thomas Kennedy Park and Statue. Gov. Larry Hogan, Sen. Ben Cardin, Sen. Van Hollen and Rabbi David Saperstein were in attendance, among other community leaders. The Baltimore Jewish Council’s Howard Libit praised the park’s location, noting it was across from a synagogue. “It’s an important stop for everyone who wants to better understand the work of one of Washington County’s great leaders,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: Remembering Elijah Cummings, A Brave Leader And Friend Of The Jewish Community
The Forward
October 17, 2019
As I thought about Rep. Elijah Cummings in the hours after his death Thursday morning, my mind kept going to images of the students applying to join his namesake initiative, the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel. Each spring, about 25 high school sophomores from the Congressman’s district are selected to interview for slots in the two-year leadership program. Click here for the full article.
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Elijah Cummings, Dead At 68, Built Bridges Between Black And Jewish Communities
The Forward
October 17, 2019
Rep. Elijah Cummings, a longtime Baltimore congressman who worked to build ties between the African-American and Jewish communities in his district, died Thursday in his home city. He was 68. Click here for the full article.
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Congressman Cummings leaves behind legacy of mentoring, creating opportunities for youth
WMAR-TV
October 17, 2019
Throughout his career, Congressman Cummings dedicated lots of time to mentoring youth, creating new opportunities for them and supporting organizations making a difference in Baltimore and beyond. Tonight, Elijah Cummings is being remembered as so many things, a trailblazer, a fighter for justice and an advocate for young people. “He had this saying that always stuck with me, that our children are the living messages we send to the future we will never see and that really resonates with everything he did,” said Howard Libit. Click here for the full article.
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Towson University Holds Panel Discussion on Hate Speech on Campus
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 10, 2019
Approximately one hundred people attended a panel discussion titled “Hate Speech on Campus: A Conversation,” held at at Towson University on Wednesday Oct. 2. Sponsored by Towson University Hillel, The Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Towson University Hebrew Institute and The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the panel featured U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.); Dr. Sanaullah Kirmani, faculty advisor to the Muslim Student Association; and Dr. Cynthia Cooper, Acting Associate Dean, College of Fine Arts and Communications. Click here for the full article.
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Daily Record VIP List: Sarah Mersky, Deputy Director, Baltimore Jewish Council
Daily Record
September 20, 2019
When Sarah Mersky learned from one of the agencies working with the Baltimore Jewish Council that there were no elder abuse victim safehouses in the state of Maryland, she sprung into action. Mersky, who says she’s a “problem-solver,” was able to secure funding for a house, which opened last fall. Click here for the full article.
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Cummings’ District, Which Trump Called ‘Disgusting,’ Has Huge Jewish Population
The Forward
July 30, 2019
Jewish leaders in Baltimore have come to the defense of Rep. Elijah Cummings, the African-American Democrat who has come under withering attack from President Trump. After spending a week berating the group of four Democratic freshman known as “The Squad” — all women of color — Trump used Twitter over the weekend to attack Cummings, whose 7th District includes over half of the city of Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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10 Under 40: Jmore Salutes Young Influencers
JMore
July 11, 2019
Selecting a group of influencers, thought agents and movers-and-shakers under the age of 40 is no enviable task. Especially when it comes to Jewish Baltimore. Featuring Sarah Mersky, Deputy Director, Baltimore Jewish Council Click here for the full article.
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The Darrell D. Friedman Institute Presents Jewish Community Awards
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 29, 2019
Three prestigious Jewish communal awards were presented to Sharon Seigel, Sarah Mersky and Ashley Pressman on May 22 as part of the annual Celebration of Professional Leadership by The Darrell D. Friedman Institute for Professional Development at the Weinberg Center (DFI), a program of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Gov. Hogan to sign bills updating cyberbullying law, reforming UMMS board, permitting Hopkins police
Baltimore Sun
April 18, 2019
Democratic Del. Sandy Rosenberg helped craft Maryland’s first hate crime law some three decades ago, but when threats were called in two years ago to Jewish community centers around the region, authorities were limited in their possible response, he said. The hate crime law extended only to “attempts” to target protected groups with harm or violence. “We discovered that a threat to commit any hate crime is a step removed from an attempt,” Rosenberg said. After Hogan signs the bill, threatening to commit a hate crime will be a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine up to $5,000, starting Oct. 1. Click here for the full article.
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Suspicious packages reported at 4 synagogues in Baltimore City and County
WMAR-TV
December 17, 2018
An investigation is underway after suspicious packages surfaced on Monday at four separate synagogues throughout Baltimore County and Baltimore City. Howard Libit, Executive Director of The Baltimore Jewish Council, told WMAR 2 News, “The attacks we’re seeing, certainly what happened in Pittsburgh makes us all that much more hyper alert and you add in the social media component where threats can certainly come from there as well. So we certainly watch our email very closely, we watch mail closely.” Click here for the full article.
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Man shouts anti-Semitic slur at Hippodrome
WMAR-TV
November 15, 2018
The excitement of a classic Broadway musical reaching the stage at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre. “Fiddler on the Roof. Actually, my mom was asking if we could go see it,” said Maria Smaldone of Greenmount West. Marred during the intermission when a man shouts ‘Hail Hitler!’ and ‘Hail Trump!’ from the balcony before security could show him the door, as captured in its aftermath by a cell phone in the audience. The executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, Howard Libit, equated the outburst to yelling ‘fire’ or ‘bomb’ in a theater. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council hosts active shooter training
WBFF-TV
November 13, 2018
The Baltimore Jewish Council is focused on keeping its synagogues safe. Members hosted an active shooter training class Monday night. Organizers say the training session was already planned for next month, but moved up after the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Click here for the full article.
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Political and Faith Leaders Show Solidarity at JCC
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 7, 2018
A solemn but hopeful crowd gathered at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC on the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 3, as The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and the Baltimore Jewish Council hosted an interfaith Oneg Shabbat to kick off the Solidarity Shabbat weekend. That evening and the following day, congregations across the country saw high turnouts at services from Jews and non-Jews alike to show solidarity after 11 were killed during a shooting at the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh the previous Shabbat. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish community unites in wake of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
WMAR-TV
October 28, 2018
The Jewish community in Baltimore is rallying to push back against Anti-Semitism. On Sunday, hundreds paid their respects to those shot and killed on Saturday in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Their message…solidarity, as they work to fight back against hate. Howard Libit, the Executive Director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. says to have so many people killed during prayer services during the Sabbath is horrifying; “It’s our worst fears realized. The conversations I’ve had with members of our community who are genuinely overwhelmed, who say I can’t imagine anything like this happening in our lifetime.” Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish community gathers to mourn Pittsburgh synagogue shooting victims, unite against anti-Semitism
Baltimore Sun
October 27, 2018
Nearly 1,000 members of Baltimore’s Jewish community gathered Sunday morning for a rapidly assembled ceremony to decry acts of anti-Semitism and to support each other after the shooting that killed 11 people inside a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Council: “We’re not going to let hate keep us down”
WBFF-TV
October 27, 2018
The deadly mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburg has caused immediate reaction here in Baltimore. “Within an hour of this mass shooting we were in communication with city police, county police and the state police,” said Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “All were talking about putting extra resources and being extra vigilant across the Jewish community.” Click here for the full article.
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Company to make bomb containment systems in White Marsh, employ at least 30 now and more later
Baltimore Sun
October 25, 2018
When New York City police officers responded Wednesday to calls about pipe bombs sent to opponents and critics of President Donald Trump, employees of a small Maryland defense technology firm recognized a large, round piece of machinery on television — a bomb containment system that company officials just announced they plan to make in a Baltimore suburb. “We were very proud; this technology saves lives,” said Eyal Banai, CEO at Bethesda-based Mistral Group, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in White Marsh, where dozens of workers will piece together the containers, as well as other equipment designed for military and law enforcement use. Click here for the full article.
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Filling Bags for the Homeless a Joyous, Interfaith Affair
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 12, 2018
The assembly line operated like a well-oiled machine last week at Morning Star Baptist Church Community Outreach and Educational Center in Woodlawn, where young and old from the area’s Jewish and Christian communities chatted and worked together to fill about 300 red and blue “blessing bags” destined for homeless men and women across the Baltimore area. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish and Christian groups join forces to help homeless
WMAR-TV
October 3, 2018
Members of the Jewish Council community alongside members of the Morning Star Baptist Church joined forces to make 300 care packages for those experiencing homelessness in Maryland. The event was held at the Morning Star Baptist Church Community Outreach Center on Wednesday evening. Members of these two faiths filled “blessing bags” in hopes of showing how a little good can go a long way. Click here for the full article.
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Two BJC Staffers Promoted to Bolster Community Relations
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 5, 2018
The first of the month represented a new fiscal year for the Baltimore Jewish Council. Along with the clean fiscal slate came promotions for two current employees, Sarah Mersky and Noah Mitchel. Mersky, whose former title was director of government relations, is now the BJC’s deputy director, and Mitchel, formerly program coordinator, is now the assistant director of community relations. ‘In both cases they are well-deserved promotions,’ said BJC executive director Howard Libit. Click here for the full article.
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‘It’s not enough’: Local organizers plan to rally against U.S. immigration practices
Baltimore Sun
June 27, 2018
The Baltimore Jewish Council signed onto a June 20 national letter regarding family separation, expressing the group’s ‘strong opposition’ to the zero-tolerance immigration policy. Click here for the full article.
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Democrat and Republican Baltimore County executive hopefuls square off in Pikesville
Baltimore Sun
May 30, 2018
The five leading candidates for Baltimore County executive shared a stage Wednesday night, as the Baltimore Jewish Council hosted a debate at a Pikesville synagogue. Click here for the full article.
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BJC’s Candidates Carnival Brought Candidates to the Voters
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 23, 2018
The BJC’s executive director Howard Libit said the meet-and-greet was conceived to get voters more up-close-and-personal with the candidates and for candidates to meet likely voters. ‘If you’re in a neighborhood where people aren’t knocking on doors or you missed candidates, here’s an opportunity to come out and just meet and talk to them. Ask them the questions you want to ask them, as opposed to hearing them speak at you with their prepared speeches,’ he said. Click here for the full article.
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Remembering Kevin Kamenetz
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 16, 2018
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, called Kamenetz a ‘passionate and dedicated public servant,’ noting that Kamenetz was committed to advocating on behalf of Baltimore County, the city and the state. He recalled Kamenetz urging Baltimore County residents to patronize Baltimore City restaurants and businesses in the wake of the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray. Click here for the full article.
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Towson University will not tolerate anti-Semitism
Baltimore Sun
May 2, 2018
It is in this spirit of diversity and unity that we call for our respective communities to come together in the wake of last weekend’s incident. As the university completes a full and ongoing investigation, we encourage you to unite in support of our Jewish community. The Towson University administration is working with TU Hillel to address student concerns, as well as partnering with the Baltimore Jewish Council and The Associated to provide additional resources, including security consultations, to those affected. Click here for the full article.
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‘You can’t give up’: Maryland Holocaust survivors share their stories so others won’t forget
Baltimore Sun
April 15, 2018
Jacob Apelberg was just boy when the Nazis invaded Poland. ‘Ein, zwei, drei!’ they shouted, marching into the village where he lived. The soldiers spoke German, but Apelberg thought it was Yiddish. In his innocence, he ran to tell his mother that a Jewish army had come to the town. ‘This is not Yiddish,’ she told him. Click here for the full article.
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State Upholds Baltimore County Decision to Close for Jewish Holidays
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 13, 2018
‘The courts have made it clear that public schools are not permitted to close for religious reasons — only out of operational necessity. That’s why we focused all of our comments to the Baltimore County school board on issues such as teacher and student attendance and how that will impact learning and costs,’ Libit said via email. ‘I am pleased that both the Baltimore County School Board and the state school board agreed that the impact of opening schools on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur would have a significant impact on the operations of the school system.’ Click here for the full article.
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Yom Hashoah 2018 Features Verdi’s Requiem, 200-Plus Performers
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 11, 2018
How Verdi’s Requiem came to be the centerpiece of this year’s Yom Hashoah 2018 Holocaust Commemoration at Chizuk Amuno Congregation is an interesting story wrapped in a heart-breaking Shoah narrative. Click here for the full article.
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Nearly 20 Hate Groups Tied to Maryland, SPLC Says
WJZ-TV
February 27, 2018
Hate crimes and hate groups increased during 2017, according to two new surveys. The Southern Poverty Law Center tracked 954 active hate groups, a 4-percent jump, and 19 of those organizations were connected to people in Maryland. “They have been emboldened for various reasons to step out of the shadows,” says Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council. “To be more aggressive, and unfortunately, that’s encouraged others to act out.” Click here for the full article.
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BJC and NAACP Rally for Tougher Hate Crime Laws
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 23, 2018
The Baltimore Jewish Council had a busy day in Annapolis on Tuesday, Feb. 20, as representatives, along with partners from the NAACP, testified in favor of two bills that would expand the definition of what constitutes a hate crime. Click here for the full article.
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Activists Descend on Annapolis for Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day
JMore
February 8, 2018
More than 250 Jewish political activists from around the state turned out on Feb. 6 for Maryland Jewish Advocacy Day in Annapolis. The annual event was planned and hosted by the Baltimore Jewish Council, The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Click here for the full article.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Interfaith Event Calls for Unity
JMore
January 16, 2018
Unity was the dominant theme at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon presented on Jan. 15, by the New Interfaith Coalition of Baltimore County. The coalition consists of the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Greater Baltimore Muslim Council, the Greater Hindu Coalition, Morning Star Baptist Church and the Sikh Alliance of the DMV Area. Click here for the full article.
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Vigil Honors Families Affected by Baltimore Violence
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 3, 2018
Mayor Catherine Pugh held an interfaith candlelight vigil on Dec. 28 inside War Memorial Plaza to honor families impacted by violence in Baltimore days after the city experienced its 343rd killing in 2017, which gave Baltimore its highest per-capita homicide rate on record. Among attendees were Baltimore Jewish Council executive director Howard Libit and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Andrew Busch, who spoke at the gathering. Click here for the full article.
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Trump’s Embassy Announcement Gets Mixed Reactions
Baltimore Jewish Times
December 13, 2017
In a move that has drawn dramatic reaction both in the United States and most visibly in the Middle East, President Donald Trump has announced plans to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing the latter as Israel’s capital. Click here for the full article.
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Jerusalem Announcement Gets Mixed Reaction in Baltimore Region
WBFF-TV
December 7, 2017
There has been plenty of reaction throughout the Baltimore region to the president’s declaration recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Leader Reacts to Trump’s Jerusalem Call
WMAR-TV
December 7, 2017
At the Baltimore Jewish Council, where signs declare support for the Jewish state, Executive Director Howard Libit expresses similar support for the president’s declaration and his commitment to moving the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimoreans React to President’s Declaration of Jerusalem as Israel Capital
WBAL-TV
December 7, 2017
The president, shattering decades of U.S. neutrality on Jerusalem, said his decision was merely based on reality — to recognize Jerusalem as the seat of Israel’s government, with plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the ancient city. Click here for the full article.
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Cardin, Stein Vow to Fight for Environment
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 15, 2017
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen, addressing a spirited group of about 20 activists at Van Gough Cafe in Southeast Baltimore on Monday, says Jews have an innate responsibility to safeguard the environment. Click here for the full article.
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Kristallnacht Remembered through Music and Tears
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 10, 2017
A collaboration between several community organizations — including the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Museum of Maryland and Beth El Congregation — commemorated the 79th anniversary of the tragic events of Nov. 9, 1938, known to history as Kristallnacht or “the night of broken glass,” at Beth El on Nov. 5. Click here for the full article.
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Schools in Heavily Jewish County of Maryland to Stay Closed on High Holidays
JTA
November 8, 2017
The Baltimore County school board on Tuesday night voted 9-3 to approve the academic calendar for the next term with the district closing on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as it has for the past two decades. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Schools to Remain Closed on High Holidays
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 8, 2017
The Baltimore County school board voted Tuesday to keep schools closed during the Jewish High Holidays in 2018, continuing a more than two-decade practice. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Votes to Keep Schools Closed on Jewish Holidays
Baltimore Sun
November 8, 2017
The Baltimore County school board voted Tuesday to approve an academic calendar that keeps schools closed next year on the Jewish High Holy Days. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Churches Ponder Shooting in Wake of Texas Shooting
Baltimore Sun
November 7, 2017
The Jewish community has invested millions of dollars, Libit says, providing such measures as security cameras, card-coded entries, and armed and unarmed security guards at synagogues and other sites over the past few years. And the council has helped Jewish and Muslim institutions gain federal funding through grants from the Department of Homeland Security. Click here for the full article.
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Light of Performance Remembers Child Victims of Holocaust
Baltimore Jewish Times
November 1, 2017
Members of the local Jewish performing arts community will descend upon Beth El Congregation in Pikesville on Sunday for a program to remember one of the darkest periods in history: the Holocaust. Click here for the full article.
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Advocacy 101 Encourages Turning Passion into Action
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 24, 2017
More than 75 people packed a room at the Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library on Oct. 17 to learn how to turn their activism into an effective political tool. Organized by the Baltimore Jewish Council, Jews United for Justice and Catholic Charities of Maryland, the Advocacy 101 event served as a sort-of political engagement training course on local lawmaking. Speakers informed the crowd about existing organizations they can support and get involved with and what it takes to become an effective advocate. Click here for the full article.
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Hogan Bans Companies Doing Business with Maryland from Actions against Israel
Daily Record
October 23, 2017
Companies that do business with the Maryland state government will not be able to participate in any boycott, divestment or sanctions against Israel under an executive order signed Monday by Gov. Larry Hogan. Click here for the full article.
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Hogan Executive Order Denies Contracts to Firms that Boycott Israel
Baltimore Sun
October 23, 2017
Hogan, surrounded by local and national Jewish leaders, said he wants to send a message that Maryland supports the Jewish state and the economic ties between the two regions. Click here for the full article.
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Breaking: Hogan Signs Executive Order on BDS
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 23, 2017
Diving into a hotly debated international issue, Hogan on Monday signed an executive order opposing the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel (BDS), which has gained momentum in some parts of the country, worrying Jewish leaders who fear its repercussions on Israel’s image and economy. Click here for the full article.
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Gov. Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order on BDS
JMore
October 23, 2017
In Annapolis this afternoon, Oct. 23, Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order prohibiting all executive branch agencies and firms with state contracts from participating in the boycott of the state of Israel. Click here for the full article.
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UMPD Investigate Cases of Anti-Semitic Graffiti at 2 College Campuses
WBAL-TV
October 12, 2017
Police at two college campuses are looking for someone drawing hateful images, including a swastika. University of Maryland Baltimore County police are investigating a number cases of anti-Semitic graffiti. The vandalism has shown up in classrooms, bathrooms and elevators. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Schools Consider Holding Classes on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
JTA
October 11, 2017
The school district, trying to find a way to get enough class hours into the yearly schedule to meet new state regulations, is considering holding classes on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Schools in the district have been closed on those days for the past two decades. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Urged to Close Schools on High Holidays at Hearing
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 11, 2017
The Baltimore County school board heard passionate testimony on Tuesday in Towson over whether schools should open on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur next year. Click here for the full article.
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New School Calendar Threatens Jewish Holidays in Baltimore County
WBAL-TV
October 11, 2017
The board heard Tuesday night from concerned parents and lawmakers. Longer summer breaks could cut into religious holidays. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Public School Board Meets to Discuss Removal of Jewish Holidays from School Calendar
WJZ-TV
October 10, 2017
For the last 20 years, Baltimore County Public Schools have closed their doors to observe the Jewish High Holidays, but that may change if the school board votes to remove the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur from the Calendar. Both fall on weekdays in 2018. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Schools Could Open on Major Jewish Holidays
WMAR-TV
October 9, 2017
In an effort to find enough class time under new state regulations, including starting school after Labor Day, the school board has come up with two plans. One of the options has schools open their doors on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Click here for the full article.
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KKK Leader from Baltimore Faces Charges for Allegedly Firing Gun at Charlottesville Rally
WJZ-TV
October 9, 2017
WJZ investigator Mike Hellgren reports that Preston, a KKK imperial wizard, is scheduled to appear in court later this week on gun charges related to the rally, which was held on the weekend of August 11 and 12. Click here for the full article.
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Some Maryland Schools Consider Opening on 2 Jewish Holidays
WBFF-TV
WBFF-TV
October 5, 2017
Some school districts in Maryland are considering staying open on two Jewish holy days next September.
A gubernatorial mandate requires the school year to begin after Labor Day and end by June 15. Click here for the full article.
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District Considers Keeping Schools Open on 2 Jewish Holidays
WBAL-TV
October 5, 2017
It’s a discussion that’s taking place one month into a new school year. Baltimore County, like other school districts across Maryland, is faced with the challenge of keeping students in the classroom for 180 days, as mandated by state law. That means the possibility of opening school on days that have traditionally closed for students. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Considers Keeping Schools Open on Jewish Holidays
Baltimore Sun
October 4, 2017
Squeezed by a gubernatorial mandate requiring the school year to begin after Labor Day and end by June 15, school officials around the region are finding that fluctuations in the 2018-2019 calendar make it difficult to accommodate spring break and the Jewish holy days that students have ordinarily had off. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Schools Mull Taking Jewish Holidays Off Calendar
WBAL Radio
October 4, 2017
School systems are not allowed to ask teachers or students about their religion so there are no hard and fast numbers of how many are Jewish or would be off those days. Going by estimates from The Associated, Libit said there were 12,000 to 14,000 Jewish children in Baltimore County homes and estimated there were 1,200 to 2,000 Jewish teachers in Baltimore County schools. He said some 250 teachers who are more observant took off for the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Public Schools May Stay Open on High Holidays
JMore
October 3, 2017
If the calendar committee of Baltimore County Public Schools has its way, BCPS schools may remain open on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur next year for the first time in more than two decades. Click here for the full article.
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High Holidays on Chopping Block for Baltimore County Schools
Baltimore Jewish Times
October 2, 2017
The school board will be presented with two calendar proposals for the 2018-19 academic year at its second meeting of the month on Oct. 24. Option one would continue the current practice of closing on state-mandated holidays and Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as has been the case since the 1995-1996 school year. Option two, however, would call for schools to open on the two Jewish holidays, which drew criticism from the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore County Public Schools May Remove Jewish Holidays from Calendar
WJZ-TV
October 2, 2017
Students, parents, and teachers in Baltimore County could see two holidays wiped off the school calendar for the first time in 20 years. The school board is considering keeping doors open for the Jewish High Holidays. Click here for the full article.
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Blessing Bags Assembled for Homeless at Interfaith Event
JMore
September 15, 2017
The two-hour free event, which attracted more than 100 participants and included a kosher pizza dinner, took place at the Church of the Redeemer, 5603 N. Charles St. Besides the Episcopal church and the BJC, the two-hour gathering was co-sponsored by Repair the World Baltimore, a social action group for Jews and others in their 20s and 30s. Click here for the full article.
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Security a Top Priority during High Holidays
Baltimore Jewish Times
September 13, 2017
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, said security concerns intensified after the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC and Weinberg Park Heights JCC were the subject of five separate bomb threats earlier this year. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Institutions to See More Security Funding
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 31, 2017
Sarah Mersky, director of government relations at the Baltimore Jewish Council, said any funding the organizations that the BJC represents receive will provide a much-needed boost. Each year, she noted, Baltimore religious schools, institutions and immigration centers, among others, receive federal and nonprofit security grants that cover primarily infrastructure and security amenities. Last year, she said, the area was awarded about $400,000. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Stands with Charlottesville
Baltimore Jewish Times
August 14, 2017
Among the crowd were members of Jews United for Justice — including Baltimore director Molly Amster — and other activist groups, District 41 Democratic Dels. Sandy Rosenberg and Bilal Ali, Rabbi Andrew Busch of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Baltimore Jewish Council executive director Howard Libit, NAACP officials, Councilman Zeke Cohen (D-District 1) and Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke (D-District 14), whose district includes Remington. Click here for the full article.
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You Should Know Taylor Gonzalez
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 27, 2017
Gonzalez has proven to be a fearless activist both in and out of the classroom — especially in the Jewish realm. The staunch supporter of Israel has applied her leadership skills as a youth leader for AIPAC and a member of the Baltimore Jewish Council’s leadership development program. When anti-BDS legislation made its way to the state Senate floor in March, Gonzalez said she felt obligated to testify in favor of the bill. Click here for the full article.
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Libit Tapped for Leadership Development Program
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 19, 2017
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, was one of 14 people selected to participate in Leading Edge’s yearlong leadership development program, which is designed to groom new Jewish leaders for the nonprofit community through in-person meetings, individual management tutoring and travel. Click here for the full article.
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“Call for Unity” Rally Features Father of Fallen Soldier Khizr Khan
Baltimore Jewish Times
July 18, 2017
Among the groups that co-hosted the event was the Baltimore Jewish Council, which puts on 20 to 30 interfaith programs and dialogue events per year. Others co-hosts included Amigos of Baltimore County, the Baltimore County NAACP, the Greater Baltimore Muslim Council and the Islamic Society of Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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BJC, ECYP Team Up to Promote Black-Jewish Dialogue
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 30, 2017
In an effort to strengthen bonds between African-American and Jewish teenagers, the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) and Elijah Cummings Youth Program (ECYP) in Israel have teamed up for an eight-month fellowship program. Click here for the full article.
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New Jewish Leaders
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 29, 2017
The Baltimore Jewish Council recently graduated a new class from its Leadership Development Program, where participants interested in pursuing leadership positions in the Jewish community learn about government relations, community relations and public affairs through a Jewish lens. Click here for the full article.
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Honoring the Dean
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 16, 2017
Del. Sandy Rosenberg presents former City Councilwoman Rochelle “Rikki” Spector with a proclamation from the Maryland General Assembly on June 7 at the Baltimore Jewish Council’s annual meeting, during which Spector was honored. Click here for the full article.
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Hillary Clinton Speaks at Fundraiser in Fells Point
Baltimore Magazine
June 6, 2017
The purpose of Elijah Cummings Youth Program is to build and strengthen the ties between the Jewish and African American communities. In conjunction with the Baltimore Jewish Council the program provides leadership and community service training—as well as a three-week trip to Israel—for 12 high school students within Cummings’ 7th district of Maryland. Click here for the full article.
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Clinton Warns against Isolationism during Baltimore Talk
JMore
June 5, 2017
Founded in 1998 as a joint effort between Cummings and the Baltimore Jewish Council, ECYP, a two-year fellowship, has sent more than 200 students from Cummings’ 7th District to Israel for leadership training and diversity workshops. Click here for the full article.
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Clinton Calls for Spirit of Unity at Baltimore Fundraiser
WJZ-TV
June 5, 2017
The former Democratic presidential candidate spoke Monday evening at a Baltimore fundraiser on behalf of the Elijah Cummings Youth Program. The program is a joint effort between the Maryland congressman and the Baltimore Jewish Council that pays for high school students to study in Israel. Click here for the full article.
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Hillary Clinton Gives Keynote Address at Baltimore Event
WBAL-TV
June 5, 2017
The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee was the keynote speaker for at the event to raise funds for Rep. Elijah Cummings’ Youth Program in Israel. The student program aims to build bonds between the African-American and Jewish communities through leadership training and community service. Click here for the full article.
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Hillary Clinton Speaks at Baltimore Fundraiser, Mentions Recent Terror Attacks
WBFF-TV
June 5, 2017
The event was held at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park in Fells Point. This was the first time Clinton has spoken publicly in Maryland since April of last year, when she was running for president. Click here for the full article.
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Speaking in Baltimore, Hillary Clinton Praises London Mayor for Leadership Following Attack
Baltimore Sun
June 5, 2017
The program provides leadership and public service training — as well as a trip to Israel — for a dozen Baltimore students every year. It is a 19-year-old collaboration between the Democratic congressman and the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Clinton Calls for Religious Unity in Wake of Portland Attack
Politico
June 5, 2017
During remarks at a fundraiser for the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, a cross-cultural collaboration between the Maryland representative and the Baltimore Jewish Council that aims to foster students from the region, the former Democratic nominee stressed the importance of developing religious tolerance through educational initiatives. Click here for the full article.
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Hillary Clinton Calls for Unity at ECYP Fundraiser
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 5, 2017
The program started in 1998 through U.S. Rep. Cummings, an 11-term Democratic congressman from Baltimore, and the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC) was celebrated on Monday when former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton headlined its fundraising event in Fells Point. Click here for the full article.
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Clinton to Address Baltimore Group that Builds Ties between Black, Jewish Communities
Baltimore Sun
June 4, 2017
The program created nearly two decades ago by Cummings, the longtime Democratic congressman from Baltimore, will receive national attention Monday when former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks at a fundraiser for the group in Fells Point. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Community Split on Baltimore County ICE Bill
Baltimore Jewish Times
June 1, 2017
Officials from the Baltimore Jewish Council and Jews United for Justice feel the bill would unfairly target the undocumented community, while Jewish members of the Baltimore County Republican Central Committee see it as a means for removing illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Click here for the full article.
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Gov. Hogan Signs Teach MD Security Grant Bill
Yeshiva World News
May 25, 2017
The new bill will authorize the Maryland Center for School Safety to make grants for security related projects. Schools and childcare centers deemed at risk for hate crimes or ideological attacks will be eligible for the grants. Click here for the full article.
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State Officials Talk Hate Crimes, Hate Speech at Forum
Baltimore Jewish Times
May 24, 2017
In a passionate speech delivered to more than 150 people at the Weinberg Park Heights JCC on May 17, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh warned that the state is not immune to hate crimes, whether aimed at Jews, Muslims, immigrants or other minorities. Click here for the full article.
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Trialogue Series Brings Faith Traditions Together
Baltimore Sun
May 20, 2017
He’s one of three clergy members working together to lead the Interfaith Trialogue, a program sponsored by the Baltimore Jewish Council that aims to establish common ground among Christians, Jews and Muslims. Click here for the full article.
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Attorney General Brian Frosh Discusses Hate Crime at BJC Forum
JMore
May 19, 2017
The event was a response to the recent rash of bomb threats against Jewish community centers nationwide, as well as the spate of hate crimes targeting the Jewish, Muslim and Hispanic communities. The program aimed to inform the community about what Frosh and other statewide community leaders are doing to tackle hate crimes, which have spiked since the 2016 presidential election. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish Community Gathers to Discuss Hate Crimes
WBAL-TV
May 18, 2017
Responding to what the Baltimore Jewish Council is calling a startling rise in hate crime across the country, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh joined community leaders and others affected by this growing problem.” Click here for the full coverage.
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Hillary Clinton to Speak at Fundraiser in Fells Point
Baltimore Sun
May 17, 2017
Clinton will speak at an event for the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, a 19-year-old collaboration between the Democratic congressman and the Baltimore Jewish Council that pays for a dozen high school juniors in Cummings’ congressional district to learn about and study in the country every year. Click here for the full article.
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Hillary Clinton to Speak at Baltimore Fundraiser
WJZ-TV
May 17, 2017
The event was announced Wednesday on the Facebook page for the Elijah Cummings Youth Program, a joint program between the Maryland congressman and the Baltimore Jewish Council. Click here for the full article.
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Holocaust Event Pays Tribute to Elie Wiesel
JMore
April 24, 2017
More than 600 people attended the gathering, which paid tribute to writer, activist, Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, who died last July. The program was presented by the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Baltimore Board of Rabbis, the Jewish Museum of Maryland and The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. Click here for the full article.
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Community Attends Annual Yom HaShoah Ceremony
WBAL-TV
April 24, 2017
Click here for the full video.
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Baltimore Jewish Community Commemorates Holocaust & Life of Elie Wiesel at Annual Yom HaShoah Ceremony
Baltimore Jewish Life
April 20, 2017
On Sunday, April 23, over 250 Holocaust survivors, community members and legislators will join together in the Offit Auditorium at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and the life and legacy of Elie Wiesel. Click here for the full article.
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Sine Die Seder
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 19, 2017
The Baltimore Jewish Council held a seder in Annapolis on Monday, April 10, the last day of the General Assembly and the first night of Passover. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland General Assembly Legislative Wrap Up
Baltimore Jewish Times
April 18, 2017
Howard Libit, executive director of the BJC, said the state agreed to provide level funding for all of his organization’s requests totaling $3.175 million. That total will also help fund The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore’s agencies and programs. Click here for the full article.
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Seder Survives Maryland Legislature’s Sine Die
Daily Record
April 10, 2017
That the first night of Passover occurred on the last night of the General Assembly session resulted from a confluence of the Jewish calendar and the Maryland Constitution, which calls for an annual 90-day legislative session that begins on the second Wednesday in January. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland lawmakers take a break from politics to observe Passover Seder
Baltimore Sun
April 10, 2017
The Baltimore Jewish Council organized a Seder for those in Annapolis who couldn’t make it home to their families to celebrate the holiday, which honors the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. The House of Delegates and Senate planned their floor sessions around the Seder so lawmakers could participate. Click here for the full article.
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Taking a Break on Sine Die to Break Matzah
WYPR
April 7, 2017
The state Constitution says the legislative session must start on the second Wednesday in January and end 90 days later, at midnight. The last day is easily the busiest of the session, as members make last-ditch efforts to pass new laws. Being absent isn’t an option. Click here for the full article.
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Kamenetz Issues Executive Order on Baltimore County Police and Immigration
Baltimore Sun
April 6, 2017
Howard Libit, executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, called the order “an important expression to all the communities that felt threatened. The issues affecting immigrants and refugees hit very close to home for the Jewish community,” Libit said. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Jewish Centers Find Support Amid the Terror
Baltimore Sun
March 26, 2017
The council’s security director, former Baltimore police officer Keith Tiedemann, has been working with many local Jewish institutions to secure Department of Homeland Security grants aimed at strengthening community centers. He has schooled many of those institutions on active-shooter and lockdown protocols, and coordinated communications with police during each of the recent threats. Click here for the full article.
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Community Gathers at Bnai Israel after Swastika Drawn on Sign
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 19, 2017
The crowd of more than 70, Mintz estimated, included Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young and his Jewish community liaison Betsy Gardner, District 46 Del. Brooke Lierman, Councilmen Zeke Cohen (D-District 1) and Robert Stokes (D-District 12), Beth Am Synagogue Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg, Beth Tfiloh Congregation Rabbi Chai Posner, Baltimore Jewish Council executive director Howard Libit, Baltimore Police Capt. Jarron Jackson and Historic Jonestown president Lindsay Thompson. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland General Assembly Hears Impassioned Debate on Anti-BDS Legislation
Baltimore Jewish Times
March 7, 2017
So on March 1, Gonzalez, a member of the Baltimore Jewish Council’s leadership development program, made the trek to Annapolis to testify at a state Senate hearing in favor of anti-BDS legislation (House Bill 949/Senate Bill 739) that has been proposed in the Maryland General Assembly. Click here for the full article.
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Finding Common Ground
JMore
March 2, 2017
Recognizing a need to engage younger adults in the conversation, BJC relaunched its programming last year with an interfaith trialogue series geared toward younger adults. Led by clergy from the three faiths –Charm City Tribe’s Rabbi Jessy Gross, Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore’s (MCCCB) Imam Tariq Najee-ullah and Canton Church on the Square’s Pastor Jim Hamilton – this year’s topics include a tour and post-election discussion on the intersection of politics and religion at the MCCCB and a discussion on gentrification at the Church on the Square. Click here for the full article.
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President Takes Stance Against Anti-Semitism Following Threats Against Jewish Community
WJZ-TV
February 21, 2017
A wave of anti-semitic hate crimes are sweeping through Maryland and across the country. After previously deflecting questions on the issue, President Trump breaks his silence on the growing threats against the Jewish community. Click here for the full article.
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Lawmakers to Debate Bill on Israel Boycott
WBAL Radio
February 19, 2017
Later this month, lawmakers in Annapolis hold hearings on legislation that supporters believe would put the state of Maryland clearly on the side of Israel, in a worldwide movement to boycott Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians. Click here for the full article.
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Baltimore Jewish Community Concerned over Spike in Threats
WBAL-TV
February 17, 2017
Baltimore’s Jewish community remains concerned about security after nearly five dozen bomb threats have been reported at Jewish Community Associations across North America over the past month. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Legislators Tackle Paid Sick Leave
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 15, 2017
Democrats who are sponsoring legislation for the fourth straight year on the issue were joined at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Feb. 9 by cabinet members of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who has introduced his own version of a sick leave requisite. Click here for the full article.
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Howard Libit: BDS Movement Demonizes Israel
Baltimore Sun
February 14, 2017
The decades-long bipartisan economic relationship between Maryland and Israel has created extraordinary benefits for both states in financial and diplomatic terms. In fact, since the establishment of the Maryland Israel Development Center as a “private-public partnership” in 1992, every Maryland governor, regardless of political party, has led an economic mission to Israel. Today, the American headquarters of at least two dozen Israeli companies — many in such high-growth fields as cyber security and high-tech health care — call Maryland home, and we export more than $145 million in products to Israel. Click here for the full article.
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Advocacy Day Amplifies Jewish Voices in Annapolis
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 09, 2017
Allen, 19, and Schneider, 20, the president of and vice president, respectively, of Terps for Israel, joined about 200 people from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Jewish communities for Advocacy Day, which was hosted by the Baltimore Jewish Council and Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC). Click here for the full article.
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Muslim Ban Inspires Protests in Maryland
Baltimore Jewish Times
February 01, 2017
Just three days earlier, more than 200 people gathered at the Salem-Baltimore Hispanic United Methodist Church in Highlandtown for a solidarity vigil in support of immigrants, Muslims and refugees led by the Baltimore Jewish Council, CASA de Maryland, the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Jews United for Justice (JUFJ). Click here for the full article.
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BJC Issues Statement Condemning Refugee Ban
JMore
February 01, 2017
Last Saturday night, Jan. 28, the Baltimore Jewish Council released a statement condemning President Donald Trump’s executive order blocking the entry of refugees from seven Muslim-majority nations into the United States. Click here for the full article.
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Jewish and Muslim Groups Host MLK Interfaith Event
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 19, 2017
To Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, the Baltimore Jewish Council, Repair the World and the Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore held an interfaith event discussing the civil rights movements and ways to continue that legacy. Click here for the full article.
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Maryland Legislators Will Introduce Anti-BDS Bill
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 18, 2017
Maryland lawmakers and Jewish advocacy groups are in the process of putting the final touches on a bill that would ban companies that support the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel from doing business with the state. Click here for the full article.
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Legislators Eye Big Issues this Session
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 11, 2017
Sarah Mersky, the BJC’s director of government relations, said addressing elder abuse programs and helping seniors, including Holocaust survivors, age in place is also of utmost importance. The BJC is seeking $100,000 in its budget for an elder abuse program, and also asking for $350,000 in aging-in-place funding for Holocaust survivors, and $100,000 in new funding for seniors who are not Holocaust survivors. Click here for the full article.
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Another Successful BrewHaHa
Baltimore Jewish Times
January 05, 2017
Activities around the large party space beyond the bar area ranged from the Pearlstone Center’s table, where one could make his or her own menorah from a large piece of bark and a selection of acorns as candleholders, to Baltimore Jewish Council’s rousing game of “Interfaith Jeopardy! hosted by ‘Alex Trebekowitz’” a play on TV’s “Jeopardy!” in which contestants were given answers to questions about interfaith marriage and culture. Click here for the full article.
