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Montgomery County Jewish Collective

@mcjewishcollective.bsky.social
206 followers 14 following 105 posts

We're a community of Jews in Montgomery County, MD committed to collective liberation as a cornerstone of a vibrant, safe and supportive Jewish community.

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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
For the third time in just over a year, Bethesda Today has declined to publish a submission from MCJC. Read our full statement and the response to the JCRC we submitted to Bethesda Today here: drive.google.com/file/d/1bh8-...
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This weekend, we gathered to celebrate Sukkot by painting the canvass walls of a member’s sukkah, singing songs and discussing the meaning of the holiday. Chag Sameach! To get notified of future social events and holiday celebrations, fill out our interest form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Collage from our Sukkot party, including a picture of the Sukkah and painting
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We’re excited to be co-sponsoring the Maryland Interfaith Gathering for Palestinian Freedom on November 22. Join us and others for an interfaith prayer service, community building and strategizing for justice in Palestine. Learn more: md-interfaith-palestine.my.canva.site?utm_source=i...
Promotional graphic for the Maryland interfaith gathering for Palestine.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
In loving memory of Awdah Hathaleen Join IfNotNow DC, JVP DC Metro, and other organizations on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Kalorama Park, DC from 7-8:30 pm Right to education Justice for Umm Al-Khair Stop the demolitions!
In loving memory of Awdah Hathaleen

Right to education
Justice for Umm Al-Khair
Stop the demolitions!

Join IfNotNow DC, JVP DC Metro, and other organizations on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Kalorama Park, DC from 7-8:30 pm
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
We thank @vanhollen.senate.gov for taking the time to speak with @peterbeinart.bsky.social recently. While our views may differ in some ways, we appreciate the thoughtfulness and care with which he discussed Israel’s ongoing genocide and his thoughts about the past and future of Israel/Palestine.
Screenshot of interview page
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
We wrote to the MoCo Council in response to a letter from EndJewHatred about increased antisemitism in the County. We urge the county council to read the letter with a critical eye and to not conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Read the letter: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Slide summarizing the letter
Slide summarizing the letter
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
🚨🚨🚨 Netanyahu is confirmed coming to the US starting this Saturday and the Palestinian Youth Movement is calling on @iamwesmoore.bsky.social and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown to arrest and prosecute him when he arrives in MD. Sign the letter to Moore and Brown here: www.stopnetanyahu.com
stopnetanyahu.com
Stop Netanyahu
Read and sign the open letter, and join the campaign.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Tomorrow, July 14, the Senate will vote on a bill which would integrate the US and Israeli militaries. Call @alsobrooks.senate.gov’s office and ask her to join @vanhollen.senate.gov in opposing this bill.
Graphic from JVP Baltimore about opposing the NDAA bill. Number to call is 202 224 4524
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Yesterday, we hosted a reading group to discuss @mollycrabapple.bsky.social’s Here Where We Live is Our Country and create art about our family history and legends.
Groups of people discussing Crabapples bookColleague made using pictures of relatives Gathering art supplies Another collage about family history
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
MCJC is excited to be a part of the international movement to divest from Israeli bonds and grateful that our recent success in Maryland was highlighted in this article.
972mag.com
The divestment drive that could shake Israel’s economic foundations
To fund perpetual war, Israel has grown ever more reliant on issuing bonds. Relinquishing these holdings, often invested passively, disrupts that equation.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
We are happy to share the news that a federal court is allowing a lawsuit against the Montgomery County School District for violating a teacher’s free speech on the issue of Palestine to proceed.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
The Maryland Break the Bonds campaign is celebrating a major victory — Maryland has offloaded the majority of its investments in Israeli bonds. Join us for a rally to urge the state to completely divest from Israeli bonds on June 17! actionnetwork.org/events/maryl...
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
In early May, local news outlets widely described graffiti at Greenwood Elementary School as antisemitic. We believe that these descriptions conflate antisemitism and criticism of Israel.
Text: Descriptions of recent graffiti at Greenwood Elementary School as “antisemitic vandalism,” conflates antisemitism and criticism of Israeli state actions, perpetuating a practice that serves supporters of Israel but harms Jews. 
We can debate whether graffiti at a public school is ever acceptable as an act of political expression, but public conversation surrounding this incident has not been about this debate. Instead, it has been about the “fact” that this graffiti is antisemitic and must be broadly condemned as such, despite little evidence that the message in question was directed at Jews or Judaism.



Text: A letter from Greenwood’s Principal describes the graffiti as “antisemitic,” but then provides the following detail:, “Using an expletive, the graffiti expresses anti-Israel sentiment, including references to Israeli leadership and an image of the Star of David.” The language I saw in a photo makes it clear that the authors are expressing anger towards the Israeli government, whose policies and actions have produced near-daily images of Palestinian civilians being killed, displaced, and brutalized.  While the Star of David has significance to Jews as a representation of Judaism, for the past 75 years it has also featured prominently on the Israeli flag.


Assuming this graffiti is antisemitic collapses Zionism and Judaism. It silences the voices of Jews like me, who do not consider Zionism as central to our Jewish identity, and chills political discourse about the actions of the Israeli state. Crucially, it also weakens the fight against genuine antisemitism and the White Supremacists who traffic in it. Certainly, condemnation of Israel makes some members of our Jewish community uncomfortable. That discomfort is itself a product of the insistence, perpetuated by institutions like the Jewish Community Relations Council, that criticism of Israel (unless worded as they believe it should be) is antisemitism. 
This conflation creates a harmful feedback loop that we all must take responsibility for interrupting. If we are serious about confronting hatred, then we must be careful in how we define it.
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Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 15/05/2026
Today marks Nakba Day, an annual day of remembrance to commemorate the expulsion of more than 700,000 Palestinians between 1947 and 1949 during the creation of the State of Israel and the year that followed.   Inea is a New Yorker and a Nakba survivor. She shared her story with us.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
One of our roles as MCJC is to speak up when MCPS students and staff are unfairly punished for expressing solidarity with Palestine. In New York, a student got a settlement from the school district after officials painted a parking space decorated with a watermelon with a keffiyah.
thehandbasket.co
NY school district pays $125k settlement to HS student whose Palestine-related art they erased
Half Hollow Hills Central School District has finally resolved a case that stemmed from a September 2024 incident.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
Yesterday, we joined the Free DC May Day march and rally. Jewish workers organized some of the first May Day rallies and we’re proud to follow in their footsteps.
MCJC members and our bannerCrowd at the Washington monument MCJC members and our bannerBanner that’s says Jewish workers for a free DC and Palestine
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
This Friday, we’ll join the Free DC May Day rally and march. Want to join our group? You can either join us to metro from the Forest Glen Metro or meet us at 11:45 at the Smithsonian Metro. We will be joining the faith section of the march. Email mocojewishcollective@gmail.com to join the group.
Flyer for the May Day March, maydaydc.org
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
This weekend was a busy weekend for MCJC. On Saturday evening, we hosted a game night to build our community. Then on Sunday, we teamed up with the DMV Bund and JVP Metro DC to table at the Free DC activist street fest.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
We still have a limited amount of T-shirts and sweatshirts available, fill out the form to get one!
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Last night, several of our members attended a packed book talk with Molly Crabapple, author of Here Where We Live is Our Country, a history of the Jewish Labor Bund.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Thank you Senator Alsobrooks from doing the right thing and joining Senator Van Hollen in voting to block arms sales to Israel!
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
This week, the Senate will vote on a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block the sale of weapons to Israel. While @vanhollen.senate.gov is a lead sponsor of this resolution, @alsobrooks.senate.gov has not yet committed to voting for the resolution.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Happy Passover from MCJC!
Image description: Light pink card with Montgomery County Jewish Collective green logo and a picture of matzah and colorful spring flowers. 

Text on card reads: 
HAPPY PASSOVER!

Let all who are hungry come and eat!
Let us open the door and create a spirit of hospitality,
convivencia [co-existence] and the desire to persist in 
the long walk to freedom, together. - Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb

May this Passover inspire us to keep working toward liberation for all.

In Solidarity,
YOUR MCJC FAMILY
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Today, we gathered for coffee, conversation and to make matzah covers ahead of Passover.
Group of people with MCJC shirts outside on a nice spring day Our matzoh covers we madeMatzoh covers in progress Matzoh covers in progress
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Joanna Silver @joannasilver73.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
This was such a powerful hearing. Please read the full thread and if you live in Maryland, take action now!
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
MCJC joined a powerful and diverse group of Maryland residents to testify in support of a bill that would force our State Retirement and Pension System to divest from its over $65 million in sovereign Israeli bonds. More than 41 people testified, with only two testifying in opposition to the bill.
Members of the Montgomery County Jewish Collective join other groups in a group photo, with signs that say things like "Jews Say Divest From Genocide."A screenshot from the hearing on a bill in support of divesting from Israel, featuring the sponsor's panel.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Our Advocacy and Partnerships Co-Chair @joannasilver73.bsky.social spoke with @therealnews.com about Break the Bonds legislation in the Maryland General Assembly ⬇️
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
Last week, the Montgomery County Jewish Collective was invited to attend the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque honoring Delegate Thomas Kennedy and the 200th Anniversary of the passage of the “Jew Bill,” a constitutional amendment passed in 1826 that allowed Jews to hold public office in Maryland.
Members of MCJC pose with the plaque about Thomas KennedyPlaque in Annapolis honoring Thomas Kennedy 1776-1832, who introduced the "Jew Bill".
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
MCJC was honored to be a part of the Muslim Community Center's Interfaith Iftar this weekend. Thank you so much for the invitation and welcome!
Iftar at the Muslim Community Center in Montgomery County, MD.Members of the Montgomery County Jewish Collective join members of the Muslim Community Center for an Iftar celebration.
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Jewish Voice for Peace @jvp.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Israel bonds divestment is a key tool to stop the Israeli government’s crimes and defend Palestinian rights.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
MCJC joined 100s of Jews at ICE headquarters to protest its inhumane practices. We weren't quiet about the connections between repression and occupation in the US and Palestine; a message (almost uniformly) warmly received by other attendees. Credit to @rabbis4ceasefire.bsky.social for the sign.
Members of the Montgomery County Jewish Collective carry signs saying "No Human Beings Are Illegal" and "From Minneapolis to Palestine, Occupation Is a Crime" at the Jews Against ICE rally.Rabbis For Ceasefire sign: US to the West Bank: Solidarity Is Holy
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Today is Maryland Jewish advocacy day, the day that Jewish-federation affiliated groups lobby the Maryland General Assembly. MCJC and our Jewish partners sent a letter sharing our priorities for the 2026 session. Read our letter: drive.google.com/file/d/11de9...
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Judaism requires that we resist injustice and ICE is terrorizing communities and separating families. Join us for a Jews against ICE action with @truahrabbis.bsky.social, @bendthearc.bsky.social and over two dozen Jewish partners on February 11. truah.org/events/jews-...
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
We’re co-sponsoring this action, join us!
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Reposted by Montgomery County Jewish Collective
T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights @truahrabbis.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
ICE is terrorizing our families, friends, and neighbors — and we won’t be silent. On 2/11 at 1:30 PM, Jewish clergy and community members will gather near ICE HQ in D.C. to show the world that we oppose their cruelty and violence. truah.org/jewsagainstice
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Want to support our work and show that you’re a part of a Jewish community that believes that collective liberation is a Jewish value? Order your MCJC tshirt or hoodie today! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
MCJC T-shirts that say collective liberation is a
Jewish value, tshirts are $27, hoodies are $45.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Happy New Year! We’ve had a busy end of the year and want to share all of our recent work. 1. Our letter of support for @vanhollen.senate.gov has reached over 600 signatures including former MD Attorney General Brian Frosh.
Graphic highlighting our recent work
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
@thehill.com recently covered our Jewish community letter of support for Senator Van Hollen amid attacks from the JCRC for Sen. Van Hollen’s record of supporting Palestinian human rights. Our letter now has over 600 signatures from Jewish Marylanders. Read the article: thehill.com/opinion/whit...
thehill.com
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Joanna Silver @joannasilver73.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
This was such a meaningful celebration at the end of our first year as an organization. If you live in MoCo and are looking for a Jewish communal and/or activist space that centers collective liberation without Zionism, please check us out!
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Yesterday, we held our first Hanukkah celebration, complete with a latke competition, Yiddish songs, learning about the history of Hanukkah with Rabbi Ariel Tovlev, menorah crafts and more! Happy Hanukkah and happy holidays to all! 🕎
Hanukkah greeting from MCJCGroup picture at Hanukkah partyLatke competition judges in action Discussing texts during the Hanukkah party
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
We know from the horrific attacks in Australia that antisemitism threatens Jews around the world and the only way to end it is to working for collective liberation of all people.
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Joanna Silver @joannasilver73.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Thanks to everyone who has signed so far. Please keep signing, it's not too late!
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Karen Caplan @quillkdc.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Did you perhaps want to sign but didn't get around to it! You still can! Bit.ly/mcjc-cvh
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Over‼️500‼️Jewish Marylanders have signed our letter of support for @vanhollen.senate.gov in just a few days. Join the letter: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... Read the letter: drive.google.com/file/d/1TRuG...
The letter rejects claims that Jewish Marylanders feel betrayed by Sen Van HollenOver 500 Jewish Marylanders signed from across the state
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
@vanhollen.senate.gov has a long record of defending human rights and has been outspoken about the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza. For this, the JCRC CEO denounced Van Hollen to reporters at a recent event. Sign our letter & show that Jewish Marylanders support Sen. Van Hollen: bit.ly/mcjc-cvh
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Join us on Sunday, December 21 for a joyful, family-friendly Chanukah celebration! We’ll have community, games and crafts and a latke cook off! RSVP here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Hanukkah party in December 21 in Wheaton, MD with crafts, games, menorah lights and latke off.
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Today, we hosted a cider stroll to spend time with eachother and build community among like-minded Jews. DM us to be added to our list and join our next community event!
Group of people in park, fall scene Golden retriever at our eventGroup of people walking People mingling at park
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
A MCJC member was recently prosecuted for spraying anti-Israel and anti-Zionism messages along Sligo Creek trail and ordered to pay $$$ in restitution. Cases like these are not typically investigated or prosecuted. We’re fundraising to help cover this expense. www.gofundme.com/f/restitutio...
Text summary of the case and call to donate to the Go Fund Me
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
MCJC Member Adina Cohen has filed a civil rights complaint after Club Pilates North Bethesda banned her for wearing shirts with messages like “Jews Say Ceasefire Now.” Read the press release from CAIR ⬇️ www.cair.com/press_releas...
cair.com
CAIR Submits Civil Rights Complaint Against North Bethesda Pilates Studio for Discrimination Toward Md. Jewish Woman 
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Montgomery County Jewish Collective @mcjewishcollective.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
We are proud to join CASA and 100+ other Maryland organizations in calling on @govwesmoore.bsky.social and other Maryland officials to not delay implementation of the Access to Care Act, allowing immigrants to access healthcare. Read the letter ⬇️ wearecasa.org/organization...
wearecasa.org
Organizational Letter re: Access to Care Act Delay in Maryland – We Are Casa
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