Hundreds of people gathered Sunday to light the Chanukah menorah at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda where vandal(s) spray painted the words Jews Not Welcome the previous day.
Within one month, antisemitic messages and symbols were found spray painted at the high school, the Capital Crescent Trail and a bench near Westfield Montgomery mall.
Representatives from Montgomery County government, Montgomery County Public Schools and area clergy strongly emphasized that Jews were welcome everywhere in Montgomery County.
The gathering was sponsored by the Glen Echo Fire Company and Chabad of Bethesda. They conducted their annual Chanukah parade through Bethesda, headed by a decorated fire truck.
The stop at Whitman High School was added after Leigh Marcus learned of the incident and urged everyone she knew to gather there.
“We needed a space to emote,” said Marcus. She said her daughter told her, “I am afraid they are going to get me next.”
When she first learned of the graffiti, Marcus said, “I cried, like many of us. I’m gutted. Antisemitism is not new, but here it is around the corner from my house.”
When Whitman senior Becca Clement learned of the incident, she said she “was absolutely horrified. It really shook me up.”
Police Chief Marcus Jones called hate vandalism “a heinous act,” and vowed to investigate every incident “to the fullest extent.” He stressed, “The Montgomery County police are here to protect you.”
He urged everyone to “please partner with the police” and let them know of any incident. “The police department cannot do this alone.”
Added Executive Marc Elrich, “The strongest antidote is to speak out.”
The best reaction, according to Ron Halber, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), “is to respond with strength, respond with pride, respond with dignity and respond with a straight back.”
School superintended Dr. Monifa McKnight gazed out at the crowd, which included many young people. Referring to the recent graffiti that Jews were not welcome at the high school, she said, “I am here to say that is absolutely not the case. Everyone is welcome.”
McKnight was joined by Board of Education President Karla Silvestre and Whitman Principal Robert Dodd, who said he was “sickened and disgusted” that this message was “written in such a place of pride, our marquee.”
The message first was noticed by members of the girls’ basketball team. It was immediately papered over, he said.
“All students and community members are welcome at Whitman,” Dodd stressed, adding, “We are collectively rededicating ourselves to make sure all students are safe.”
Rabbi Greg Harris from nearby Congregation Beth El told students, “Tomorrow is going to be no different at Whitman High School. It is your building, and you do belong here. We love you.”
Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Kate Stewart both addressed the crowd, promising to do all they could to stop antisemitic and racist vandalism.
Following the somber speeches, members of Chabad of Bethesda declared it was time to spread light and joy. They sang, danced and distributed latkes and jelly donuts.
Thank you to Chabad of Bethesda, Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Dept. & the entire MoCo Fire Rescue Assoc. for such a powerful community response to antisemitism and resilient display on the 1st night of Hanukkah — living up to Bethesda’s namesake, Beit Chesed, House of Lovingkindness.
— Andrew Friedson (@amfriedson) December 19, 2022
Tonight, from Kensington to North Bethesda to Bethesda, I was thankful to witness our Jewish community’s celebration of the first night of Hanukkah. To our residents and especially our young people: You are an important and vital part of our community. Hate has no place here. pic.twitter.com/OfvNopj2MM
— Councilmember Kate Stewart (she/her) (@cmkatestewart) December 19, 2022
The community came out tonight at Walt Whitman HS to stand up to hate and shine light & love on the first night of Hanukkah. We must come together to stand side by side to say hate has no place in Montgomery County. pic.twitter.com/dPNM2twFaF
— Will Jawando (@willjawando) December 19, 2022
Hundreds turned out Sunday to light the Chanukah menorah at the spot where the words Jews Not Welcome on the Walt Whitman High School marquee in Bethesda @mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/9MvLs2soHG
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) December 19, 2022
