AA County & Jewish Federation Partner to Stand Against Antisemitism & Hate

Anne Arundel County Maryland residents, faith leaders, and community partners joined together this week for the highly successful community program, “In Our Own Voices: Antisemitism Out in the Open, Again — A Community-Wide Response to Hate.” The event was cohosted by the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake (JFedA–C) and the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program (HCPP) as part of the County’s expanded Uncover Hate initiative. It marked the third session in the In Our Own Voices Hate Bias Forum Webinar Series, supported through a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Justice grant to strengthen community-based hate-crime prevention efforts.

A full recording of the program is available here:

WATCH THE PROGRAM RECORDING

Information about the Hate Crimes Prevention Program can be found at: Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program | Anne Arundel County Government (https://www.aacounty.org/NoHateHere).

Leaders Call for Unity as Hate Incidents Rise

The forum was moderated and presented by community voices, including J. D. “Jody” Goldsmith, President and Co-founder of JFedA–C and President of Congregation Kneseth Israel; myself (Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, Co-founder and Secretary of JFedA–C); Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom (Arnold); and Rabbi Steve Weisman of Temple Solel (Bowie).

Speakers emphasized that antisemitism is surging both nationally and in Maryland, where the number of reported antisemitic incidents has increased dramatically. Maryland ranked fifth per capita for such incidents in 2023, and the state’s Hate Bias Report found that religious-based hate incidents tripled from 2022 to 2023, with Jews representing 28% of victims despite being approximately 4% of the state’s population.

Participants also learned about recent local hate-bias incidents and their psychological, financial, and community impacts, including fear, isolation, trauma, increased security needs, and strain on schools and houses of worship.

A Broader Message: All Hate Is Wrong

A key theme of the program was that antisemitism does not exist in isolation. Presenters stressed that all hate crimes and bias incidents — including racism, sexism or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, ableism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry — are wrong and harm the entire community. The forum highlighted the importance of solidarity among all groups targeted by hate and reinforced that an attack on one community is an attack on all.

Understanding Antisemitism and How to Respond

Speakers offered a clear explanation of what antisemitism is, why it persists, and how false stereotypes — portraying Jews as “rich,” “powerful,” “global conspirators,” or “all the same” — fuel hostility and violence. They also discussed the diversity of Jewish identity and community life in Anne Arundel County, where thousands of Jewish residents contribute to local civic, business, cultural, and religious life.

Participants were provided with practical guidance on how to recognize, document, and report hate incidents. Attendees were encouraged to call 911 if there was violence, a threat of damage or attack, or the appropriate non-emergency number when needed, submit reports through nohomeforhate.md.gov, and contact the Hate Crimes Prevention Program directly at nohatehere@aacounty.org.

The session emphasized how residents can be strong allies by speaking up when safe, supporting targeted individuals, educating themselves and others, showing up for other groups facing bias, and working to ensure inclusive and welcoming environments across the county.

Gratitude for County Leadership

The success of the forum was made possible through the dedication of the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program. Special appreciation goes to Nicola (“Dr. Nikki”) Smith-Kea, PhD (she/her), Senior Project Manager for the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program in the Office of the County Executive’s Office of Equity and Human Rights, whose leadership has been essential in building a coordinated response to hate.

We also extend deep thanks to Tiffany A. Akinbulumo (she/her/hers), Community Outreach Specialist for the Hate Crimes Prevention Program in the Office of Equity and Human Rights, whose engagement and community partnership are helping ensure all residents feel supported and empowered.

Their expertise, commitment, and partnership were central to the success of this event and to the ongoing work of making Anne Arundel County a safer and more inclusive community for all.

Moving Forward Together

The forum reinforced a fundamental message: antisemitism is not only a Jewish issue — it is a community issue. And Anne Arundel County is addressing it with unity, transparency, and resolve.
A full event recording is available here:

WATCH THE PROGRAM RECORDING

More information and reporting resources can be found at: Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program | Anne Arundel County Government

More information about Jewish life in Annapolis and the Chesapeake can be found at www.JFedA-A.org.