New Jewish Federation Celebrates It’s First-Ever Jewish Advocacy Day

There are moments when a community doesn’t just show up — it steps forward. This week, the new Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake did exactly that, joining longtime leaders across Maryland for our first-ever Jewish Advocacy Day. The impact was immediate, meaningful, and deeply inspiring.

More than 60 members of our Jewish community came together to engage directly with elected officials, demonstrating that civic participation is not abstract — it is personal, relational, and powerful. Constituents met face-to-face with Maryland delegates and key legislative leaders, including Delegates Dylan Behler, Mary Lehman, Andrew Pruski, Mike Rogers, and Baltimore Delegate Malcolm Ruff, along with Josh Paper, chief of staff to Delegate Dana Jones, and Eli Morton, chief of staff to Chair Heather Bagnall. These were substantive discussions grounded in shared concern for safety, inclusion, and democratic values.

What made the day especially meaningful was the spirit in the room. It was rooted in respect, partnership, and a shared commitment to strengthening Maryland for everyone. Many of us were also meeting one another for the first time, as this marked the first large, community-wide event for our Federation. The sense of connection — and possibility — was palpable.

After meeting with leaders from Anne Arundel County, we joined Jewish advocates from across the state to hear from Governor Wes Moore, who delivered a spectacular and energizing speech. His remarks underscored the importance of civic engagement, pluralism, and standing up against hate — themes that resonated deeply given the challenges facing Jewish communities today. His presence alone sent a powerful message: Jewish voices matter, and our concerns are being heard at the highest levels of state leadership.

Equally powerful were remarks from the co-chairs of the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus, Senator Shelly Hettleman and Delegate Jared Solomon. Their leadership, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to civil rights and combating antisemitism reminded us why representation matters — and why showing up does too. They also shared a wonderful upcoming program where Jewish high school students can shadow state legislators.

Our advocacy focused on clear, bipartisan priorities designed to strengthen safety, inclusion, and accountability across Maryland.

We were able to educate leaders around legislation that would improve how schools collect and report data on bullying, harassment, and intimidation, including whether incidents are motivated by religion, race, disability, or other protected characteristics. Better data helps school systems identify patterns of bias and tailor antibias training, creating safer learning environments for all students.

We also advocated for requiring every school system and institution of higher education in Maryland to designate a Title VI Coordinator, ensuring that students have a clear and accessible avenue to report discrimination and that schools meet their civil rights obligations. Every student deserves to feel protected and that they belong.

In addition, we supported legislation that would prohibit blocking access to religious facilities, including places of worship, religious schools, cemeteries, and community centers. Modeled after existing protections for medical facilities, this measure helps safeguard the ability of people to worship and gather safely while respecting constitutional rights.

Beyond legislation, we urged continued and increased investment in community safety — including funding for security upgrades at schools and childcare centers at risk of hate crimes, maintaining robust support for Maryland’s Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program, and sustaining the Maryland/Israel Development Center, which strengthens economic ties, innovation, and job creation in our state.

This inaugural Advocacy Day was not a solo effort. It was proudly presented in partnership with an extraordinary coalition of Jewish organizations working together across regions and institutions: The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, Baltimore Jewish Council, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, Jewish Federation of Howard County, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Howard County.

That partnership itself tells an important story. At a time of deep polarization, the Jewish community is modeling collaboration, shared purpose, and collective responsibility.

Advocacy is not only about legislation — it is about relationships, trust, and long-term engagement. We were grateful for the incredible partnership of Delegates Dana Jones and Dylan Behler, who helped with logistics, and for the many volunteers who made the day possible, including Susi Silesky, Steffanie Mykins, Liz Glass, Shirley Aronson, Francine McMahon and others. We are also deeply fortunate to have a fabulous board of directors, most of whom were present.

This first Jewish Advocacy Day laid a strong foundation. It empowered community members who may never have spoken to a lawmaker before. It strengthened bonds with those who shape policy. And it sent a clear message: the new Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake is engaged, informed, and ready to lead.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake is to build and sustain a flourishing Jewish community that is safe, caring, inclusive, and engaged. Guided by Jewish values, we:
• Ensure the security and wellbeing of Jews in our region and beyond
• Combat antisemitism and hatred in all forms
• Support Israel and global Jewry
• Strengthen Jewish learning, connection, culture and life in Annapolis and the Chesapeake

Only months old, the Federation is working to connect Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to meaningful experiences — fostering unity, compassion, and shared responsibility for one another and for a better future. The Federation board is made up of dedicated leaders of each of the local Jewish organizations who make up the strength of our local Jewish community.

If this was the first chapter, it was a strong one. And if the energy and turnout are any indication, it will not be the last. Our tradition teaches that we are not required to complete the work — but neither are we free to desist from it. Last week, our community chose action. And that choice matters.