In 1933, America was struck with the horrid events that came as a part of the Holocaust, a program of anti-Jewish persecution and restriction by the Nazi regime. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, “The early Christian church portrayed Jews as unwilling to accept the word of God, as agents of the devil, and as murderers of Jesus,” perpetuating the already-existing problem of hate and discrimination against all Jews. Today, anti-Semitism is still prevalent throughout society, including in the Montgomery County community. Since Aug. 2022, there have been four reported incidents of Anti-Semitic comments or graffiti found within Montgomery County schools alone. Recently, in Dec. 2022, the words “Jews not welcome here” were found spray painted on the welcome sign as you drive into Walt Whitman High School, and several anti-Semitic emails were sent to numerous staff members of Whitman.
Following a recent assembly about the growing anti-Semitic activity, students at Walt Whitman were baffled and outraged about the hate their fellow students and peers received. Less than a week after the words appeared on the sign, students of all ages organized a walkout in support of their peers. Within their rally, students argued for more education on the Holocaust to be taught in school and spoke on the recurring actions of anti-Semitism that have gone beyond graffiti and have yet to be stopped. Students also did a large lighting of the Hanukkah candles, in honor of the event falling on its first night of celebration.
Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School senior Lili Moresi said, “It’s not just Whitman in this anti-Semitism, in fact, I have seen several drawings of swastikas and other hate symbols posted around my school, along with several public places throughout Bethesda.” Moresi emphasizes the lack of enforcement and attempts at justice for Jewish students within the Montgomery County community, along with the discomfort brought upon individuals when going to school where they are made to feel unwanted.
According to ADL.com, in 2022 alone there were a reported 1565 incidents of anti-Semitism, varying from death threats to homophobic slurs being posted in famous areas. The continuous rise in anti-Jewish incidents has raised concern for the safety of the community but has still yet to be addressed nationally.
“I feel that MCPS doesn’t educate us enough on Jewish history,” Walter Johnson High School senior Elika Shomali said. “I can’t remember a time in English class when they read something related to Jewish perception or history.” Shomali further emphasizes the importance of lessons on Jewish history to improve understanding among students.
Despite the students’ efforts to raise awareness and understanding about the discrimination against Jews, the hate has continued to prevail, prompting individuals to question whether or not they are truly safe in the classroom and out.
Written by Madeline Leff of Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons