ROCKVILLE, Md. — A pair of Jewish organizations is calling on school systems in the DMV to do more to acknowledge the Israel-Hamas war. In a joint statement, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC) and the Anti-Defamation League of DC (ADL) said school systems in the D.C. region have fallen short in their statements regarding the attacks.
In the statement released Wednesday, the organizations praised Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Jennifer Reid, saying she spoke with JCRC staff several times and responded personally to parents.
"We must nevertheless share our disappointment and hurt that many other statements have failed to acknowledge the devastating impact of the heinous terrorist attack by Hamas targeting Israeli civilians," the statement reads.
On Wednesday night, Dr. Monifa McKnight issued a statement on Montgomery County Public Schools' website. In her statement she urged parents to be vigilant about what children are consuming on social media in the wake of the attacks.
"As we collectively continue to process these horrific and violent acts, I recognize that the situation in Israel and Gaza has affected many members of our community, including those who have family or friends in the region," McKnight said.
According to JCRC and ADL, McKnight's statement came too late, and was "inadequate."
"We demand more from Dr. McKnight and MCPS. And we urge all local school districts to do a better job of listening to and understanding what their Jewish communities need right now. The coming days will likely only prove more painful, and we grieve for the loss of all innocent life, regardless of religion or national identity. But if our schools can’t call out the brutal murder of Jews right before our eyes, of what use is the Holocaust education and cultural competency that we have worked together to advance? You must do more. You must do it now. "
The number of U.S. citizens who have died in the Israel-Palestinian war has risen to at least 25, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday during a visit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
That’s an increase from 22 on Wednesday. The State Department previously said at least 17 more Americans remain unaccounted for.
Netanyahu praised Blinken’s visit as a “tangible example of America’s unequivocal support of Israel.”
“President Biden was absolutely correct in calling this ‘sheer evil,’” Netanyahu said, referring to Hamas' unprecedented attack Saturday on Israel.
“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden Tuesday, who compared the brutality of the Hamas militants to that of the Islamic State terrorist group. He added: “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”
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