This week, as cofounder of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, I had the honor of joining more than 400 Jewish leaders from 82 communities across the United States in Washington, DC, to educate policymakers and lawmakers about the growing threat of antisemitism — and to offer concrete solutions.

Before we went to Capitol Hill to meet with leaders we got to hear from people personally impacted by hate violence. This included a leader from Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi which was recently set on fire in a horrific antisemitic attack. We also heard an emotional panel from Temple Israel near Detroit as recently an antisemite attacked their synagogue – ramming a truck filled with weapons and explosives into an area with more than a hundred children. Without the quick heroism of their security guard, and advanced security training and actions, it could have been the largest terrorist attack since 9/11.

The event was brilliantly organized by the Jewish Federation of North America. In the future I hope many more people from Annapolis & the Chesapeake will join me.

As part of the Maryland delegation, I was proud to stand alongside seasoned leaders from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington and the Baltimore Jewish Council. Our group was filled with wonderful activists from first time participants to seasoned leaders including State Delegate Aaron Kaufman and co-chair of Maryland’s Legislative Jewish Caucus, Senator Shelly Hettleman.

Together, we met with our own Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth. We also got to meet with Congressman Glen Ivy, Senator Chris Van Hollen, senior staff from Congressman Jamie Raskin’s office, policy expert Matt Amitay from the office of Representative April Delaney, and senior policy advisor Jonathan Lord from Senator Alsobrook’s office. Every single meeting was respectful and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)