Maryland Jewish Leaders Make Their Case to New Speaker |
As Jews face rising antisemitism, the Jewish community is calling on our elected leaders to fulfill one of government’s most basic and serious responsibilities: safety. Achieving this in Maryland’s very challenging budget environment will not be easy. Our state faces a projected $1.5 billion budget shortfall—following another year of significant cuts. At the same time, federal changes and funding reductions are creating additional uncertainty for our state and for vulnerable communities.
There is a saying in politics: “If you aren’t at the table, then you’re on the menu.” As I wrote earlier, hundreds of Jewish Marylanders came together a few weeks ago for Jewish Advocacy Day. We met with legislators and heard powerful commitments from our governor, Wes Moore. But influencing public policy is not a one-time event. It requires sustained engagement. In a time of scarce resources, every community is making its case.
Last night, thanks to strong leadership from the Baltimore Jewish Council and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, key Jewish leaders from across Maryland met inside the House Chamber with Joseline Peña-Melnyk, the dynamic new Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. Indeed, Pena-Melnyk has joined the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus, even though she is not Jewish, and has spent time in Israel.
The conversation between the Speaker and Jewish leaders was thoughtful and wide-ranging, focusing on safety, civil rights, education, and the state budget during this difficult fiscal year.
Participants included representatives from the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, the Jewish Federation of Howard County, and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Howard County. Together, we reflected the diversity and unity of Maryland’s Jewish community at a time when both security concerns and economic pressures are rising.
The conversation was led by Ron Halber, CEO of the JCRC of Greater Washington, who thanked the Speaker for her longstanding partnership with the Jewish community.
Speaker Peña-Melnyk shared her perspective as a longtime public servant deeply committed to civil rights, equity, and public safety. As the first Latina to serve as Speaker, and a leader with a strong record on healthcare and public health, she spoke candidly about the difficult budget decisions ahead. She highlighted potential cuts affecting food assistance, Medicaid, disability services, and other safety-net programs. She also reminded us of Maryland’s budget process and encouraged continued engagement with Senate leadership, including Bill Ferguson and Guy Guzzone.
One by one, participants raised key legislative and budget priorities.
I spoke about legislation to prevent the blocking of access to religious institutions. Sponsored by State Senator Chris West and Longtime Delegate Sandy Rosenberg, this proposal would make it a misdemeanor to interfere with access to or egress from synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and community centers. Modeled after protections already in place for medical facilities, the bill seeks to balance First Amendment rights with the need for people to enter and leave religious spaces safely.
Other leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening civil rights protections in schools and on campuses. The proposal to require Title VI coordinators in local school systems and higher education institutions—championed by Senator Jeff Waldstreicher and Delegate Joe Vogel—would ensure that students have a clear avenue to report discrimination and feel that they belong.
Participants also discussed improved reporting of bullying and bias incidents in schools. Legislation sponsored by Delegate Linda Foley would strengthen data collection so schools can better understand and address hate-based incidents.
Budget priorities were central as well. Jewish leaders stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening security funding as threats against houses of worship and community institutions remain high. The Schools and Childcare Centers at Risk of Hate Crimes Grant Program continues to receive far more requests than available funding. Leaders urged increased support to close that gap.
The group also highlighted the economic and innovation benefits of continued support for the Maryland/Israel Development Center, which attracts Israeli companies and creates jobs in Maryland.
The evening underscored a powerful truth: advocacy is not a one-time event but an ongoing partnership. It requires showing up, building trust, and working together. In a year of budget constraints and rising needs, maintaining current funding levels will take real effort and collaboration.
For Maryland’s Jewish community, the message is clear. This is a time to be engaged, united, and persistent. Protecting safety, civil rights, and opportunity will require sustained advocacy—but with strong partnerships and shared values, progress remains possible.