Committee on Hate/Violence Condemns Incident At Bethesda Synagogue

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Contact: Kimberly Ham, 240-777-8450

For Immediate Release: April 5, 2001

Committee on Hate/Violence
Condemns Incident at
Bethesda Synagogue

In response to the recent hate violence incident at the Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, a synagogue in Bethesda, the Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence has condemned the act, which involved spray painting swastikas and the words “go home” near the entrance of the building.

The Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence is a citizens’ advisory group that was created to educate the residents of Montgomery County about hate/violence; to recommend policies, programs, legislation, or other initiatives needed to decrease and eliminate hate violence in the county; and to promote respect for social and cultural diversity.

“Montgomery County prides itself on its rich, cultural diversity,” said County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. “We are a stronger and more tolerant community because of our diversity and we will make every effort to ensure that our citizens are not victimized by acts of hate/violence.”

The Montgomery County Council has defined hate/violence as something that manifests evidence of prejudice based on race, ethnicity, disability, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. Montgomery County law protects individuals from acts of hate/violence perpetrated against any person. All reported hate/violence incidents are documented, even though an incident may not meet the criteria necessary to constitute a hate crime. There are severe judicial penalties for persons convicted of committing a hate crime.

For more information regarding the Montgomery County Committee on Hate/Violence, contact the Committee Chair, Dr. G. Stephane Philogene at 240-777-8450.

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