Moore, Raskin condemn antisemitic graffiti at Brookeville elementary school 

Vandalism is latest among several hate, bias incidents, according to MoCo police

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May 7, 2026 11:23 a.m.

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Gov. Wes Moore (D) and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Dist.8) are among community leaders who have condemned antisemitic graffiti found Saturday at Greenwood Elementary in Brookeville – the latest of several antisemitic or hate bias incidents that occurred over the past several weeks in Montgomery County public schools, according to recent statements and Montgomery County police.

“Such hate has no place in our schools or our state, especially as we begin Jewish American Heritage Month,” Moore said on social media on Tuesday. “Ensuring my people feel safe where they live, work, worship, and learn remains my greatest priority. Our administration is working closely with local authorities to combat this hate and stomp out antisemitism in all its forms.”

Greenwood Elementary Principal Jennifer Seidel said in a Saturday letter to the school community that antisemitic graffiti was painted on the exterior of the school near the kitchen entrance and on the “metal covering” near the building’s roof line. According to the letter, the graffiti expressed “anti-Israel sentiment” with expletives and references to Israeli leadership.

The incident was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) security and county police, according to Seidel, and an investigation is underway that includes reviewing school security camera footage. The letter said the school’s security camera system received “recent upgrades of additional cameras,” and officials were hopeful the footage would aid the investigation.

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Removal of the graffiti was to have occurred Monday, according to the school.

“I am beyond saddened by this incident, and as your principal, I am concerned about the social-emotional impact this will have for those who work and attend our school, but also for those living in our community,” Seidel said. “We work to ensure a welcoming environment for all students and families at Greenwood Elementary.”

Raskin called the incident profoundly disturbing on social media, and Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC), noted in a statement it was one of many that have occurred.

“The number of reports JCRC has received about antisemitism at MCPS is significantly higher than other school districts across our region. They come at a time when antisemitism is becoming more dangerous and violent throughout our country and internationally,” Siegel said. “And since many instances of antisemitism and other forms of hatred go unreported, we know that the reports we receive are likely just the tip of the iceberg.”

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According to daily crime summaries posted online by county police, several hate-bias incidents have occurred in MCPS schools in the past several weeks. They include a report of a student allegedly making antisemitic comments to an instructor from April 14 to 21 and antisemitic graffiti found April 24 on a desk at Seneca Valley High School in Germantown.

Additionally, a male student allegedly pulled the hijab off a female student on April 24 at Rocky Hill Middle School and a racial slur was found on a desk at Gaithersburg High on April 22. MCPS spokesperson Liliana Lopez did not immediately provide information concerning the several emailed requests for more information from Bethesda Today.

Expressing the JCRC’s concern, Seigel pointed to such recent incidents, including “inflammatory anti-Israel messaging at Olney Elementary School’s recent culture night” and reported physical threats and harassment toward Jewish students.

“While the details vary, these incidents reveal a harsh truth: too many Jewish students and educators at too many MCPS schools continue to face too many threats,” Siegel said.

Siegel said JCRC officials met with MCPS Superintendent Thomas Taylor to “discuss progress on the steps MCPS needs to take to protect Jewish students, educators, and staff.”

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She said MCPS reported the school district will provide anti-bias training for staff as required under a new state law beginning in August. Lopez didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to emailed requests concerning the training.

“That is a welcome development, but must be the floor, not the ceiling. MCPS should follow the lead of other schools in our area by incorporating specific antisemitism training as well,” Siegel said.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine