At a time when antisemitism is rising across the United States and around the world, leadership matters. Unity matters. Innovation matters. That is why the creation of the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus is such an important and hopeful development—not only for Jews in Maryland, but for anyone who believes in civil rights, religious freedom, and a more inclusive society.

In January 2024, the Maryland General Assembly officially recognized this new caucus. It joins other groups such as Legislative Caucus for the Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Women’s and other caucuses.

Since founding, the Jewish Caucus has quickly emerged as a strong, unified voice on issues that affect Jewish communities and other vulnerable groups. Its work reflects both the urgency of the moment and the enduring Jewish commitment to justice, dignity, and repairing the world.

The caucus is led by two thoughtful and effective public servants: Senator Shelly L. Hettleman and Delegate Jared Solomon. Together, they are building a collaborative, bipartisan, and values-driven approach to public policy in Annapolis.

Leaders Who Reflect the Best of Public Service

Senator Hettleman of Baltimore County has built her career around protecting families, children, and vulnerable people. Before serving in the legislature, she worked in domestic violence prevention, Jewish communal leadership, and public policy. In the Maryland Senate, she has championed survivors of sexual assault, worked to protect older adults from abuse, and strengthened access to reproductive health care. She brings deep experience, integrity, and compassion to her role as Senate Chair of the Jewish Caucus.

Delegate Solomon of Montgomery County, the caucus’s House Chair, is a former teacher and policy advisor whose work reflects a lifelong commitment to education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship. He has fought to improve schools, expand public transit, and make higher education more affordable. His leadership is grounded in the belief that strong communities depend on fairness, inclusion, and shared responsibility.

Together, these leaders embody the Jewish values of justice, learning, and responsibility for one another.

A Diverse and Growing Coalition of Lawmakers

The caucus includes a broad and diverse group of legislators from across Maryland. Senate members include Dalya Attar, Brian Feldman, Cheryl Kagan, Benjamin Kramer, Jeffrey Waldstreicher, Karen Lewis Young, and Craig Zucker.

House members include Jon Cardin, Mark Edelson, Jessica Feldmark, Anne Kaiser, Aaron Kaufman, Marc Korman, Samuel Rosenberg, Ryan Spiegel, Dana Stein, and Joseph Vogel.

Associate members—who are not Jewish but stand in solidarity with the community—come from both parties and many regions of the state. This reflects a powerful truth: the fight against antisemitism and hate is not just a Jewish issue. It is an American issue. Fighting Antisemitism and Hate—For Everyone

The caucus has already outlined a strong legislative agenda for 2026 focused on combating antisemitism, strengthening civil rights, and protecting vulnerable communities.

Among its top priorities is legislation to require Maryland’s K–12 schools and higher education institutions to designate Title VI coordinators to ensure compliance with federal civil rights law. This would create clear accountability and provide a path for students to report discrimination.

Another priority would require schools to collect and disaggregate bullying data based on motivating characteristics. This will help Maryland better understand the scope of antisemitism and other forms of hate and respond more effectively.

The caucus is also working to ensure that the Maryland State Department of Education and the University System of Maryland share best practices and guidance to prevent antisemitism and protect Jewish students.

Importantly, the caucus’s work does not stop with protecting Jews. Its members are supporting legislation to protect immigrants from discriminatory and excessive enforcement, to ensure data privacy, and to uphold due process and human dignity. This reflects a core Jewish teaching: our safety is intertwined with the safety of all.

Strengthening Security and Religious Freedom

Security is another key focus. The caucus strongly supports increased funding for security grants for faith-based institutions and nonprofits, recognizing the urgent need to protect synagogues, schools, and community centers.

Legislation to prevent individuals from blocking access to religious facilities would strengthen protections similar to those already in place for health care facilities.

The caucus is also advancing policies that celebrate and respect the diversity of religious life in Maryland. These include modernizing language in state law to reflect contemporary religious communities and establishing formal recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month and Muslim American Heritage Month.

These steps are about more than symbolism. They are about ensuring that every person—of every faith—can live openly and safely.

Protecting Health and Future Generations

One particularly meaningful initiative would require newborn screening for Gaucher disease, a genetic condition that disproportionately affects people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This lifesaving measure reflects the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh—saving lives.

Building Partnerships and Community Trust

The caucus is also prioritizing collaboration. Recently, its leaders briefed major Jewish communal organizations about their legislative agenda, including 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.

This kind of engagement builds trust, strengthens advocacy, and ensures that the voices of Jewish communities are heard and reflected in public policy.

A Model for the Nation

The Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus is still young, but it is already showing what effective, principled leadership can look like. It is standing up against antisemitism while also defending civil rights for all. It is strengthening security while promoting understanding and partnership. It is celebrating Jewish identity while building bridges across communities.

At a time of fear and division, this work offers hope.

As Jews, we know that our safety and flourishing depend not only on protecting ourselves, but on building a society rooted in freedom, fairness, and mutual respect. The Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus is doing just that. And in doing so, it is helping to protect not only Jews, but the democratic values we hold dear.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)