About Me

Who are you?

My name is Susan Kerin. I’ve lived in Montgomery County for 35 years and have been active on issues related to Palestine for just as long. In the past two years, I’ve joined many Montgomery County residents in speaking out against the genocide. Together, we’ve gathered extensive information on our elected officials’ positions and want to share that crowd-sourced knowledge with others.

Is this a Peace Action Montgomery initiative?

No. While I serve as Chair of Peace Action Montgomery, this project is entirely a personal effort.

So it’s just you? Do you have any credibility?

I collaborate with friends and community members who help gather and assess information. It’s up to each voter to decide if I’m a trusted messenger. Whenever possible, I’ve provided links so people can verify sources for themselves.

About the Information

What is the political landscape in Montgomery County on this Issue?

It’s bad—truly outlier bad. Montgomery County, despite its reputation as one of the most progressive and diverse counties in the country, actually allocates public funds to recruit Israeli weapons and surveillance manufacturers—including those owned by the Israeli government—into our community (see here). Some of these companies even use their foothold here to market surveillance technologies within the U.S. No other county in the country funds recruitment efforts like this (see here)

Every incumbent elected official—all Democrats—has either supported MIDC funding through their votes or remained silent, with the sole exception of Delegate Gabe Acevero (D-39), who has spoken out against it. Meanwhile, several Maryland State Senators from Montgomery County have taken trips to Israel in 2025 that were paid for by the Israeli government. One of those State Senators was called out by the late Nobel Laureate and Archbishop Desmond Tutu because of the Senator’s offensive remarks to activists (referencing them as Nazis and KKK) who testified against his anti-BDS legislation. Testifiers included the nuns and Quakers.

I’m a candidate, and something here about me is wrong.

Please reach out! I’m happy to update your listing — even if it’s just to use a better photo. The focus here is on public-facing statements, not private conversations. Simply saying behind closed doors that “the genocide is bad” won’t be added.

Are these endorsements?

No. A “watermelon sticker” simply means a candidate deserves a second look. Montgomery County voters can think for themselves — this site just centralizes information so you don’t have to spend hours doing the research.

Can I help gather information?

Absolutely. When voters keep asking questions, it signals to candidates that this issue matters — and that people are paying attention to their positions. Let’s crowdsource this!

How often is the information updated?

As often as needed. This guide is iterative and ongoing. My hope is that more candidates will clarify or evolve their public stances over time.

Issues Considered

Anti-BDS Legislation

Maryland has an executive order banning State contracts with supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The Governor has the power to rescind it.

IHRA Definition

This is a weaponized definition of antisemitism that often equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism itself. Here’s an article about Montgomery County Council members supporting a resolution on it.

Maryland Israel Development Center (MIDC)

The MIDC recruits Israeli weapons manufacturers into our state, with both Maryland and Montgomery County providing funding. Some of these companies are directly tied to the Israeli government. Learn more at dropthemidc.org.    Notably, Delegate Gabe Acevero (D39) is the only incumbent who has publicly opposed MIDC funding.

CASA

In 2023, every Montgomery County Senator signed a joint letter threatening to withhold funding from CASA because the organization spoke out against the genocide. (See link.)

Aerovironment and Controp

Several elected officials attended the ribbon cutting for Aerovironment, a manufacturer of kamikaze drones. Governor Moore awarded the company a $1 million loan, and County Council members added another $100,000. Within a month, Aerovironment bought half of an Israeli government-owned weapons company — increasing access to U.S. contracts and profits. (watch this 90-second video)

Other Incidents

Some officials have made statements or taken actions that chill free speech related to Palestinian human rights — such as opposing screenings of The Occupation of the American Mind. Others have taken trips to Israel paid for by the Israeli government.

Why Mention the Hindu Fascist (Hindutva) Movement?

Like Zionism, Hindutva is a nationalist ideology that targets and commits violence against minority populations. It’s relevant to Montgomery County because some elected officials have accepted funding and support from Hindutva-aligned leaders seeking political influence. Here is an article about it.

Other Questions

Why are some races (like Board of Education or Central Committee) missing?

They may be added later.

What if a candidate that is good on Palestinian human rights is bad on other issues I care about?

That’s always possible. This guide is meant to inform voters specifically about candidates’ positions on Palestine human rights and liberation. Just as Emily’s List focuses on a single issue, this is a single-issue assessment. If you want to learn more about a candidate’s broader platform, check their campaign website. You can also look at organizations like Our Revolution and Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America which maintain progressive standards and draw a clear red line against supporting candidates complicit in genocide. They do candidate endorsements.

So you have Republicans and Green Party candidates too?

Yes it’s only fair. This is about transparency across the political spectrum. While many assume support for Palestine falls along partisan lines, polls show that opposition to the genocide crosses party boundaries. For example, even some Republicans, like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has spoken out strongly against the genocide.