About Me

Who are you?

This is run personally by me, Susan Kerin. Not an organization.

Aren’t you with Peace Action Montgomery?

Yes, I am. But this project is completely separate from the organization.

About the Information

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

It’s pretty bad. Even though Montgomery County is known as progressive and diverse, it funds efforts to bring Israeli weapons and surveillance companies—including some owned by the Israeli government—into our community. Some of these companies use this foothold to market their technologies across the U.S. No other county does this.

Almost all local elected officials—Democrats—have either voted for this funding or stayed silent. The one exception is Delegate Gabe Acevero (D-39), who has spoken out against it. Some state senators from Montgomery County have even taken trips to Israel in 2025 funded by the Israeli government. One of those senators was criticized by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu for calling activists (including nuns and Quakers) who testified against anti-BDS legislation “Nazis and KKK.”

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 a new photo. This resource only includes public statements. Private comments like “I think the genocide is bad” won’t be listed.

What if a candidate changes their position?

I hope they do. I will update the site.. So I encourage residents to check back for updates. I will also post new updates on social media.

Are these endorsements?

No. A “watermelon sticker” just means a candidate deserves a second look. This site helps voters find information quickly—it doesn’t tell anyone who to vote for.

But aren’t the Juicy Picks endorsements?

No. They’re just a list of candidates who deserve a second look because of their position on Palestine. Endorsements consider many other issues, and this site focuses narrowly on Palestinian human rights

Can I help gather information?

Absolutely! When voters ask questions, it sends a message to candidates that this issue matters. Let’s crowdsource this.

How often is the information updated?

Whenever it needs to be. This guide is ongoing and iterative, and the hope is more candidates will clarify or improve their public positions over time.

Issues Considered

This guide highlights what I’ve found and what activists have shared. In addition, candidates were asked directly about the following:

Congressional Candidates:

Block the Bomb – Will the candidate vote to stop sending military aid to Israel?

Rashida Tlaib’s Genocide Bill – Will the candidate co-sponsor this resolution.

State and Local Candidates

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. Candidates were asked if they will end funding to the MIDC.

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.

Can I Help?

Yes! We need volunteers to spread the word in Montgomery County—leafleting at metro stations or events, for example. I can’t accept monetary donations.

Other Questions?

I can’t figure out who my elected officials are and how many of them I can vote for.

It is confusing and while I tried to explain it, it might not have been clear. So, feel free to contact me and we can walk through it together. This is not just a resource about candidates but also how to participate in the system.

Why are Central Committee and Board of Education candidates not included?

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 can happen. This guide is single-issue, focused on Palestinian human rights. For broader candidate information, check campaign websites or organizations like Our Revolution or Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America, which endorse candidates based on wider progressive standards.

So you have Republicans and Green Party candidates too?

Yes. This is about transparency, not party lines. Support for Palestine crosses party boundaries—for example, some Republicans, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, have spoken out against the genocide.