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.

Why the name “Watermelon”?

The watermelon is a symbol of Palestinian identity because its red, green, white, and black colors match the Palestinian flag. Israel would arrest anyone who carried the flag, so people used subtle ways (like the watermelon) to express their national identity and resistance.

About the Information

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

It’s pretty bad. Even though Montgomery County’s dominant narrative is that we are progressive and diverse, we recruit (using our tax dollars) 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.

In fact, all local and State incumbents —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” or being listed as a “Juicy Pick” 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. A special note - If we know of a candidate who doesn’t practice collective liberation (is antisemitic or other prejudices), we won’t be including them in this section.

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 that more candidates will clarify or improve their public positions over time. There is also an instagram account and whatsapp announcement chat where new updates will be pushed out.

Issues Considered

This guide highlights what I’ve found and what activists have shared. In addition, candidates were asked directly (via email) 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.

Unpacking the Answers

No Response

Every candidate who had an email was contacted. If they are an incumbent (State Delegate or Senator or Councilmember), they heard testimony several times and received numerous emails.

The “transparency” or “competitiveness” rationale

Some candidates have indicated that they are concerned about the funding to the MIDC because it is not transparent or competitive. But they avoid mentioning that it is an ethical concern. There is a problem with this because the current council members and county executive are trying to move the funding out of the county executive’s office so they will no longer have accountability. But it could still be housed in a bureaucratic agency with no constituent accountability. See this video.

The “economic benefit” rationale

This is the “King Cotton” rationale. During slavery, elected officials in the South justified slavery by touting the economic benefit. Cotton was half of all US exports. So we reject that even if there is economic benefit, if it is on the foundation of genocide and occupation, it isn’t justified.

But in addition, there is evidence that the MIDC funding is not economically beneficial and that the exorbitant amount of military aid to Israel is robbing us of our domestic needs. More information will be provided on this shortly.

Limited Options

While we may not have options at every level of the ballot, we do have candidates who’ve taken bold, principled stands. We have to begin somewhere, and voters deserve clear information about where candidates stand.

This site serves two additional purposes:

• Voter Engagement - Montgomery County residents have not had a single, accessible place to compare candidates’ positions on Palestine, human rights, and public funding connected to the Maryland Israel Development Center (MIDC). Many voters have also felt discouraged or unheard. We hope this resource helps people feel more informed, empowered, and able to participate meaningfully.

• Documenting This Moment - This site also creates a record of the Montgomery County political landscape in 2026. Public positions can shift over time, and future narratives may not reflect the reality of what was said or done in the present (e.g., I was against the genocide when it was happening). By preserving candidate responses now, we aim to provide transparency, accountability, and historical documentation of the choices and challenges facing our community today.

Voting in June?

Yes, this is the primary. Montgomery County is a one-party county where Democrats always win the general election. So you need to vote in the primary to decide which democrat is put forth in November. That date is June 23rd.

If you are Green Party or Independent, it is recommended that you register as Democrat in the primary and then can switch back. Otherwise, you can’t vote in the primary.

If you are Republican, you do you. And we hope there might be candidates you can vote for that care for Palestinian Human Rights. Polling indicates they are out there.

We know there are Green party candidates on our Juicy Picks list and we don’t want to throw them any shade. They should be given a second look for the November General election when they will be on the ballot.

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. And is why these aren’t endorsements. 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.