The History of the Capital Jewish Museum Offers a Template for Combating Antisemitism
A neon sign once belonging to a longstanding Jewish gift shop now shines inside a dedicated museum in Washington, D.C. This museum, which preserves the legacy of Jewish life in America’s capital region, is partly housed in the original building of a historic congregation established in 1876—a building that has been relocated several times due to urban development.
On May 21, a tragic antisemitic attack outside the museum shocked the community. Two individuals were fatally targeted during an event organized for young professionals, diplomats, and community advocates. For many, that incident marked the first introduction to the museum, an institution that once employed me as an educator between 2011 and 2019. Though relatively young in its current form, the museum is rooted in a long history of Jewish resilience and the ongoing struggle against antisemitism in America. It also illustrates the powerful role that advocacy has played in Washington’s Jewish community for more than two centuries, as they strove to secure their place within American democracy.
During the Civil War, the situation was markedly different. In December 1862, Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued an order that expelled Jews from his military district, accusing them of violating trade regulations to benefit the Confederacy. This decree, aimed at all Jews within the vast Department of the Tennessee, exploited old stereotypes linking Jews with money. The response from Jewish leaders was immediate and resolute. Leaders from a prominent Jewish organization formed by immigrants in 1843 met with President Abraham Lincoln and other officials, explaining how the order was offensive. Their prompt intervention led to the order being revoked.
This incident represented a turning point in the approach to antisemitism in America. Unlike Europe, Jews in the United States enjoyed full citizenship rights. In Washington, Jewish citizens quickly engaged in civic discourse, meeting with government officials and writing letters to educate policymakers—an active defense of their rights. Their self-advocacy helped forge a relationship with national leaders, a connection that would yield significant results. For instance, when Grant later became president in 1869, he appointed more Jews to federal positions and became a noted supporter of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution.
In 1876, a personal invitation from a prominent Washingtonian and philanthropist led General Grant to attend the dedication of the city’s first purpose-built synagogue. This historic visit marked the first time a sitting U.S. president had attended a synagogue, where he not only participated in the lengthy service but also made a charitable contribution. The synagogue, soon to be known as Adas Israel, served predominantly Jewish families who had migrated from other cities during the Civil War boom.
The growth of Washington’s Jewish community was historic. After centuries of displacement in Europe, many Jews in America began to feel a sense of safety that encouraged them to collaborate with their neighbors on initiatives meant to benefit all citizens. Core Jewish values like Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”) and Tzedek (“justice”) inspired these actions and underpinned the community’s commitment to social progress.
In the 20th century, the spirit of activism remained strong. In 1943, local Jewish residents worked behind the scenes on a theatrical production aimed at raising awareness about the Holocaust. Their efforts resonated nationally, even drawing remarks from influential figures who called for urgent measures to help Jews in peril. Later decades saw Jewish Washingtonians at the forefront of broader civil rights efforts, championing causes from local governance to international human rights struggles.
One noteworthy campaign unfolded during the latter half of the century. While Jewish groups across the nation protested for the rights of Soviet Jews, only in Washington did activists take their message directly to the doorstep of the Soviet Embassy. For over two decades, rotating groups held daily vigils, using music and dance to send a powerful message: in America, Jews could openly embrace their identity and demand the same freedom for Jews around the world. This persistent advocacy ultimately contributed to changes that allowed many Soviet Jews to seek refuge and start new lives, some even in Washington.
Local activism also played a key role in preserving history. In 1969, when it appeared that the historic synagogue associated with President Grant might be demolished due to urban expansion, community members rallied to save the building. Their swift and effective campaign convinced local authorities to preserve the landmark. Later, when the building finally found a permanent home in 2018, it was transformed into the centerpiece of the new museum. Leaders involved in the project—from educators and scholars to rabbis and representatives of underrepresented Jewish communities—ensured that the museum’s narrative was both inclusive and reflective of the rich tapestry of Jewish life in Washington.
Today, the museum’s collection includes artifacts ranging from buttons and posters to political cartoons that document Jewish civic engagement from the late 19th century onward. Exhibits tell the story of generations of Jews who either grew up in or migrated to Washington with dreams of a better future. In this way, the museum not only honors its past but also serves as a guide for addressing modern challenges, including the renewed rise of antisemitism.
The history preserved within this institution underscores the importance of education, advocacy, and coalition-building in fighting hate. As contemporary challenges emerge, this legacy continues to offer lessons in resilience and the power of civic engagement.
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