Shocking Attack at Boulder Rally: A Wake-Up Call on Rising Antisemitism
The initial reports of the Colorado flamethrower assault were as disturbing as they were startling, capturing immediate attention and concern across the nation.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Scene of Chaos
One dispatcher relayed a frantic call, describing a possible attacker wielding a blowtorch amid a tense atmosphere, with witnesses suggesting that individuals might be on fire. Another report indicated multiple burn injuries and potential assault charges. What was meant to be a peaceful demonstration in Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall-organized to show solidarity with hostages held by Hamas in Gaza-quickly devolved into a scene of terror. Emergency responders arrived to find victims sprawled on the pavement, their bodies and limbs scorched, while police subdued a suspect face down, firearm at the ready.
Local residents rushed to aid the injured, grabbing buckets and bottles of water to help soothe the burns. The incident, which unfolded during a rally supporting Israeli hostages, marked a stark departure from the event’s original purpose.
Context and Broader Implications of the Attack
The assault was carried out by a man hurling Molotov cocktails and shouting “Free Palestine,” targeting one of Colorado’s most prominent Jewish communities. This attack occurred just ten days after two Israeli embassy personnel were shot dead in Washington, D.C., by an individual echoing similar rhetoric. It also followed a recent arson attack on the residence of Pennsylvania’s Jewish governor, Josh Shapiro, perpetrated by a known pro-Palestinian activist.
Rising Tide of Antisemitism
Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, emphasized that such violence and hostility are part of a disturbing trend. “When Jews are targeted for expressing support for Israel’s policies, it must be recognized and condemned unequivocally as antisemitism,” she stated. The surge in anti-Jewish hate crimes ranges from violent assaults on individuals walking in public to efforts to marginalize and discriminate against Jewish communities, including attacks on synagogues and Jewish centers nationwide.
Community Impact and Response
Boulder County, historically regarded as a welcoming and diverse community, has seen its Jewish population grow significantly over the past decade, now comprising over 10% of the 330,000 residents. The victims of Sunday’s attack included a Holocaust survivor aged 88, a mother and daughter, and other community members-highlighting the attack’s brutal impact on a vibrant and close-knit community.
Fred Greene, rabbi of Boulder’s Har HaShem congregation, expressed his concern: “What happened here is deeply troubling, and I believe we all share a responsibility to respond. Violence is never the answer if we seek peace and dignity for all people.”
Resilience in the Face of Violence
University of Boulder Hillel’s director, Elyana Funk, pointed out that the attack targeted a peaceful gathering-an ongoing weekly event aimed at raising awareness for the hostages in Gaza. “This was not a political rally or a protest,” she explained. “It was a simple act of solidarity, and yet it was violently disrupted.”
The timing coincided with the Jewish festival of Shavuot, a celebration of the giving of the Torah, which was marked by canceled or postponed events. Despite this, community leaders emphasized that resilience and unity would prevail. “Jewish pride, community, and connection are powerful antidotes to hatred,” Funk added.
Official Responses and Calls for Unity
Boulder’s police chief, Stephen Redfearn, reflected on the city’s history of overcoming tragedy, referencing the 2021 mass shooting at a local grocery store that resulted in ten fatalities. “Boulder has faced adversity before, and we will recover again,” he assured residents. “Now is the time for unity, not division.”
Details of the Assault
The attack took place at Pearl Street Mall, a bustling pedestrian zone filled with shops and eateries, not far from the University of Colorado. Eyewitnesses described the suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, as appearing suddenly and targeting individuals participating in the rally.
One witness, Brian Horowitz, recounted rushing to confront the attacker after hearing screams. “He was shouting obscenities, saying, ‘Fuck you Zionists, you’re killing my people, so I will kill you,'” Horowitz said. “It’s shocking to see someone so outraged that they resort to violence against peaceful protesters.”
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Surge in Hate Crimes
This incident underscores a broader escalation in antisemitic violence and rhetoric across the United States. From hate crimes on the streets to targeted attacks on Jewish institutions, the rise in anti-Jewish hostility demands urgent attention and action.
As Boulder and other communities grapple with this violence, leaders emphasize the importance of standing together. “Our strength lies in our unity and resilience,” said community officials. “We must continue to promote understanding, tolerance, and peace, even in the face of hatred.”
