Governor Joins Over 500 Others in Boulder to Support Victims of Anti-Semitic Attack

Governor Jared Polis, Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, representatives of Boulder's Jewish community and other local leaders came together today, June 4, to honor the victims of an anti-Semitic attack on over a dozen pro-Israel demonstrators holding a peaceful protest over the weekend.

The ceremony was intended to "stand against hate" and embrace unity, according to Polis's office. Around 500 people attended the event outside the historic Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl Street, about a block away from where fifteen people and a dog were injured on Sunday, June 1. According to police and video of the attack, Mohammed Sabry Soliman allegedly threw homemade Molotov cocktails and used a homemade flamethrower to burn members of Run for Their Lives, a group of people who meet on Pearl Street every Sunday to raise awareness about Israeli hostages remaining from the October 2023 kidnappings and massacre in Gaza.

The attack has garnered national attention as tensions increase between Israel and Palestine supporters. Soliman, who reportedly yelled "Free Palestine!" during the incident, later told investigators that the victims were "Zionist people" and "wished they were all dead."

Since the attack, Polis, who is Jewish and lives in Boulder, has issued several statements and made media appearances, including one on CNN's The Situation Room this morning. At the gathering, the governor called on humanity to move forward.
“Today, I stand united and strong with the Boulder community as we recover from the devastating anti-Semitic attacks on our fellow Coloradans, and wish each of the victims a speedy and healthy recovery. Violence in any form has no place in Colorado, and we know that to move forward we must join together in our common humanity to ensure peace in our communities, take care of one another, and emerge stronger," Polis said. "My heart is with those impacted by this devastating event, and we are continuing to actively work with local and state law enforcement to protect our communities and keep people safe."

Brockett echoed Polis's statement and said that hate and anti-Semitism have no place in Boulder.

“To our Jewish community: You are not alone. Boulder stands with you, not just today, but every day. Anti-Semitism has no place in Boulder. Hate against any group of people has no place in Boulder, and we recognize that the oppression you have faced is part of a disturbing historical context. Your safety is our safety," the mayor said. "Your pain is our pain. Your resilience inspires us all.”
Religious leaders also spoke at the gathering. According to Boulder Rabbi Marc Soloway, many Colorado Jews don't feel safe or welcome in their towns and neighborhoods as hate speech rises across the country.

“The whole Jewish community is reeling, shocked that this hideous hate crime could happen right here in downtown beautiful Boulder. And yet, we have seen this coming and Jews here and all over America and the world have not been feeling safe, physically or emotionally, in the face of demonizing hate speech and dangerous rhetoric. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our neighbors and friends, faith leaders from across the country, state and the world. Demonization of others has to stop. The hate speech has to stop,” he said.

There were supporters of both Israel and Palestine in attendance, with one lone protester holding signs depicting dead children in Gaza. Members of Christian and Muslim churches attended the event, as well. According to the Islamic Center of Boulder's Imam Nader Elmarhoumi, even in times of international disagreement and war, Americans must rely on their "shared values of neighborliness" and find ways to bond despite having different faiths and political beliefs.

“The Muslim community in our precious Boulder, in our unique state of Colorado and, quite frankly, across our beautiful country, stand firm on our Islamic shared values of neighborliness, which are American values. We stand firm on that with our neighbors, whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, at all times and, especially, at times like this," he said. "Hence, we must never tolerate hatred against Jews or Muslims, and attacks like this makes all our communities less safe. That's why it is so important to help our community heal after tragedy, and we thank the Governor for bringing us together to foster unity."

See more photos of the gathering below.