A recent attack on a pro-hostage release group in Boulder, Colorado, left twelve injured, highlighting a surge in antisemitic incidents across the United States. The suspect, Mohammed Sabry Soliman, allegedly planned the attack for a year and confessed to intending to “kill all Zionist people,” according to court documents. He is accused of using incendiary devices.
This incident follows a string of attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions. Weeks prior, a shooting outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy employees attending a museum event. In April, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence was set ablaze hours after his Passover celebration.
These events have fueled anxiety within the American Jewish community, regardless of political stances on the Israeli-Hamas conflict, says Adina Vogel Ayalon of J Street. “Jews are feeling the impact and are more afraid,” she notes, emphasizing that the attacks transcend political divides concerning the war.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. While precise figures remain contested due to access restrictions imposed by Israel, the Hamas-run health ministry reports over 50,000 deaths in Gaza. A UN report indicates that nearly 70% of verified deaths during a six-month period were women and children. The conflict has also intensified existing political divides in the US, sparking debates about free speech and Palestinian statehood within the American Jewish community.
However, the attacks in Boulder and Washington D.C. are seen as crossing a line, representing a shift from political discourse to violence, according to Ms. Ayalon. The Boulder attack has drawn condemnation from various groups, including the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who stated that such acts “are not only an attack on a specific community but a direct threat to the values of pluralism…for all people of faith.”
The targeted group, Run For Their Lives, is a non-partisan organization advocating for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Its members come from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, underscoring the broad impact of these attacks. While security measures have been in place for Jewish communities since previous attacks, like the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the 2019 Poway synagogue attack, the recent events have renewed concerns about safety and security within the community.
Haliey Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, highlights the widespread fear resulting from the attacks, stating, “There’s a sense that what has occurred in DC and Boulder could have happened anywhere, could have happened to anyone.” Fundraising efforts are underway to enhance security measures and provide support for victims. Rabbi Dan Moskovitz expresses concern that such incidents could incite further violence and radicalization.
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