Boulder Jewish Festival Proceeds After Antisemitic Firebomb Attack

The Boulder Jewish Festival proceeded as planned this Sunday, just a week after a violent antisemitic attack in which a man threw Molotov cocktails at members of the pro-Israel group Run for Their Lives, injuring 15 people and a dog. This year, the festival shifted its focus to community healing and solidarity, prominently featuring Run for Their Lives and centering the call for the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Organizers worked closely with local police and federal authorities to ensure heightened security, including the use of bomb-sniffing dogs, following the attack which led to over 100 felony charges against the suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman. Thousands attended the event, which included speeches from victims and community leaders emphasizing resilience, unity, and the ongoing struggle against antisemitism. The festival served as both a celebration of Jewish culture and a demonstration of the community's refusal to be intimidated by hate, with calls for continued awareness and action. Despite the trauma, attendees expressed determination to stand together and support one another in the face of rising antisemitism.