Boulder, Colo. — The Boulder Jewish Festival is being held in downtown Boulder, Colorado, as organizers and attendees navigate a complex landscape of security concerns following recent incidents of antisemitism in the state.
The festival comes just days after a man threw Molotov cocktails at "Run for Their Lives" demonstrators who were marching through downtown Boulder to raise awareness about the 55 people believed to still be captive in Gaza. Mohamed Sabry Soliman has been charged with 118 counts related to his attack on the group and faces additional charges under federal law.
Despite these concerns, organizers have planned the festival to raise awareness about this issue and provide a space for community members to come together. A spokesperson for the festival organizers stated, "We want everyone to feel safe."
Festival Highlights
The event will feature:
- Art, food, and music from around Israel
- Performances by Israeli musicians, including Shlomi Shabat
- Participation from a group representing families of Israeli hostages, who plan to join the "Run for Their Lives" walk
One family member, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, expressed gratitude for the community’s support: "We hope that this event will help bring attention to their plight."
Community Concerns
Some attendees have expressed concern over potential attacks following recent antisemitic incidents in Colorado. In April 2023, vandals spray-painted swastikas on several buildings at CU-Boulder’s University Memorial Center while students were away during spring break.
Rachel Kornblum-Sternberg, an attendee at the festival, remarked, "It’s scary when you see things like that happening. I just hope everyone stays safe."
Increased Security Measures
In response to these concerns, police officers were seen patrolling areas where protesters gathered earlier this month outside City Hall before marching through downtown Boulder toward Pearl Street Mall. Cmdr. Paul Remington stated, "We’re working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety during events like this."
As attendees gather at the event, they can expect increased security measures, including:
- Metal detectors manned by private security guards hired by city officials
- Police patrols along Pearl Street Mall throughout Saturday evening into early Sunday morning
While some may view these measures as excessive, others see them as necessary precautions given recent events. As one attendee noted, "It’s better safe than sorry."
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