Haverim – Dear Friends,
We are devastated, angry, and vulnerable. Amid an alarming spike in antisemitic violence, Sunday’s attack in Boulder has inflicted deep harm—physically, emotionally, and communally. We stand with the 12 victims of this heinous assault—including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor—bearing witness to their pain and lifting prayers for their full recovery: refuat ha’nefesh u’refuat ha’guf.
The attack targeted a peaceful weekly “Run for Their Lives” event organized to raise awareness of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Rabbi Marc Soloway, who has led USCJ-affiliated Congregation Bonai Shalom for over 20 years, shared that six of his congregants were among those injured. Two remain in the hospital in critical condition, and many more of his congregants bore witness to the horror.
Rabbi Soloway’s statement on local news captured both the pain and resilience of the Bonai Shalom community in this moment: “Our congregation is called Bonai Shalom, builders of peace. It’s just shattering. Some of that dream has been smashed in this horrific attack…. But the most important thing is we’re here together, we’ve got each other’s backs. We’re taking care of each other,” (view the full interview here).
We stand with Rabbi Soloway and his community. The Rabbinical Assembly and USCJ have been in touch to offer support, and we will continue to work with our colleagues and communities to provide care for the survivors, ensure our collective safety, and uphold our vision of a world where Jewish people no longer live in danger. We will not be intimidated and we will not let hatred shatter our mission.
We are also deeply moved by the outpouring of interfaith support from the Boulder community. We call on our neighbors and partners across the country: Do not let this stand. Stand with us, speak out, and take action against antisemitism and violence.
In this moment of vulnerability, we pray that God give us the strength to hold each other and to continue building the just and peaceful world we so desperately need.
אַל תִּקְרֵי בָּנַיִךְ אֶלָּא בּוֹנָיִךְ – “Do not read ‘your children’ but rather ‘your builders.’”
May we be builders of peace, even in the aftermath of this attack.
ה' עֹז לְעַמּוֹ יִתֵּן, ה' יְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ בַשָּׁלוֹם – May God grant strength to God’s people; may God bless God’s people with peace.
For anyone who wants to help in this difficult time, please consider donating to the JEWISHcolorado Boulder Security Fund to support the victims. Together, we can help the Boulder Jewish community as they work to heal.
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, RA/USCJ CEO
Rabbi Jay Kornsgold, RA President
Andy Schaer, USCJ International President