Thousands of people packed Sunday’s Boulder Jewish Festival at the Pearl Street Mall in Colorado — not far from the site of last week’s antisemitic firebomb attack.
Among the event’s speakers were members of Run for Their Lives, the peaceful group targeted by the firebomber.
The festival, hosted by the Boulder JCC, featured dozens of community Jewish organizations, food vendors, an art market and live music and performances — under a noticeably stepped-up security presence.
The festival served as a showing of community solidarity, healing and hope in the wake of the terror attack that injured 15 people participating in a pro-Israel walking event.
Event organizers worked closely with the Boulder Police Department, JEWISHColorado’s Secure Community Network and state officials to ensure the event was safe.
Bomb-sniffing dogs could be seen walking around areas where the public gathered accompanied by uniformed police officers.
The festival kicked off with a walk of solidarity for the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas. Run for Their Lives was holding such a walk when its members were allegedly targeted by Mohamed Sabry Soliman last week.
Among last week’s injured was Barbara Steinmetz, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor described by a local rabbi as a “very loving” woman.
Members of Run for Their Lives took the stage to address the crowd. Susan Rona, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League Mountain States, also was on hand to thank those in attendance.
“The thousands strong showing up today are saying, ‘Enough, enough, enough,’ ” she said. “Hate toward the Jewish community has no place in Boulder, hate has no place in Boulder.
“After the headlines fade, don’t pretend this isn’t happening. This is life for Jews in America today, and healing is a marathon,” she added.
“We in Boulder have the power to change our polarized nation together. Let us show the world how we respond to hate. Let’s make some new memories together in this space and show the world what hate cannot extinguish: love, shared humanity, community and joy,” she urged the cheering crowd.
“That is how we respond, and that is how we will move forward together, undeterred and more committed than ever to each other.”
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