Survivor of Horrific Past Wounded in Colorado Attack
Survivor of the Holocaust among Boulder's shooting tragedy victims
In a shocking turn of events, a Holocaust survivor was among the eight victims injured during a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. This tragic incident, classified as an "act of terrorism", has sent ripples of disbelief and anger through the community.
The survivor, whose identity remains undisclosed, faced the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust and sought solace in America. Sadly, decades later, they became a victim again. Leo Terrell, in charge of the antisemitism task force for the Department of Justice, expressed his grief on social media: "The attack on this survivor reminds me of the horror of October 7, [2023], when Holocaust survivors were murdered in Israel... But this time, it happened here. In our country."
The suspect arrested for the attack, 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman, allegedly used a "makeshift flamethrower" and threw an incendiary device into a crowd of pro-Israel demonstrators, according to the FBI. Soliman reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack.
The assault took place during a Run for Their Lives walk, raising awareness about the remaining hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and advocating for their immediate release. Six of the eight injured have since been discharged from hospitals, but two remain in critical condition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the attack's antisemitic nature.
The Boulder attack is not an isolated incident. Tensions against the Jewish community have escalated, with acts of violence on the rise. In April, a suspected arsonist firebombed Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's official residence due to his views on the Palestinian people. Similar incidents have led to a surge in antisemitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which recorded a record high of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024, marking a 344% increase over the past five years and an 893% increase over the past ten years.
The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to inspire such acts of violence, and experts warn of further radicalization or mobilization against targets perceived as supporting Israel. As we approach a future where such attacks become increasingly common, it is crucial that we stand together to fight hate and ensure the safety of all citizens.
In the context of escalating tensions, experts warn of further radicalization, urging for unity to combat rising antisemitism. As shown by the Boulder attack – an act of terrorism against a Holocaust survivor at a pro-Israel demonstration – the general-news scene is marred by crime and injustice, both internationally and within domestic politics. The battle for crime-and-justice involves not just issues in sports, but also the ongoing plight of remaining hostages held by Hamas, as demonstrated by the Run for Their Lives walk that was disrupted by the attack.
