In the wake of a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, reactions have poured in from Las Vegas Jewish leaders and community members.
The FBI has labeled the incident a deliberate act of violence, during which a man equipped with incendiary devices, including a flamethrower, injured twelve people at a demonstration advocating for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while carrying out the attack.
Rabbi Sanford Akselrad of Henderson’s Congregation Ner Tamid expressed deep concerns over the implications of this violence on the Jewish community.
Akselrad stated, “Hatred anywhere is a community concern. One person can’t stop it. It takes all of us to say ‘not in my town.’”
He emphasized that such incidents send shockwaves through communities, making them feel more vulnerable to hate-fueled violence.
“One may not like what’s going on in Gaza and one may not like the government of Israel,” Akselrad noted.
“But to take that disagreement out on innocent people in the United States, and in such a violent way, is unconscionable.”
Among the victims was a Holocaust survivor, underscoring the profound impact of the attack on the community.
Stefanie Tuzman, CEO of Jewish Nevada, a nonprofit advocacy organization, expressed relief that no lives were lost in the incident.
“The intent was clear and the hate was loud,” Tuzman said.
“It’s terrifying. I’m sick and exhausted.”
The violent episode unfolded during a “Run for Their Lives” event in Boulder, aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the release of Israelis detained in Gaza.
Founded in 2023, the organization boasts over 200 chapters worldwide, including locations in Las Vegas and Henderson.
In a statement, the group commended law enforcement for their swift response to the attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the five burn victims for a speedy recovery,” said the organization.
The attack occurred at the Pearl Street pedestrian mall, where Soliman was reported to have first used the flamethrower before throwing two Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as they shouted warnings to alert others, while a police officer quickly responded to apprehend the suspect.
Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty disclosed that authorities had discovered 16 unused Molotov cocktails in Soliman’s possession following his arrest.
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley condemned the attack, emphasizing that there is no place for such hate in the country.
“It is imperative that our state condemn this behavior that is occurring all too often in our country,” Berkley stated.
The American Jewish Congress referred to the Boulder violence as a “vicious antisemitic attack,” further highlighting the growing concern regarding antisemitism in America.
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