Governor Jared Polis
After the horrifying firebomb attack that injured 15 people at a gathering on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, Colorado Governor Jared Polis responded swiftly––condemning the violence, visiting the scene, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community.
While some political leaders hesitated to label the attack as antisemitic, Polis was unequivocal. Calling the incident “a heinous and targeted act on the Jewish community,” Polis described it as “an act of terror” and “antisemitic violence.” He made it clear that hate has no place in Colorado: “We are united as Coloradans, of all faiths, of all backgrounds, to make it clear that antisemitism, violence, and hate have no home in Colorado. Not today and not ever.”
Polis often speaks of building a “Colorado for all”––a message he echoed again at a vigil at the Boulder Jewish Community Center where he addressed more than 1,000 people and emphasized the right of every person to live and worship safely.
Less than 72 hours after the attack, he joined interfaith leaders, local officials, and survivors at a “Stand Against Hate” rally at the site of the violence to denounce antisemitism and call for unity. “Those targeted in Sunday’s attack were targeted for antisemitic reasons and to intimidate members of the Jewish community; in our state, everybody should have their free speech rights respected.”
Communities Show Solidarity in Wake of Boulder Attack
In the aftermath of the deadly attack in Boulder, Colorado, the Jewish community demonstrated resilience and unity, showing up in full force to support the broader community and celebrate life in the face of hate.
One week after the attack, hundreds gathered at the Boulder Jewish Festival. The event, which had been planned long before the attack, became a powerful show of unity this year. Local residents, faith leaders, and allies from across the state came together in Boulder’s Central Park to celebrate Jewish culture, music, and food. Despite heightened security, organizers said the community’s turnout was larger than expected—and deeply meaningful.
Elsewhere, acts of solidarity crossed state lines. In Aventura, Florida, hundreds gathered to honor the victims of the Boulder attack. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Miami and local officials, the vigil featured prayers, speeches, and a call for unity in the face of rising antisemitism. Community members lit candles and shared a moment of silence in remembrance of those hurt in the attack.
These gatherings offer a reminder: even in the face of violence, communities can respond with strength, compassion, and solidarity.
Overland Park March of Love
Hundreds gathered in Overland Park, Kansas, on June 18, for the March of Love, a silent walk held to show solidarity with the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism, with special focus on honoring the lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on May 21. Sarah was originally from Prairie Village, Kansas, a town neighboring Overland Park.
The event, organized by members of the Kansas City-area Christian community, brought together over 350 Christians, Jews, and others in a unified message of support. “This statement is not political,” said Pastor Pierre Bezençon. “It’s really spiritual and human.”
Local pastors, including Bezençon, said they were moved to act after hearing of Sarah’s murder. “With her murder and the murder of Yaron, we just felt like it’s time for Christians here in our city to make a public stand of love against antisemitism,” Pastor Richard Cleary said.
