San Diego Jewish World staff report
SAN DIEGO — In the wake of a Molotov cocktail being hurled and a makeshift flamethrower being fired at pro-Israel demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday, patrols have been stepped up at Jewish synagogues and institutions in San Diego through the Shavuot holiday, according to Bill Ganley, the Community Security Director.
Ganley, who maintains an office at the Jewish Federation of San Diego, said “Both the San Diego Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department have put it out to their posts that extra patrols will be necessary through Tuesday,” when the Shavuot holiday ends.
Heidi Gantwerk, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego, issued the following statement on Sunday:
“It pains me that we must once again respond to a violent attack targeting Jews—this time in Boulder, Colorado, where community members were reportedly assaulted while simply walking down the street, advocating for the release of the hostages.
“There is a frightening through-line from antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric that too many are willing to excuse or accept, to moments like this—where words inspire violence. We must continue to raise our voices collectively to do all we can to stem this terrible tide.
“We are heartbroken for the victims and outraged by yet another assault on our safety, dignity, and freedom to live Jewishly and openly.
“Here in San Diego, we are taking action. Our Community Security Director, Bill Ganley, is in close coordination with local law enforcement and has requested increased patrols, particularly as Shavuot begins tonight and our community gathers to celebrate.
“Please click here to read the statement from Jewish Federations of North America about the action we must take to keep our communities safe.
“Jewish Federation of San Diego is unwavering in our commitment to help keep our community safe. We will not allow hate to go unchecked, and we will continue to respond with strength, vigilance, and unity.
“If you see or hear something of concern, please report it to our community security team or local authorities. We appreciate your vigilance and support.
“May this Shavuot bring us strength, peace, and resolve. Together, we will stand strong.”
Ganley said his office will be staffed night and day during the Shavuot holiday.
He said there have been no identifiable threats to the San Diego Jewish community, but out of “an abundance of caution,” law enforcement was asked to step up their patrols. “We did the same thing after the attack in Washington D.C. ” in which two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot by an alleged attacker who shouted “Free, free Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza.”
A suspect identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, was arrested in Boulder. He, too, yelled “Free Palestine,” before throwing the Molotov cocktail. Fox News reported that Soliman is an Egyptian who has overstayed his visa.
One pro-Israel demonstrator was critically burned, according to news reports from the scene. The FBI reported five other marchers received less serious injuries. Some news media put the number of burn victims at eight. Each week, the group of pro-Israel demonstrators peacefully call for the release of the hostages.
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In New York, ADL (Anti-Defamation League) said it is closely monitoring of reports of a violent antisemitic attack during today’s Run for Their Lives event in Boulder, Colorado. This attack occurred at a weekly gathering where Jewish community members run and walk in solidarity with the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7.
The ADL Center on Extremism has reviewed videos of the suspect who threw Molotov cocktails at those gathering in Boulder to express solidarity with the 58 hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
In the videos, we believe the suspect can be heard saying:
“How many children have you killed?”
“We have to end Zionists”
“They are killers” (gesturing toward what appears to be the victims of the attack).
The attack comes just days before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and follows a disturbing national and global trend of antisemitic violence.
ADL CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt released the following statement:
“This is the second violent attack on the U.S. Jewish community in two weeks. First, a young couple slaughtered in Washington, D.C. Now, a firebomb thrown at a group in Boulder, Colorado, as they gathered to express solidarity with the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
“Two peaceful Jewish events that ended with rage-filled, violent attacks.
“And the issue isn’t confined to the U.S. We’re witnessing a global campaign of intimidation and terror deliberately directed against the Jewish people.
“In the past few days alone, Jewish youth in London were assaulted. Public spaces in Brisbane were defaced with antisemitic graffiti. Synagogues, a Holocaust memorial, and a kosher restaurant in Paris were vandalized.
“Sadly, none of this is surprising. In fact, it’s entirely predictable. This is precisely where anti-Jewish incitement leads. This is exactly what vicious anti-Zionism enables.
“Elected officials, community groups, media platforms, faith leaders — they all need to commit to taking action before this crisis escalates even further.
“Stop excusing antisemitic rhetoric.
“Stop platforming anti-Zionist hate.
“Stop equivocating when Jews are attacked.
“Stand with your Jewish friends and neighbors… before things get even worse.”
ADL is in contact with local law enforcement and community leaders to monitor the situation and provide any necessary support.
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Compiled by SDJW staff