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.