Beverly Press Park Labrea News: Leaders denounce attack on Jewish group in Colorado

On Sunday, June 1, a 45-year-old man in Boulder, Colo., threw Molotov cocktails at people peacefully gathering to call for the release of hostages held in Gaza. At least 15 people between the ages of 25 and 88 were injured, some with severe burns. According to the FBI, the man, identified as Mohamed Soliman, shouted “free Palestine” during the attack and told police he “wanted to kill all Zionist people.” Soliman is now facing federal hate crime charges and state charges including attempted murder.

The attack sent shockwaves throughout the Jewish community, including in Los Angeles.

“This horrific attack in Boulder was an act of antisemitic terror, targeting Jews peacefully marching for the release of hostages held by Hamas,” said Jeffrey I. Abrams, Los Angeles regional director for the Anti-Defamation League. “Our hearts are with the victims, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, and we commend the swift action of law enforcement. This attack underscores the painful reality that today, Jews in America are being targeted simply for practicing their faith and showing up as Jews.”

“We join the rest of the Jewish world in praying for the safety of everyone,” read a statement from Jewish Federation Los Angeles. “We are in touch with our federation partners [in Colorado] and are offering them any support they need. Our Community Security Initiative are in touch with local law enforcement to make sure our local community is safe.”

JFED also announced that it joined 42 other organizations in calling for support from the United States government for enhanced safety measures for Jewish institutions.

Following the attack, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the city would be taking extra precautions to protect the Jewish community.

“What happened in Boulder, Colorado – an especially brutal targeting of elders – is an atrocious affront to the very fabric of our society and our beliefs here in Los Angeles,” Bass said. “This was the second terrorist attack against Jews in two weeks … LAPD is conducting extra patrols at houses of worship and community centers throughout L.A. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in this city.”

Bass also called an emergency meeting for June 4 to further examine security measures in Los Angeles.

Many other leaders from around Los Angeles denounced the attack.

“My heart breaks for the Jewish community. In Boulder, a peaceful march turned violent – 12 injured, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor,” Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) said. “This follows the murder of two young Israeli Embassy staffers. We must unite against antisemitism and all hate. If we remain silent now, we risk normalizing this violence and its devastating consequences.”

“I am heartbroken and outraged by [the] violent, antisemitic attack in Boulder,” U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) said. “This was an act of hate – an attack on people peacefully gathering to support hostages still held in Gaza. I am praying for the victims and their families.”

“This kind of violence is deeply disturbing and wholly inexcusable,” U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) said. “My thoughts are with the victims and the broader Boulder community reeling from this terrible event. My heart goes out to every Jewish person who feels less safe in our country. The scourge of antisemitism must be extinguished and we must always advocate for a peaceful, safe country for everyone.”

In Beverly Hills – a city with a large Jewish population – the police department will be taking steps to ensure safety for residents, businesses, visitors and houses of worship, Mayor Sharona Nazarian said.

“This was not a protest. This was a blatant act of terrorism on American soil against Americans. We are witnessing an alarming rise in hate crimes across this country, especially targeting the Jewish community. And while this may have happened in Boulder, its implications are national, and we should all be alarmed,” Nazarian said. “In Beverly Hills, we will always speak out against intolerance whenever it shows its cowardly face. On behalf of the Beverly Hills City Council and community, we deplore this horrific act and call on the suspect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  We must have the moral courage and clarity to unite and stand up to hate, antisemitism and discrimination in all its forms.”

On May 30, two days before the Boulder attack, an antisemitic incident took place outside the Italian restaurant Il Pastaio, the Beverly Hills Police Department said. According to Sgt. Audra Alatorre, police were called to the restaurant when it was reported that individuals were harassing customers dining outdoors and making antisemitic comments. A police report was taken, and no arrests were made, Alatorre said.

A video posted to social media appeared to show men associated with a group which refers to itself as the “Palestine News Network” approaching customers outside Il Pastaio and repeatedly questioning them on their stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The men also disparage and insult customers in the video.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, “Palestine News Network is a network of people who harass strangers, often Jews, prodding them about their stance on Palestine. The group also expresses support for anti-Israel terror and violence.”

Nazarian condemned the incident and said she is working with the city attorney, police department and restaurants to “determine what can be done to prevent this type of incident in the future.”

“I am appalled at events that took place at one of our restaurants on Friday night,” Nazarian said. “Diners who were simply trying to enjoy their meal were asked about their political views while being filmed … Our No. 1 priority remains the safety and security of the community.”