Our Hearts Are Broken

June 1, 2025

Dear Mountain Family, 

It breaks my heart to need to keep writing these updates. I can't stand the anti-Israel hate that is spreading like an epidemic. My heart is with our Jewish neighbors in Boulder...walking peacefully to raise awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza... and were met today with violence and fire.

Enough.

This afternoon, during the weekly “Run for Their Lives” walk on the Pearl Street Mall, a man threw an incendiary device into the group. At least nine people were injured, some with serious burns. The suspect is believed to be in custody. Boulder PD and the FBI are actively investigating, and at this time there are no known additional threats.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Boulder community and clergy, who have been comforting the victims and their families at the hospital. Our prayers are with those who were injured, with the hostages, and with every Jewish soul shaken once again by this rising tide of hate.

And yet...we do not cower. The best way to combat hate is to show up. So tonight, I ask you to show up. Join us for a special Shavuot learning session on Zoom at 7:00 PM MST in this zoom room. Let us bring light into this dark moment by coming together, by learning Torah, by remembering who we are and why we remain strong.

We refuse to be silent. We refuse to disappear. We respond with strength, solidarity, and sacred community.

With a heavy heart...and still with hope,
Rabbi Kolby