A Peaceful Rally Turned Violent: The Antisemitic Firebombing of a Boulder Hostage Solidarity Event

Category: News | Sub-Category: Crime & Public Safety

On a quiet Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, a group of community members gathered for a routine act of solidarity. They were part of “Run for Their Lives,” a global movement advocating for the release of 58 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attack. For Ed Victor and others, these weekly walks along Pearl Street Mall were a peaceful call for humanity—a way to keep the hostages’ plight in the public eye. But on June 1, 2025, this act of compassion was shattered by a violent act labeled as “blatantly antisemitic” by organizers, leaving eight people injured and a community grappling with fear and resilience. Here’s how a demonstration rooted in hope ended in a firebombing that shook Boulder to its core.

A Movement Born from Compassion

“Run for Their Lives” is not a political rally. It’s a humanitarian plea. Since September 2024, the group has organized weekly runs and walks in 35 states and across the globe to raise awareness for Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. In Boulder, participants like Ed Victor gathered every Sunday in front of the historic Boulder County Courthouse. They carried banners, sang “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, and recited the names of the hostages. The events were open to all, not exclusively Jewish or Israeli, and often drew supportive gestures from passersby—thumbs-ups, claps, and words of encouragement. Occasionally, there was heckling, but nothing had ever escalated to violence. Until June 1.

The Attack: A Shocking Act of Violence

Around midday on June 1, 2025, as the Boulder chapter of “Run for Their Lives” walked along Pearl Street, 45-year-old Mohamed Soliman allegedly approached the group. According to a federal criminal complaint, Soliman, a native of Egypt who entered the U.S. on a visa issued during the Biden administration, shouted “Free Palestine” before hurling two Molotov cocktails and using a makeshift flamethrower against the crowd. The attack left eight people injured, including four women and four men aged 52 to 88. One victim, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, was among those hospitalized, with one person remaining in critical condition. Soliman was arrested the same day and reportedly told police he had no regrets, chillingly stating he “wished they all were dead.”

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, with Rachel Amaru, a Boulder chapter organizer, calling it “blatantly antisemitic.” Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, echoed this sentiment, labeling the attack “pure antisemitism” and a “terrible antisemitic terror attack.” The Boulder Jewish Community expressed heartbreak, stating, “We are saddened and horrified that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza.”

A Community in Shock, Yet Resilient

The attack left Boulder’s Jewish community “very shocked and very traumatized,” as described by local leaders. Alexandra Posnock, a frequent participant in the walks, learned of the incident through a group chat and expressed horror at the violence. Despite the trauma, the community’s response has been one of strength. The Boulder Jewish Community Center quickly mobilized resources to support those affected, emphasizing unity and healing. Avraham Kornfeld, a participant, noted that the group often received more support than hostility from the public, highlighting the community’s resolve to continue their advocacy.

Initially, “Run for Their Lives” called for a pause in events to assess safety concerns. However, by June 5, the organization announced that local chapters could decide whether to proceed, urging extra precautions. This decision reflects the group’s determination to not let violence silence their message. “We are not a pro-Israel group,” said organizer Weiss in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Our focus is solely on the return of the hostages.”

The Broader Context: Rising Antisemitism

This attack is not an isolated incident. It comes amid a reported surge in antisemitic hate crimes across the U.S., including a shooting at a Jewish museum and attacks on Israeli diplomats. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the Boulder incident, noting its alignment with a broader wave of anti-Jewish violence. The attack also prompted swift political action, with President Trump issuing a travel ban on 12 countries, citing the Boulder incident as a catalyst. While the police chief could not confirm the group was explicitly targeted, the nature of the attack—directed at a Jewish-led event advocating for Israeli hostages—has fueled discussions about antisemitism and public safety.

A Call for Unity and Reflection

The firebombing in Boulder is a stark reminder of the fragility of peaceful advocacy in polarized times. What began as a Sunday walk to honor human lives ended in a violent act that targeted a community’s compassion. Yet, the response from Boulder’s Jewish community and “Run for Their Lives” shows resilience in the face of hatred. As investigations continue and the suspect faces 16 counts of attempted murder, the incident raises urgent questions about how society can protect peaceful demonstrations while addressing the root causes of hate-driven violence.

The courage of Ed Victor and his fellow walkers, who stood week after week for a humanitarian cause, underscores the power of solidarity. But it also highlights the risks faced by those who dare to speak out. As Boulder heals, the nation watches, grappling with how to ensure such acts of terror do not define our shared future.

Thought Questions for Readers:

1. How can communities balance the right to peaceful demonstration with the need to protect against hate-driven violence?

2. What role should local and federal authorities play in preventing antisemitic attacks, especially in the context of rising hate crimes?

3. How can advocacy groups like “Run for Their Lives” continue their work safely in an increasingly polarized world?

Sources:

• Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 5, 2025

• AOL News, June 2, 2025

• CBS Colorado, June 1, 2025

• Fox News, June 1, 2025

• Posts on X, June 1, 2025