Pro-Israel Group Faces Intimidation in Boulder Amid Ongoing Hostility
In Boulder, Colorado, a pro-Israel humanitarian organization is once again under siege after a tragic firebombing incident in June that left one member dead and several injured. The group, known as “Run For Their Lives,” has encountered renewed hostility from vocal opponents, including a city council candidate who has labeled its leader as a “Nazi,” pushing the organization into hiding.
Aaron Brooks, a participant in the group’s advocacy walks, shared that the environment has become increasingly hostile. “Things have gotten crazier,” he noted, referring to the demonstrations against their weekly mile-long walks aimed at raising awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This hostility is eerily reminiscent of the rhetoric used by the terrorist who committed the June attack, further amplifying fears among the group’s members.
In June, the organization suffered a direct attack when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, launched a firebomb assault during one of their walks. The attack tragically claimed the life of 82-year-old Karen Diamond and injured around 15 others. In the aftermath, members have faced threats and harassment from protesters utilizing slogans like “Free Palestine,” which echo Soliman’s inflammatory rhetoric during the attack.
Brooks described alarming encounters during their walks, detailing how members have faced harassment from individuals waving protest signs. He expressed the need for the group to relocate their walks to undisclosed locations due to safety concerns. “In the aftermath of the attack, we have been harassed and this decision is about safety for the group,” he said, emphasizing their desire to advocate for the hostages without being subjected to additional intimidation.
The harassment escalated further when the group’s leader, Rachel Amaru, was targeted with vile insults, characterized by derogatory claims aimed at questioning her character and intentions. Brooks remarked on the absurdity of the situation, stating, “It’s a continuous saga of ridiculousness.”
In a video that surfaced recently, city council candidate Aaron Stone can be seen making inflammatory statements about Israel while dismissing the concerns of Amaru and her supporters. This reflects a troubling trend, where individuals involved in public service propagate divisive narratives rather than fostering understanding and dialogue.
Elise, another participant in the group, described the mental strain of facing such aggression, noting that the motivations behind the counter-protests appear to be coordinated attempts to intimidate them. “It’s mentally very difficult,” she said, further lamenting that they are often unjustly portrayed as “genocidal terrorists” simply for standing in support of Israel.
Reflecting on the renewed tension and targeting of the group, Jewish leaders have expressed outrage. Miri Kornfeld, the Denver leader of Run For Their Lives, articulated the gravity of the situation: “Instead of receiving support, they’re being harassed again—even by a candidate for Boulder City Council. This is a chilling reminder of the hatred they’ve endured and the urgent need to stand with them against antisemitism.”
Stone’s communication to the public condemned the June attack but simultaneously criticized those supporting Israel, alleging they “deserve to be called Nazis” because they believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Such incendiary remarks only serve to deepen the divide and perpetuate hostility against a group that advocates for peace and recognition of suffering on all sides.
Despite the efforts to intimidate them, the members of Run For Their Lives remain committed to their mission. “They want to harass and intimidate us,” Brooks stated confidently, adding that their resolve is unshaken. Amaru affirmed their determination to keep walking for the hostages, highlighting their peaceful approach despite the challenges they face.
In the end, the commitment to advocate for the rights of those caught in conflict remains vital, even amidst personal attacks and threats. The tension in Boulder underscores a need for dialogue and understanding rather than division, as communities face the challenges of global conflicts and local disagreements alike.
