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Time Magazine
2 days ago
- General
- Time Magazine
The History of the Capital Jewish Museum Offers a Template for Fighting Antisemitism
On May 21, Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky were brutally murdered in an antisemitic attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum, where the American Jewish Committee was hosting an event for young professionals, diplomats, and advocates. For many Americans, that may have been the first time they've heard of the museum, where I served as an educator a from 2011 to 2019. And while the Capital Jewish Museum is only a few years old, the organization has a deep backstory that makes it is an essential institution for understanding the flourishing of individual and American Jewish identity in the face of antisemitism. The museum's history also illuminates the advocacy efforts that have defined Washington's Jewish community for over two centuries as they found their place within American democracy. On Dec. 17, 1862, during the Civil War, Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued and signed General Order No. 11, which stated that 'the Jews, as a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also department orders, are hereby expelled from the Department within twenty-four hours from the receipt of this order.' The order applied to all Jews (men, women, and children) in the war zone under Grant's command known as the Department of the Tennessee, which stretched from Northern Mississippi to Southern Illinois, and from the Mississippi to Tennessee Rivers. Frustrated with cotton traders and merchants who were smuggling goods to the Confederacy and profiting from the war, the general weaponized ancient stereotypes and antisemitic tropes about Jews and money to fabricate a scapegoat. What happened next offered a template for combatting antisemitism with the specific tools American democracy offered. The leaders of of B'nai B'rith, ('Sons of the Covenant')—a Jewish organization founded by immigrants in 1843 to promote the quality of life for Jews in America—met with President Abraham Lincoln to voice concerns about the antisemitic order, and the president rescinded it immediately. Additionally, representatives from Jewish organizations and synagogues, as well as prominent rabbis, each met with Grant to explain the offensive nature of the order, and to educate the general on the error of his ways. In the mid 19 th century, this represented a radical approach to handling antisemitism—one that reflected how, unlike the way they had been treated historically in Europe, Jews enjoyed full citizenship rights in the U.S. In Washington, many members of the Jewish community not only thrived, but also chose to engage in the civic process, advocating for themselves and others. This culture meant that, rather than wait for Grant's order to take effect, Jewish Washingtonians had no hesitancy about requesting meetings with the president, writing to their representatives, or trying to educate Grant to prevent any repeat of the order. The Jewish community's commitment to advocating for themselves, as well as educating and building a relationship with Grant proved to be transformative. When the general became president in 1869, he appointed more Jews to federal positions than any of his predecessors and became an outspoken supporter of Jewish refugees from Russia, and elsewhere, seeking American citizenship to escape pogroms and persecution. In 1876, thanks to a personal invitation from Adolphus Solomons, a prominent Jewish Washingtonian, philanthropist, and co-founder of the American Red Cross, Grant attended the dedication of the city's first purpose-built synagogue—and made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend a synagogue service. Grant even gave Tzedakah (a righteous contribution) to the synagogue and sat for the entirety of the hours long traditional Jewish service, most of which was in Yiddish and Hebrew, during a hot D.C. summer day. Officially dedicated, the synagogue became home to Adas Israel—a traditional congregation of predominantly German immigrant families who had come to Washington from neighboring cities and ports like Baltimore and New York during the boom years of the Civil War, when the city grew exponentially. The growth of the Jewish community in the American capital city was historic. For centuries, Jewish communities across Europe had confronted antisemitic expulsions from capitals and major cities. While antisemitism still existed in Washington, and in America more broadly, many Jews felt safer than they ever had. This sense of safety empowered them not only to advocate for themselves, but to think about ways they could partner with their non-Jewish neighbors to improve life for all Americans. Anchoring these actions were Jewish values such as Tikkun Olam ('repairing the world') and Tzedek ('justice'). These principles continued to shape Jewish life in Washington in the 20th century. In 1943, Jewish Washingtonians participated as prop managers and extras in playwright Ben Hecht's musical stage pageant ' We Will Never Die,' which aimed to bring awareness to the Holocaust and the murder of millions of Jews in Europe. They wanted to inspire action among lawmakers, many of whom attended the performance at Constitution Hall. The audience included First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who wrote about the powerful experience in her nationally syndicated newspaper column. She urged awareness and action to save Jews. The episode demonstrated how local actions by Jewish Washingtonians could create national headlines. This kind of activism reached new heights in the second half of the 20 th century, as Jewish Washingtonians took active roles in fighting for a range of causes. Their advocacy included championing DC statehood, participating in and helping on-the-ground organizing efforts for the March on Washington in 1963, and founding the Washington Committee for Soviet Jewry in 1968, among others. This final example demonstrated how Washington's Jewish community made use of their physical location to enact international change. While many Jewish communities across the U.S. held rallies and advocated for the release of Soviet Jews denied the right to leave the USSR, only Washington's Jewish community could bring such efforts to the Soviet Embassy itself. Every afternoon for 20 years (1970-1991), a rotating group of Jewish Washingtonians took turns holding a vigil outside the embassy, often singing and dancing the hora. Their message was clear: in America, Jews could openly and safely identify as Jews. They demanded the same for Jews globally. Public awareness campaigns like this compelled actions from politicians, who applied pressure to the Soviet Union. Eventually, after decades of activism, this enabled Soviet Jews to immigrate. Some of them moved to Washington where community members were ready to lend a helping hand. While some of their advocacy focused globally, Washington Jews also worked locally. In 1969, they sprung into action upon learning that the synagogue Grant had helped to dedicate faced demolition. A direct result of Washington's growth and the move of communities (including Jewish congregations) to the suburbs, the former synagogue building was to be replaced with a new headquarters for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington argued that the former president's visit made the synagogue a historic building and they launched a campaign to save it, working swiftly to raise the funds and secure permission from the local and national government to move the building. Again, the campaign reflected how activism was embedded at the core of American Jewish identity. The move would prove to be the first of three over the next half century. When the 1876 Adas Israel synagogue finally found its permanent home in 2018, the synagogue became something broader: the Jewish Historical Society helped to transform it into the largest artifact held by a new Capital Jewish Museum. Its leaders invited many voices into the planning for the new museum adjacent to the historic synagogue, including Jewish educators and scholars, rabbis from many denominations, and historically underrepresented voices such as Jews of Color and the LGBTQ+ Jewish community. A neon sign donated to the Museum's collection said it all: 'If It's Jewish, We Have It.' Today, the museum collects and display buttons, posters, and political cartoons representing Jewish civic engagement, from the 1868 presidential election to the present. Stories often featured in the Capital Jewish Museum's core exhibition are about generations of Jewish people who either grew up in Washington or moved to the city filled with ideals and dreams for a brighter future. Milgram and Lischinsky are part of this tradition and legacy. This history that the Capital Jewish Museum represents—of using education, advocacy, and allyship to address antisemitism head on—offers a roadmap for responding to the challenges posed by increasing antisemitism in 2025. Samantha Abramson is the executive director of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and spearheads K-12 initiatives at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. She has worked at several Jewish and American museums, including the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington/Capital Jewish Museum from 2011-2019.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Boulder attack: What are the charges against Mohamed Sabry Soliman? ‘First-degree murder' among list of felonies
Charges have been revealed against the man who attacked a group of people who had gathered in support of Israeli hostages in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon, June 1. Police said eight people were hospitalized with burns after Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, tossed Molotov cocktails at the gathering while shouting "free Palestine." Soliman was taken into custody without incident and later transferred to a hospital to be examined after being hurt during the attack, according to ABC News. He is being held on $10,000,000 bond, according to the Boulder County Jail. Soliman is an Egyptian national identified by the White House as an 'illegal alien' who overstayed his visa. According to Boulder County Jail booking records, Soliman was arrested on the following charges, as reported by kxan: It is unclear why Soliman is facing a first-degree murder charge, as there have been no fatalities in the attack. Meanwhile, following the attack, Gov. Jared Polis wrote on X, 'I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable. While details emerge, the state works with local and federal law enforcement to support this investigation. More information will be provided as it becomes available.' In another post, Polis wrote, 'As the American Jewish community continues to reel from the horrific antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot no less. Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully marching to draw attention to the plight of the hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. I condemn this vicious act of terrorism, and pray for the recovery of the victims.'
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Colorado Terror Suspect Given Work Permit by Biden Admin: Stephen Miller
The Colorado terror attack suspect was living in the country illegally and granted a work permit by President Joe Biden's administration, according to senior White House official Stephen Miller. Mohamed Sabry Soliman was arrested after a Boulder vigil for hostages still being held in Gaza was attacked with incendiary devices on Sunday, injuring several people. "A terror attack was committed in Boulder, Colorado by an illegal alien," Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "He was granted a tourist visa by the Biden Administration and then he illegally overstayed that visa. In response, the Biden Administration gave him a work permit." He added: "Suicidal migration must be fully reversed." Sunday's attack occurred during a peaceful weekly walk to show solidarity with hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas, and to advocate for their release. It comes after two Israeli embassy staff members were killed in a shooting in Washington D.C. in May. Eight victims, aged between 52 and 88, were wounded and hospitalized after Soliman allegedly used a "makeshift flamethrower" and threw "an incendiary device" into the crowd, according to Boulder Police. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek said that the suspect was reportedly heard shouting "Free Palestine" during the incident. A senior White House official told Newsweek that President Donald Trump has "been briefed" on the attack. Colorado Governor Jared Polis wrote on X: "As the American Jewish community continues to reel from the horrific antisemitic murders in Washington, D.C., it is unfathomable that the Jewish community is facing another terror attack here in Boulder, on the eve of the holiday of Shavuot no less. Several individuals were brutally attacked while peacefully marching to draw attention to the plight of the hostages who have been held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza for 604 days. I condemn this vicious act of terrorism, and pray for the recovery of the victims." FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote on X: "FBI personnel are on the scene in Boulder, Colorado, along with local law enforcement. We are investigating this incident as an act of terror, and targeted violence. All of the necessary assets will be dedicated to this investigation. If you have any investigative tips please contact the FBI. And if you aided or abetted this attack, we will find you. You cannot hide." The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating the incident as an act of terrorism and inquiries remain ongoing. Related Articles Donald Trump 'Sanctuary Cities' List Called Out by Officials: 'Negligent'California Democrat Calls ICE Agents 'Terrorists'Delivery Man Detained by ICE at Immigration Court 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Boulder ‘targeted terror attack': Who is FBI-identified suspect Mohamed Soliman who shouted ‘free Palestine'?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has charged a 45-year-old man identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman for launching a "targeted terror attack" that took place in Colorado's Boulder on Sunday. According to Boulder Police Department (BPD) Chief Steve Redfearn, officers responded to the county courthouse on Pearl Street around 1:26 pm. local time after receiving reports of a man armed with a weapon and setting people on fire. Mohammad Soliman, 45, injured many people at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, Colorado, with the extent of injuries not confirmed, which ranges from minor to more severe, the local law enforcement stated. He got injured as well, reports said. Soliman targeted the American Jewish organisation Run for Their Lives, which hosts events advocating for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, their website read. FBI Special Agent McCullough mentioned that the agency had established based on preliminary facts that Soliman launched a "targeted attack" and that the agency would probe the attack as an act of terrorism. The BPD and FBI stated that he was shouting "Free Palestine" during the attack and was arrested at the scene, the report said. Six victims, aged 67 to 88, were shifted to local hospitals after Soliman used a "makeshift flamethrower" and thew "an incendiary device" into the crowd. Four of the victims from the attack were transported to Boulder Community Hospital, while two others were airlifted to the Burn Unit at Aurora Hospital. Soliman remains in police custody, reports said. According to police, all six victims are still receiving treatment; one is in serious condition, while the others sustained less severe injuries. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack as a "targeted terror attack," but Boulder Police Chief Redfearn at a previous press briefing stated 'it would be irresponsible for me to speculate on motive this early on.' 'We are aware of and fully investigating a targeted terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available,' Patel said. Meanwhile, a senior White House official informed Newsweek that President Donald Trump "has been briefed" on the attack.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Authorities name suspect in ‘terror attack' that left six injured
FBI officials confirmed the suspect was heard shouting 'Free Palestine' during the assault and assured the public that they will "hold the attacker fully accountable" The FBI has now formerly identified Mohamed Sabry Soliman as the suspect in the horrifying attack in Boulder, Colorado, on Sunday afternoon. The terrifying incident saw six victims — aged between 67 and 88 — rushed to hospital after Soliman used a 'makeshift flamethrower' and hurled 'an incendiary device' into a crowd, according to the FBI. At a press conference FBI's special agent Mark Michalek confirmed the suspect was heard shouting 'Free Palestine' during the assault. Mr Michalek also confirmed "In the coming days decisions will be made about what charges to file and where, there 's a couple of different options. but what I would stress now is that we are fully united 100% in making sure the charges we bring hold the attacker fully accountable." The attack targeted participants of Run for Their Lives, an American Jewish group that organises public walks to call for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas. The groups meet once a week for a 1km walk wearing red T-shirts. They also carry national flags of the citizens who are among the hostages still held in Gaza. Boulder's Jewish community released a joint statement, which reads: "We are saddened and heartbroken to learn that an incendiary device was thrown at walkers at the Run for Their Lives walk on Pearl Street as they were raising awareness for the hostages still held in Gaza. "Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured. When events like this enter our own community, we are shaken. Our hope is that we come together for one another. Strength to you all." Of the six victims who were injured in the chaos, on was described as being in a critical condition. The suspect, Soliman, was also injured in the incident. A significant police and FBI presence remains in place, with local, state and federal agencies actively investigating. FBI Director Kash Patel referred to the shocking act as a 'targeted terror attack' in a post on X. However, Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn struck a more cautious tone at an earlier press briefing, saying: 'It would be irresponsible for me to speculate on motive this early on.' In shocking footage taken just moments after the attack the suspect was seen lying face-down on the grass, handcuffed by police without apparent resistance. He reportedly yelled at bystanders before surrendering to armed officers who ordered him to the ground. Police chief Stephen Redfearn also said he was "fairly confident" that there was "not an additional suspect at large". He said that the police had received reports of "differing descriptions", but after speaking to witnesses, the police believe they have the lone suspect in custody.
