03-06-2025
Jewish community speaks out after violent attacks
LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Colorado attack is one of several to take place in a spike of antisemitic violence across the globe and here in the U.S. since the war between Hamas and Israel began.
Now, a local Jewish community center leader in NEPA is speaking out on the recent attack.
David Schawger is a Luzerne County attorney, community relations council chairman, and a member of the Jewish community.
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He's horrified by the recent attack on his people in Boulder, Colorado.
12 people were injured, in what is being described by the FBI as a 'targeted terror attack.'
It follows the deadly shooting nearly a week ago of two Israeli embassy staffers outside of a Washington, D.C. Jewish museum.
Schawger says this most recent attack only amplifies the fear already installed in the Jewish community.
'We can't allow these things to continue to happen, and we can't allow it to be normalized.'
The Colorado attack happened at the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that he 'Wanted to kill all zionist people and wished they were all dead.'
As the suspect stands only feet away during the attack on the streets in Boulder, people can be heard and seen helping each other.
Shawger says rising above the violence will always be of a priority for those in his community.
'When one member of the Jewish people is injured or hurt or killed, we all feel the pain and we stand with them, and hopefully this is the last time I have to talk to you about this.'
Soliman's next court appearance will be on Thursday when formal charges are filed.
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