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Vancouver Sun
02-06-2025
- Vancouver Sun
FBI probing ‘improvised flame thrower' attack on Boulder Jews as hate crime
Mohamed Sabry Soliman is in federal custody after the 45-year-old allegedly attacked Jews who were marching in Boulder, Colo. on behalf of the hostages in Gaza, with a 'makeshift flame thrower' and threw an 'incendiary device' at them. Witnesses said that the attacker said, 'Free Palestine,' Mark Michalek, special agent in charge of the FBI Denver field office, told a press conference on Sunday. Four women and four men between 52 and 88 years old were transported to hospitals, Boulder police said. Authorities had earlier put the count of the injured at six. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'It is clear that this is a targeted act of violence, and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism,' Michalek said. 'Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country.' Steven Redfearn, the Boulder police chief, told reporters hours earlier that it would be 'irresponsible' to speculate on motive, though he said he was aware that the FBI was probing an alleged hate crime. He told reporters that a pro-Israel gathering was taking place in the area, something he said occurs frequently. He added that 'multiple' people were injured, with conditions ranging from 'minor' to 'very serious,' and that the injuries were consistent with individuals being set on fire. The attack occurred hours before the holiday of Shavuot, one of the most sacred times on the Jewish calendar. 'Terrorism against Jews does not stop at the Gaza border. It is already burning the streets of America,' Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, told JNS. 'Today, in Boulder, Colo., Jewish people marched with a moral and humane demand: to return the hostages,' he said. 'In response, the Jewish protesters were brutally attacked, with an attacker throwing Molotov cocktails at them.' 'Make no mistake,' Danon told JNS. 'This is not a political protest. This is terrorism. The time for statements is over. It is time for concrete action to be taken against the instigators wherever they may be.' Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, wrote on an official social media account that he was monitoring the situation and that hate is unacceptable. On a personal account, he wrote that '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,' he stated. 'I condemn this vicious act of terrorism and pray for the recovery of the victims.' Leo Terrell, the head of the federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism and a Department of Justice adviser, stated that 'this was not an isolated incident. This antisemitic terrorist attack is part of a horrific and escalating wave of violence targeting Jews and their supporters simply for being Jewish or standing up for Jewish lives. 'This latest antisemitic terrorist attack happened on the eve of a Jewish holiday, Shavuot, making it all the more chilling and cruel,' he said. 'This cannot continue. This must not be normalized.' Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, stated that 'the attack in Boulder is another example of a wave of domestic terror aimed at the Jewish community,' a wave that 'must be the highest priority for the Trump administration and Congress.' Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, said that 'the firebombing of a peaceful march in Boulder, Colo.—organized to demand the release of hostages held by Hamas—is horrifying, but it should not come as a surprise. 'Since Oct. 7, we have been warning that antisemitism is not isolated to the margins. Supporters of Hamas are now emboldened and threatening towns and cities across America and the democratic world,' Lauder said. 'This attack, like the murders outside the Jewish museum in Washington, is part of a broader wave of hate that is being tolerated far too easily—from college campuses to government halls. 'It is not just the Jewish community that suffers. This violence tears at the very fabric of our societies,' Lauder added. The Anti-Defamation League said that it is 'closely monitoring' reports of a 'violent antisemitic attack during today's Run for Their Lives event in Boulder, Colo.,' which 'occurred at a weekly gathering where Jewish community members run and walk in solidarity with the hostages kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7.' The ADL Center on Extremism reviewed video footage of the suspect and believes he can be heard saying, 'How many children have you killed,' 'We have to end Zionists' and 'They are killers,' while gesturing 'toward what appears to be the victims of the attack.' Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the ADL, said that 'this is the second violent attack on the U.S. Jewish community in two weeks. 'First, a young couple slaughtered in Washington, D.C. Now, a firebomb thrown at a group in Boulder, Colo., as they gathered to express solidarity with the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists,' he stated. 'Two peaceful Jewish events that ended with rage-filled, violent attacks.' Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that '600-plus days of 'pro-Palestinian' protests in the U.S. have morphed into violent, antisemitic, pro-Hamas terrorism. 'On May 21, a young Jewish woman and her Israeli embassy boyfriend gunned down in D.C.,' he wrote. 'Now American Jews targeted in Boulder. The FBI, and the Trump administration, know this foreign-fueled domestic terror must be stopped before more Americans are murdered.' Ariella Rada, spokeswoman for Israel's Consulate General in New York, told JNS on Sunday that attacks against Jews are fueled by falsehoods reported in the media. 'We were deeply disturbed to see mainstream U.S. media outlets take Hamas at its word and immediately run with the false allegations released by their 'Gaza Health Ministry,' without taking the time to investigate what actually occurred,' Rada said, referring to allegations that Israeli soldiers fired upon people seeking aid supplies in Gaza. 'Footage released by the IDF shows that it is Hamas that is responsible for these deaths,' she said. 'Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that starves and intentionally puts its own civilians in danger in order to maintain power. It is doing everything in its power to disrupt the distribution of aid by Israel—in cooperation with American and international partners—to residents in Gaza.' Rada told JNS that 'it is critically important, especially at a time when Jews worldwide are being targeted, that the media take the time to report accurately and not simply echo the lies of Israel's enemies. 'Israel is fighting a war that was forced upon it that was started on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded Israel, killed over 1,200 people and dragged over 250 people back to its tunnels in Gaza,' she said. 'Sadly, we have seen the lies of 'genocide' in Gaza inspire people to take violent action, most recently Washington, D.C., and today in Boulder, Colo., where there is another unfolding tragedy.'
Vancouver Sun
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Former Hamas hostage delayed for inspection at JFK airport by U.S. agents
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed to JNS that former Hamas hostage Liri Albag was delayed for inspection at John F. Kennedy International Airport after she informed officials she had previously been held captive in Gaza. 'The traveler applied for admission at JFK and was referred for further inspection after she indicated she was a hostage of Hamas to the CBP officer,' a CBP spokesperson told JNS in response to a media inquiry. 'A CBP inspection was completed, as may be done for anyone who has been in a similar national security situation, and she was promptly admitted into the United States on a tourist visa.' Albag, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz IDF base on Oct. 7, 2023, during the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, was released earlier this year as part of a short-lived ceasefire and hostage deal. She arrived in New York on Sunday for a family vacation. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Hebrew media reported that an outdated alert in the airport's computer systems initially flagged Albag as still being held hostage, raising concerns among U.S. officials that someone might be impersonating her. Her father, Eli Albag, told Israeli outlets: 'It appeared in their system that she was still captive, they hadn't updated their computers. They were afraid someone (else) was entering the U.S. using her name.' 'It wasn't pleasant — but it's over,' he added, noting that his daughter was not distressed by the episode. 'We've arrived at our hotel, and everything's okay. It's behind us,' he told Channel 12. According to reports, several Israeli officials intervened behind the scenes to resolve the issue, ensuring the family's entry after about an hour of delay. Albag was among five female IDF surveillance soldiers released by Hamas in January. She had been held for nearly 16 months in captivity under harsh conditions described by multiple freed hostages.
Scottish Sun
23-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dad mauled to death by sharks off Med beach is named as heartbroken family say he ‘tried to push beasts away with GoPro'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DAD-of-four mauled to death by sharks off the Israeli coast has been named as his devastated family revealed he used his GoPro stick gently push the predators away. Barak Tzach, 40, from Petach Tikva, had stopped off at Olga Beach in Hadera on his way home from work to take a dip in the sea – but was brutally attacked while swimming alone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Barak Tzach was fatally mauled by sharks off the Israeli coast 5 The dad could be seen flailing around as the sharks ripped into him Credit: @JNS_org / X 5 Beach-goers got a clear view of the beast before it attacked 5 Slamming online rumours about the nature of his dive, his family said in a statement: 'He went into the water to dive and photograph sharks, not to feed them or play with them.' Police launched a massive search operation on Monday afternoon, deploying air and naval forces after receiving an emergency call at 3.02pm. By Tuesday evening, partial remains were recovered from the sea. Forensic tests at the Abu Kabir Institute later confirmed the remains belonged to Tzach, who had entered the water armed only with 'a mask, snorkel, fins and a GoPro camera – without any fish or bait.' His final moments were caught on horrifying footage showing him thrashing in the water before it turned red. One eyewitness told local outlet Channel 12 News: "I warned him not to go into the sea, and then I received the bitter news." The witness said Barak screamed: 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten,' as he waved his hands in the air before disappearing beneath the surface. A relative told Israel National News: "In a conversation I had with a fisherman who witnessed the incident, I was told that he swam alongside the shark and later moved a little further out. "He photographed the sharks from a distance, but did not touch them or feed them. "When they started getting too close to him, he used the stick of the GoPro camera to gently push them away." Barak's family has now pleaded with the public to stop spreading false claims about his death and to honour his memory as a nature-lover. 'The family requests that the public refrain from spreading false or unsubstantiated information, and honour the memory of a loved one who loved the sea and nature,' their statement added. Police and emergency services vowed to continue searching for more remains. 'We express our sincere condolences to the family who was informed of the results. We will accompany them throughout the complex process,' officers said. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
23-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dad mauled to death by sharks off Med beach is named as heartbroken family say he ‘tried to push beasts away with GoPro'
A DAD-of-four mauled to death by sharks off the Israeli coast has been named as his devastated family revealed he used his GoPro stick gently push the predators away. Barak Tzach, 40, from Petach Tikva, had stopped off at Olga Beach in Hadera on his way home from work to take a dip in the sea – but was Advertisement 5 Barak Tzach was fatally mauled by sharks off the Israeli coast 5 The dad could be seen flailing around as the sharks ripped into him Credit: @JNS_org / X 5 Beach-goers got a clear view of the beast before it attacked 5 Slamming online rumours about the nature of his dive, his family said in a statement: 'He went into the water to dive and photograph sharks, not to feed them or play with them.' Police launched a massive search operation on Monday afternoon, deploying air and naval forces after receiving an emergency call at 3.02pm. By Tuesday evening, Forensic tests at the Abu Kabir Institute later confirmed the remains belonged to Tzach, who had entered the water armed only with 'a mask, snorkel, fins and a GoPro camera – without any fish or bait.' Advertisement His final moments were caught on horrifying footage showing him thrashing in the water before it turned red. One eyewitness told local outlet Channel 12 News: "I warned him not to go into the sea, and then I received the bitter news." The witness said Barak screamed: 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten,' as he waved his hands in the air before disappearing beneath the surface. A relative told Advertisement Most read in The Sun "He photographed the sharks from a distance, but did not touch them or feed them. "When they started getting too close to him, he used the stick of the GoPro camera to gently push them away." Barak's family has now pleaded with the public to stop spreading false claims about his death and to honour his memory as a nature-lover. 'The family requests that the public refrain from spreading false or unsubstantiated information, and honour the memory of a loved one who loved the sea and nature,' their statement added. Advertisement Police and emergency services vowed to continue searching for more remains. 'We express our sincere condolences to the family who was informed of the results. We will accompany them throughout the complex process,' officers said. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at 5 At least five more sharks were seen prowling the water on Tuesday near where the man was attacked
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Family of father who was devoured by sharks off Israeli beach reveals he tried to fend off beasts with Go-Pro stick while attempting to film them in the water
The family of a father who was devoured by sharks off an Israeli beach revealed how he used a Go-Pro stick in an attempt to fend off the beasts during the attack. Barak Tzach, 40, was on his way home from work when he decided to go fishing on Olga Beach, Hadera, on Monday. But the father-of-four was brutally mauled by sharks after swimming out into the sea, with horror footage capturing his final moments as he thrashed around in the water. Police and emergency services conducted an extensive search operation, with rescue units, and air and naval forces sent out to locate the man from Petah Tikav. His remains were discovered Tuesday evening but authorities identified the body as Tzach later that night, leaving his family in despair. Following the confirmation of his identity, Tzach's family have commented on rumours circulating around the circumstances of his death, saying he had visited the beach equipped only with a mask, snorkel, fins and a GoPro camera – without any fish or bait. 'He went into the water to dive and photograph sharks, not to feed them or play with them,' they told Israel National News. 'In a conversation I had with a fisherman who witnessed the incident, I was told that he swam alongside the shark and later moved a little further out'. 'He photographed the sharks from a distance, but did not touch them or feed them. When they started getting too close to him, he used the stick of the GoPro camera to gently push them away.' But the man wasn't the only one interested in getting close to the predators off Hadera. Videos shared on social media show other beach-goers, including children, standing in the water and marvelling at the sharks as they swam around their legs just moments before the man was attacked Horrifying footage shows the man flailing in the water during the bloody attack as it quickly turned red. 'I warned him not to go into the sea, and then I received the bitter news,' his friend said, adding that the married father had entered the water to swim with the sharks. This beach area is said to be well-used among swimmers and surfers, who play with the sharks' fins and throw fish for them to eat. But according to the JNS, swimming in the water off Olga Beach is prohibited. The man's haunting last words have been revealed by an eyewitness, who said he screamed: 'I'm bitten, I'm bitten,' as he waved his hands in the air. 'After a few minutes, sharks bit him - and suddenly he disappeared,' the beachgoer told Channel 12 News. Deputy Fire Chief Doron Almashali said yesterday: 'After a day and a half of intensive effort, we have found what appears to be part of the missing person. Naturally, these findings must undergo thorough examinations by the Israel Police and the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute. 'We will continue working to confirm that we have indeed found the missing individual. We conducted our search pattern based on careful analysis of underwater currents, and it was precisely in that area where the remains were discovered.' He added that fire service 'sincerely hope we have indeed found the diver who was attacked by the sharks.' Israel Police added: 'As you can see, we are now on the second day of searching. We are sparing absolutely no resources. The Police Commissioner has instructed us to deploy all available forces to assist with the search effort. 'Several findings have been sent for examination, and we are awaiting the results. Our primary goal is to bring closure to the family. We will continue our efforts until we locate the missing person.' But the man, who was missing and feared dead after the savage attack but whose remains were found a day later, wasn't the only one interested in getting close to the predators off Hadera. Videos shared on social media show other beach-goers, including children, standing in the water and marvelling at the sharks as they swam around their legs just moments before the man was attacked. Some holidaymakers coming to the area to see the sharks would even grab them by their tails and beat them with an oar, according to the chairwoman of the Israeli Shark Association. The association said people actively approaching the predators was 'unreasonable behaviour'. Shark attacks in the Mediterranean are extremely rare, with 50 recorded since 1900, and only 11 fatal. The Hadera Municipality Coastal Department previously said it was 'conducting searches by jet ski to locate the diver and will continue to update as developments occur'. 'We urge the public traveling in the area to avoid entering the water and contact with the sharks,' it added. Police and rescue workers were deployed to the scene after receiving an emergency call at 3.02pm on Monday.
