3 days ago
Wyoming Valley Jewish community issues response to attack in Boulder, Colorado
Jun. 2—KINGSTON — The Wyoming Valley Jewish community has issued a response to the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado.
The statement was released by David E. Schwager, Esq., Chair, Community Relations Council, and Jane Messinger, President, Friedman JCC.
The response
"We in the Wyoming Valley Jewish community are horrified by the attack in Boulder, Colorado, targeting an event in support of the Israeli hostages still being held by Hamas. This 'Run for Their Lives' event suffered an attack in which a makeshift flamethrower and multiple Molotov cocktails directed at participants, causing multiple injuries.
"This follows the deadly antisemitic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, just days ago and the fire-bombing of Gov. Josh Shapiro's home in Harrisburg on Passover in April.
"Make no mistake, if and when Jews are targeted to protest Israel's actions, it should clearly and unequivocally be understood and condemned as antisemitism.
"These attacks come alongside a broader rise in antisemitism, from hate crimes targeting Jews walking down the street, to efforts to marginalize, isolate, and discriminate against Jews, to antisemitic and white supremacist mass violence targeting synagogues and other spaces.
"The Jewish community across the country was already feeling incredibly vulnerable following years of this increasingly normalized antisemitism. These recent attacks only compound that fear.
"Anyone who claims to care about fundamental civil and human rights must speak out against this hate and violence, no matter where it comes from."
About the Friedman JCC
The Friedman Jewish Community Center is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Offering a wide range of programs and services to individuals and families of all faiths and backgrounds, the Friedman JCC is committed to fostering a sense of community, promoting health and wellness, and enriching lives through cultural, educational and recreational activities.
— Staff Report
