Colorado Jewish Leaders Call Out Political Exploitation of Boulder Terror Attack

Colorado's Jewish community leaders are speaking out against what they describe as the politicization of June's antisemitic terror attack in Boulder, highlighting a growing divide between local representation and political opportunism in the state's response to hate crimes.

Two distinct congressional responses have emerged from Colorado representatives, showcasing dramatically different approaches to addressing violence against the Jewish community in our state.

Rep. Joe Neguse, representing Boulder's Congressional District 2, earned praise from local Jewish leaders for his bipartisan House Resolution 481, which directly addressed the attack while bringing together lawmakers from both parties. The resolution passed with strong support across party lines.

"This is not a left-versus-right issue. Antisemitism festers wherever it's allowed to go unchecked," stated Stefanie Clarke and Mindy Miller, co-founders of Stop Antisemitism Colorado.

In contrast, Rep. Gabe Evans of Congressional District 8 introduced a separate resolution that local Jewish leaders say missed the mark and failed to engage with the affected community.

Key Concerns from Colorado's Jewish Community

• Evans reportedly never visited Boulder or reached out to local Jewish leaders following the attack
• The resolution contained factual errors about victim numbers
• Failed to acknowledge the Boulder Police Department's crucial response
• Omitted mention of "Run for Their Lives," a local peaceful advocacy group

Boulder's Jewish community has particularly criticized the lack of local engagement, noting that while Rep. Neguse walked "arm in arm" with community members after the attack, Evans never set foot in Boulder during the crisis.

The controversy highlights broader challenges facing Colorado's Jewish communities, who are calling for more meaningful engagement from elected officials in addressing antisemitism across the state's schools, cities, and campuses.

Impact on Colorado Communities

For Colorado's Jewish residents, particularly in Boulder and the Denver metro area, the political response to the attack has underscored the importance of local representation in times of crisis. The Boulder Jewish Festival, held last Sunday, saw strong support from local law enforcement, demonstrating the community bonds that Jewish leaders say are crucial for genuine healing and security.

"We are not props. We are your constituents, your neighbors, your fellow Americans," emphasized Clarke and Miller, speaking for Colorado's Jewish community members who seek genuine support rather than political positioning.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about how Colorado communities respond to hate crimes and the role of local leadership in addressing community trauma and safety concerns.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.