We condemn in the strongest possible terms the October 1, 2024 massive bombardment of 180 ballistic missiles fired at Israel by Iran, as well as terror attacks in Tel Aviv and in Jaffa that killed anywhere from six-to-eight people and wounded several others.
We stand in solidarity with the Israeli people during this moment of uncertainty, and we will work tirelessly to ensure Israel is safe. That’s why earlier today, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) sent a letter to every member of Colorado’s congressional delegation urging them to stand with Israel and help defend it from the Iranian threat.
We recognize that this is a difficult time for the Colorado Jewish community. This coming Monday marks one year since Hamas terrorists launched a barbaric attack that killed more than 1,200 innocent people in Israel, including 35 Americans, and took 251 people from Israel hostage, including children, women, and elderly people. Jews around the world will come together on October 7 to share our collective pain and hopes for a peaceful future. Taking place between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and amidst fears of a wider war, the anniversary feels even heavier, and many Jews feel especially vulnerable.
Sadly, some will choose to mark this somber occasion by protesting Israel and villainizing Jews. National groups are calling for a “Week of Rage” starting on October 7, and we are aware of many local events with similarly hateful and callous messages. The fact that these events correspond with the anniversary of a terrorist attack—and not Israel’s military response—exposes the true aims and character of many of these agitators.
Seeing and hearing about these events will be hard for our local Jewish community. They will make us uneasy as we gather in large groups to commemorate the High Holy Days and October 7. This is understandable.
We want to reassure you that our community organizations are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating to keep the Jewish community safe. The JCRC, in partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN), is working with security advisors and public officials. The Anti-Defamation League is keeping its partners in law enforcement and school districts informed. Our Hillels and other campus groups are ready to support students. They and countless other organizations are providing their members and the community with tools and resources to combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
The Colorado Jewish community wants peace and mourns all the innocent human lives lost over the past year. We stand united and ready to meet the moment.
L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem (May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year):
Stop Antisemitism Colorado and the Jewish Community Relations Council, on behalf of its 39 member organizations (listed below) and twelve At-Large members:
AIPAC
Anti-Defamation League
Aspen Jewish Congregation
BMH-BJ
B’nai B’rith Colorado
B’nai Havurah
B’nai Vail
Boulder Chapter of Hadassah
Boulder Haver Rabbinic Council
Boulder JCC
Congregation Bonai Shalom
Congregation Har HaShem
Congregation Har Mishpacha
Congregation Rodef Shalom
Denver Kehillah
Denver Academy of Torah
Denver Jewish Day School
East Denver Orthodox Synagogue
Hadassah Greater Denver
Hebrew Educational Alliance
Hillel Academy
Hillel of Colorado
Israeli American Council
J Street Education Fund
Jewish Family Service
Jewish National Fund
Jewish War Veterans
Judaism Your Way
Kavod Senior Life
Mizel Institute
National Council of Jewish Women, Colorado Section
Rocky Mountain Rabbis and Cantors
Shalom Park
Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center
StandWithUs
Temple Emmanuel
Temple Shalom
Temple Sinai
Young Israel Denver
