We are angry. We are heartbroken.

We are angry. We are heartbroken.  

Today, a group of people walked peacefully in downtown Boulder to remind the world that 58 hostages are still being held by Hamas.   We were horrified to learn their gathering was targeted and attacked.  Part of “Run for Their Lives,” this group has gathered every Sunday since October 7 to walk, raise awareness, and show solidarity with the hostages and their families. 

We are devastated that multiple people were injured, and we pray for their recovery and comfort. We are grateful that community members stepped in quickly to help the victims and law enforcement responded rapidly. 

We are also angry and still grieving Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered 11 days ago as they left an event at the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum. 

Just hours after today’s attack, the festival holiday of Shavuot began. It’s a day that commemorates when Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. It’s a holiday traditionally devoted to studying the Book of Ruth, whose messages of loyalty, kindness, inclusion, and community are in stark contrast to this afternoon’s hate-filled attack.   

We understand recent events may cause angst across our WHC community. Please know that the safety and security of our Washington Hebrew community remain our top priority. With robust security measures in place, along with trained staff and strong working partnerships with local and federal law enforcement agencies, we continually assess for vulnerabilities to identify and implement further enhancements to our security. 

In uncertain times, we often find comfort in being together. To that end, we encourage you to join us tomorrow morning at 10:30, at Temple or on our livestream, to pray for the victims and Boulder community, to celebrate Shavuot, and to observe Yizkor, taking time to remember those who live on in our memories.   

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