COALITION OF JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUD BOULDER CITY COUNCIL’S DECLARATION AGAINST ANTISEMITISM

Council Takes Historic Stand Following More than a Year of Unprecedented Community Tensions and Anti-Jewish Rhetoric

Boulder, CO — A coalition of Colorado Jewish organizations commended the Boulder City Council for its declaration denouncing antisemitism, marking a crucial step following a year of increased disruptions and concerning incidents targeting Jewish council members and the broader Jewish community.

Antisemitic and divisive rhetoric has been a constant source of hatred and unrest at Boulder City Council meetings since the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Tensions escalated to the point where the Council moved its meetings online through mid-February in an effort to address safety concerns that have escalated during open comment periods.

The Declaration Condemning Antisemitism, shared at tonight’s council session, affirms the city’s commitment to countering anti-Jewish rhetoric and cultivating an inclusive environment that celebrates both individuality and commonality among Boulder residents.

“This declaration sends a clear message that Boulder stands firmly against hate and bigotry targeting the Jewish community,” said Stefanie Clarke, co-founder of Stop Antisemitism Colorado. “In the wake of increasingly troubling incidents over the past year, including harassment of Jewish council members, we are heartened to see Boulder’s leaders take this important step in confronting antisemitism and acknowledging the ongoing challenges our community faces. Boulder prides itself on being a city of diversity and inclusion, yet the hostility displayed at recent council meetings is in stark contrast to those values. We especially thank Council Member Matt Benjamin in bringing this declaration forward. We hope this declaration helps to  pave the way for meaningful actions to foster mutual respect, understanding, and true inclusivity.”

“80 years after the Holocaust, Jews like me here in Boulder are in fear because we are facing hatred once again. It’s important to recognize that the Holocaust did not start with ovens, it started with words and propaganda that treated Jews as ‘other’. Sadly, we are feeling that today, with over 900 contacts to our office in 2024 alone – the highest since this regional office opened in 1941,” said Susan Rona, Regional Director of ADL Mountain States. “When the Holocaust happened, it was the government that codified hate through legislation and action. We are grateful that this government, this city council, is taking a stand declaring that hate has no place in our community.”

“The city of Boulder is home to one of the highest per capita Jewish populations in the country, with Jews comprising approximately 15% of our residents – more than seven times the national average,” remarked Jonathan Lev, Executive Director of the Boulder JCC. “When antisemitism goes unchallenged in our community, it doesn’t just affect individual Jewish residents – it undermines the very values that make Boulder the diverse and vibrant city we aspire to be. In these challenging times, this recognition inspires hope and resilience, and reminds us that together, through understanding and solidarity, we can overcome adversity and build a community where everyone feels valued and protected.”

“The conflict in the Middle East has emboldened some to spread harmful narratives that fuel antisemitism and hate,” said Brandon Rattiner, Senior Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Colorado. “The Jewish Community is thankful that the Boulder City Council has resisted this divisive rhetoric and is instead working to bring people together.”

“As the Colorado Co-Chair of the Israeli American Council, I commend Boulder City Council for taking this significant step. This declaration not only acknowledges the challenges faced by the Jewish and Israeli communities but also sets a vital precedent for inclusivity and resilience in combating hate and fostering unity,” added Alon Mor.

Miri Kornfeld, Director of StandWithUs Colorado has seen the exponential rise of antisemitism in both older forms and newer forms, such as campaigns aimed at eliminating Israel. “I would like to thank the Boulder City Council for standing up for humanity and against hate,” Miri said, “Antisemitism is a form of racism and should be called out as such. Not only have some council members been the subject of antisemitic hate over the past year or so, but our students in Boulder and in the greater Colorado area have been experiencing far too much of this bigotry. THANK YOU for standing with the Jewish community during this trying time!”

The coalition stands ready to build upon the foundation laid by this declaration, and work with city officials to translate these words into substantive action that will make a meaningful difference in protecting and supporting the Boulder Jewish community. 

Text of the Declaration:

Declaration Condemning Antisemitism
January 16, 2025 

WHEREAS, The American Jewish story is one of faith, strength, and resilience, integral to America’s identity. For generations, the Jewish people have sought safety and opportunity in this country, fleeing persecution to create better lives for themselves and their children; and 

WHEREAS, antisemitism is a serious and growing danger for Jews in Colorado, the United States, and around the world and the number of anti-Jewish incidents has reached an all-time high in 2024; and 

WHEREAS, rising antisemitism is, in part, being driven by the spread and amplification of antisemitic comments, tropes, and conspiracies on social media platforms, which can lead to physical acts of harassment, assault, and vandalism; and 

WHEREAS, antisemitism can have unique characteristics, including the evolving use of conspiracy theories that blame the various ills of society on Jews or attribute to individual Jews a variety of evil and harmful characteristics, and including the portrayal of Jews as too powerful or controlling and deserving of hatred and mistrust; and 

WHEREAS, antisemitism can also exist when individual Jews are held responsible for the policies of the Israeli government, or attacked, disparaged, or demonized based on their real or perceived connection to, affiliation with, or support for, the state of Israel as a Jewish state; and 

WHEREAS, the rise of anti-Jewish incidents in our K-12 schools and on the University of Colorado, Boulder campus, has created a climate of fear among Jewish students and their families; and 

WHEREAS, we as residents of Boulder unequivocally oppose violence, discrimination, and bigotry, and are committed to building safe communities through solidarity; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Boulder is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; and 

WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon our elected, appointed, civic, educational, business leaders, and our community to speak out against all forms of hate speech and violence, and to stand with our Jewish members of our community as allies in solidarity, strengthening our commitment to greater understanding and dignity for all. 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BOULDER 

Section 1. That the City Council supports Boulder’s Jewish community and affirms its ongoing commitment to diligently counter anti-Jewish sentiments and hate in all its forms, and to cultivate an inclusive city that celebrates both the individuality and commonality of its people. 

Section 2. That this declaration shall be promptly distributed Jewish organizations in the area as well as to the community at large. 

Aaron Brockett, Mayor 
City of Boulder