Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO Jonathan Greenblatt condemned the recent “rage-filled, violent attacks” at Jewish gatherings and called on public officials to do more before “the crisis escalates even further.”
In a post Sunday on X, Greenblatt connected the Sunday attack in Boulder, Colo.— which targeted a group of peaceful participants in a weekly walk to call for the return of hostages in Gaza to the killing of a young couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last month.
In both scenarios, the suspected perpetrators were heard to shout “free Palestine” during or after the attack.
“This is the second violent attack on the US Jewish community in two weeks,” Greenblatt wrote in a post on X. “First, a young couple slaughtered in DC. And now, a firebomb thrown at a group in Boulder, Colorado, as they gathered to express solidarity with the 58 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.”
“Two peaceful Jewish events that ended with rage-filled, violent attacks,” he added.
Greenblatt also pointed to recent examples of vandalism and violence against Jewish people in places around the world.
“We’re witnessing a global campaign of intimidation and terror deliberately directed against the Jewish people,” Greenblatt said, adding, “Sadly, none of this is surprising. In fact, it’s entirely predictable. This is precisely where anti-Jewish incitement leads. This is exactly what vicious anti-Zionism enables.”
His statement comes hours after six people were injured in the Colorado attack, which the FBI and local law enforcement are investigating as an act of terrorism.
A suspect in custody used a “makeshift flamethrower” and incendiary devices to attack the individuals and “was heard to yell ‘free Palestine,’ during the attack,” according to FBI special agent in charge Mark Michalek.
The victims, attending a regular weekly event, ranged in age from 67 to 88 and all are hospitalized, with two people having been airlifted to a burn unit.
Greenblatt called on “elected officials, community groups, media platforms, faith leaders” to “commit to taking action before this crisis escalates even further.”
“Stop excusing antisemitic rhetoric. Stop platforming anti-Zionist hate. Stop equivocating when Jews are attacked. Stand with your Jewish friends and neighbors… …before things get even worse,” Greenblatt added in his statement.
