Shoulder To Shoulder In Boulder
"I sensed not one iota of fear during the festival and march. But the huge law enforcement presence was there for a reason — there is always the potential for Jew hatred to turn into violence."
By Michael Golden
I knew there would be heightened security in downtown Boulder this afternoon, but it is still jolting to see armed FBI agents on rooftops at a local Jewish festival.
There’s a strange emotional mix of sadness, pride and anger that I often feel as a Jew. I am far from alone.
In this case, my blood started boiling last Sunday as soon as I saw the news of two dozen Jewish marchers being assaulted and literally set on fire. My immediate reaction was a familiar one: “It never fucking ends.”
By Monday, I’d written an article about my intention to drive from Phoenix to Boulder to be with the Run For Their Lives marchers as they returned to the streets for the 87th straight week. An antisemitic madman didn’t stand a chance of deterring Boulderites; he merely increased their resolve. I wanted to stand with my fellow Jews. I also wanted to feel their resolve.
Usually when I arrive at an event like this, I immediately start talking people up and asking questions. But once my friend Cathy and I made it past security and onto the mall, I just stood still and took it all in.
A feeling of pride first. This year was the 30th anniversary of the Boulder Jewish Festival — usually a relatively small event. Not oday. Packed. Friends hugging friends. Strangers instantaneously becoming friends. When it comes to Jews, there aren’t really any “strangers.” Connection is built into our DNA.
At the same time, the truth is that a history rife with confronting hatred has compelled Jews to maintain an incredibly tight knit community — and communities — wherever we reside. It is a necessity. And that same harrowing history, which continues on through today, is why those drone-toting F.B.I. agents were stationed on buildings above the square.
While I’m certainly glad that elected officials ensured plenty of extra security was on hand this afternoon, it also makes me sad. The Run For Their Lives folks in Boulder have made it a priority to walk peacefully each week. The movement’s one goal no matter which city they’re marching in is to draw attention to the remaining 55 hostages in Gaza and push for their release.
The 18-minute walk itself is done in silence. Today there were more than 1,500 advocates on hand, and the collective calm was palpably powerful. I sensed not one iota of fear during the hours of the festival and march. But the increased law enforcement was there for a reason — there is always the potential for Jew hatred to turn into violence. And so I felt…
Pride for Jewish fearlessness and unity.
Sorrow that we have to deal with any of this in the first place; heartbreak that we all still live in a world where this brand of hatred exists.
Rage that a people who comprise .2% of the entire planet’s population still have to confront this crap. I don’t mind repeating a point I’ve written more than once: the amount of positive contributions and impact Jews have gladly made upon this world relative to the size of our community is so disproportionate that it’s comical. Which makes all of the attacks on us nothing less than tragically ironic.
Once we were actually marching down Pearl Street today, I finally did meet some folks. Fast friends, as always. When you have all of the above in common, how else would you treat one another.
Still, I wondered aloud to one Boulder woman how she felt about so many new folks joining in the effort today. Were the out-of-towners annoying? Did we cause the event to be any more of a spectacle? The agents and choppers hovering above?
My new friend shook her head pretty quick and smiled. Her simple summation:
“More people. More strength.”
No argument from me.
#RunForTheirLives #BringThemHomeNow
MICHAEL GOLDEN is the Editor-In-Chief of JEWDICIOUS and The Golden Mean.
From navigating the nuances of family and relationships to unpacking history and politics to finding the human angle on sports and entertainment — plus our unsparing take on what’s happening in the Jewish world — the canvas at JEWDICIOUS is limitless!
We are all one tribe, no matter our differences.
Great article. I'm curious--what was the presence of people from outside the Jewish community, i.e. allies? Were they noticeable and/or prominent? To get through this, allies are critical.