COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Julie Tilson Stanley, President and CEO of JewishColumbus, expressed her concern following an attack in Boulder, Colorado, which she described as feeling like an attack on the Jewish community.
The incident occurred during a pro-Israel demonstration, and while police have not yet discussed a motive, Stanley said, “Anti-Semitism in the United States is increasing and not decreasing. And while it should be shocking, the shocking part of it all is it’s not.”
Stanley highlighted a disturbing trend of violence against the Jewish community, referencing the recent shootings of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. She noted that Columbus has experienced its own rise in antisemitism, with incidents increasing by 42% since Oct. 7.
“This unfortunately has become a pattern of violence, violent attacks against the Jewish community in the United States,” Stanley said.
Despite the fear, she emphasized that the community is working closely with law enforcement to ensure safety.
JewishColumbus recently added a chief security officer and security director to coordinate protection across all Jewish institutions in the area.
“The community is shaken, but not deterred,” Stanley said. “In fact, we find ourselves even more resolute in the face of violence. And we continue to look to our partners that we’ve created in the community, our law enforcement partners, our elected officials, and our community overall, because we are resilient.”
