‘These Are Strong People’: Judaic Studies Director Calls for Jewish Resolve After Terror Attack » The American Spectator | USA News and PoliticsThe American Spectator

In an interview with The American Spectator, Adam Rovner, the director of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver, called on Jewish Americans to stand strong in the wake of an antisemitic terror attack that left an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor wounded. 

Rovner, who spoke with the Holocaust survivor who was injured in the attack, shared that the woman’s daughter was also a target of the fiery attack, but that both individuals expect to make a full recovery despite the second-degree burns and other injuries they suffered. 

When asked about the implications of a Holocaust survivor falling victim to contemporary antisemitic violence, Rovner stated, “Rhetoric of hatred and antisemitism have led directly to the radicalization of these kinds of terrorist groupies across the country.”

He shared his message to the victim of the attack, stating, “We stand with you and everyone who was affected by this and we hope for a full and speedy recovery,” and, “I urge them to stay strong because these are very strong people.” 

In his interview with The American Spectator, Rovner also extended sympathies to all Jews facing fears of antisemitic attacks, stating, “Personally, I advocate for being steadfast because that is the only way to combat this kind of intolerance. It is not to keep your head low, it is to stand up.”

According to sources close to the elderly victim, she has previously spoken out in synagogues and schools regarding her background and experiences during the Holocaust.

Chany Scheiner, a friend of the survivor, told a local media outlet, “She is an amazing person. Not because she is hurt. She is always an amazing person.”

The peaceful pro-Israel event in Boulder, Colorado, was intended to raise awareness about the hostages who are currently being held by Hamas in Gaza, but became the scene of a violent terror attack by an anti-Israel assailant. 

The suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, attacked demonstrators with a garden hose turned flamethrower, and upon investigation, was found in possession of 18 other incendiary devices. 

Soliman has been arrested on multiple charges, including a federal hate crime offense. According to a recent affidavit, “[Soliman] stated that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished they were all dead.”

Leo Terrell, the Department of Justice official overseeing the federal antisemitism task force, commented on the elderly survivor, stating that she “endured the worst evil in human history.” He noted that despite coming to America for refuge, she has again become a victim of antisemitic hatred. 

Fears of antisemitism have likely been amplified by the recent attacks on the Jewish community in America, including an April arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and a shooting in May that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers. (RELATED: The Israeli Tragedy and Douglas Murray’s Churchillian Voice)

Antisemitic attacks have risen drastically in recent years, as the Anti-Defamation League reported a 344 percent increase in Jewish-targeted incidents over the past five years. 

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