Letter: Re: Councilmember Adams’ Response

Dear Council Member Adams,

Thank you for the email. I appreciate the response (Letter: Councilmember Adams Responds to Recent Letters, BJN 5/29/25).

The reason that I have written to the council regarding some of your social media posts is because of the message you sent to the community. While you have a right to free speech, you like all of us are not free of the consequences of that speech. 

What happened last week to the two individuals who were brutally murdered by Elias Rodriquez in DC is exactly what many of us in the Jewish community saw coming. Rhetoric like yours fuels people like Elias Rodriquez. Of course, many people with similar viewpoints as yours do not have the intent to murder Jews or Zionists on the streets of the USA but some do, and you empower them albeit not intentionally. 

Looking at Boulder specifically, some members of the community, including those who attend city council, have openly expressed their support of Elias Rodriquez. These are the same people who you have invited back to city council to express their support for demonizing Israel and for BDS. While perhaps not intentionally, your words help to create an environment that empowers the Elias Rodriquez’s of Boulder. 

I am deeply concerned about in person attendance of Jews and supporters of Israel at Boulder city councils following the reality of our worst fears last week. The good news is that you do have the power to do something about this by publicly condemning Elias Rodriquez and sending a very strong message to those who attend city council that any violence is absolutely unacceptable and support the banning of individuals who threaten the safety of us all. I also personally think a metal detector or similar is necessary for the safety of the community and the council for in person meetings, and this pains me to write but things have gotten deeply out of control. 

Best,
Elise 

Elise Mordos