30th Boulder Jewish Festival Combines Community, Culture and Memory

Boulder’s Jewish Community gathered for the 30th time on Sunday, June 7 to celebrate, remember, and share with the broader public downtown on the Pearl St. Mall. The event began with a commemoration of last year’s firebomb attack, which injured over 20 people and took the life of Karen Diamond z”l. Speaking about the attack and its aftermath were victims, witnesses and community leaders, including Congressman Joe Neguse and District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

Rabbi Marc Soloway of Congregation Bonai Shalom had this to say about Karen:

“Next Sunday, the 14th of June, will be the first anniversary of her passing on the Hebrew calendar. And all of the organizers of this festival felt we can’t start the celebration — and it really is a celebration of Jewish life in Boulder — without acknowledging the incredibly painful loss of a beautiful soul, Karen Diamond, who, in her dying days, expressed to her family that the only way to respond to such hate and darkness is with love and light. And that’s the message that she left for us, and with us.” 

During the commemoration ceremony, members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church of Boulder marched down the mall in solidarity with and support of Boulder’s Jewish community.

After the ceremonies concluded with prayers and songs, the opening act, Lapidus and Myles, took the stage and the Festival reverted to its normal purpose: celebration of community. The main stage also hosted well-known singer-songwriter Rick Recht, Israeli dancing, and Gora Gora Orkestar to close out the entertainment.

To say that there was a security presence would be an understatement — and a sadly necessary one at that. While not quite as strong as last year’s festival — which took place just one week after the firebomb attack — it was very visible and very much appreciated by the attendees. In spite of, or perhaps because of, the potential threat of antisemitic incidents, there were 31 organizations with booths, in addition to 12 artist booths and a dozen food vendors.

The Festival ran somewhat shortened hours – 11 am to 3 pm – due to security coordination with the City of Boulder, but everyone we spoke to were very satisfied with the event and the turnout on what turned out to be a very warm first Sunday in June. Thanks to the Boulder JCC and their team of Festival volunteers for making the event another memorable Festival.

Be sure to check out all our photos in our album here.