Join Community-Wide Commemoration of One Year This Sunday

One year ago today, our hearts were heavy, and our community was profoundly shaken. The antisemitic attack on the Boulder Run for Their Lives walk, a peaceful gathering held in support of the hostages taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, left an indelible mark on us all. As we reflect on this one-year anniversary, our hearts remain with the family of Karen Sorin Diamond, may her memory be for a blessing, and the many individuals, including the 28 survivors, who bear the visible and invisible scars of that day. In the face of unimaginable terror, these survivors have shown us the true essence of courage and resistance.

And, even in our darkest moments, we saw something beautiful. We saw a community that refused to be broken. Last year, we walked and stood together just one week after the attack, helping one another take the first difficult steps toward healing. It is that spirit of unbreakable resilience, grief, and shared love that will bring us back to Pearl Street once again this year for the Boulder Jewish Festival, gathering just as we have for 30 years.

We invite you to join us for the Boulder Jewish Festival on Sunday, June 7, from 11 am to 3 pm on the Pearl Street Mall. 

The festival will begin with a Community-Wide Commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the attack from 11:00-11:30. If you are unable to attend in person, we hope you will join us via livestream.

This year’s gathering is deeply significant. We are returning to the mall not just to remember, but to reclaim this space with a vibrant, unapologetic celebration of Jewish joy and culture. We believe that the most powerful response to pain is to live, create, and celebrate together.

Festival Schedule

• 11:00 am | Commemoration: We will open with a moving commemoration ceremony on the main stage. Survivors of the attack will be joined by local Rabbis and community leaders to mark the anniversary and honor Karen Sorin Diamond, may her memory be for a blessing, the 28 victims, and all of those impacted by last year’s violent attack. 
   
• 11:30 am – 3:00 pm | Celebration of Jewish Joy: Together, we will embrace the vibrant sights, sounds, and tastes of our rich heritage, featuring:
  • Live Music & Performances throughout the afternoon.
  • A Curated Art Market showcasing local artisans.
  • Food Vendors serving delicious global Jewish cuisine.
  • Over 30 Community Organizations with interactive, family-friendly activities.

As always, the safety and comfort of our guests are our highest priority. The Jewish Festival will have enhanced security protocols. These are precautionary measures and not based on any specific threat. We are working closely with Boulder Police Department, Secure Community Network (SCN), which, with the support of JEWISHcolorado, monitors the safety of Jewish organizations nationwide, and Federal and State officials, to safeguard our community. The top priority is creating a secure, welcoming space where everyone can gather in solidarity and celebration.

Whether you come to remember, to support, or simply to enjoy a beautiful day of culture, your presence is what makes our community so strong. We hope to see you there.

Let’s stand together once again.

With gratitude,

Jonathan Lev, Executive Director
David Paul, Boulder JCC Board Chair