Danger at Our Doorsteps: Colorado's Alarming Rise in Antisemitic Incidents Prompts Governor to Take Action

As the world continues to watch in horror at the ongoing conflict in Israel, the State of Colorado is not immune to the consequences of this dangerous situation. Since the latest attacks by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel, Colorado continues to see an alarming uptick in antisemitic incidents.

But Colorado's Jewish governor, Jared Polis, is not staying silent.

On Friday, he issued a strong proclamation condemning antisemitism and reaffirming the state's commitment to protecting the rights of its Jewish residents.

In the proclamation, Polis highlighted the recent calls for violence against Jews in Colorado and around the world, fueled by Hamas' relentless attacks on Israel. He called these acts an "undermining force" to the safety and security of Jewish Coloradans.

In response to escalating antisemitism, the Governor’s office has been engaging with stakeholders in the Jewish and faith communities on ways to combat the rise of antisemitism in Colorado. Friday, Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a proclamation on behalf of the State of Colorado explaining and condemning antisemitism. In developing the language of the proclamation.

The governor also pointed out the staggering statistics of antisemitic incidents in the country, with a 36% increase in 2022 alone and Jewish people being the victims of 63% of reported hate crimes motivated by religion. according to the Anti-Defamation League.

With nearly 100,000 Jewish people residing in Colorado, Governor Polis recognizes the significant contributions of the Jewish community to the state. But he also stresses the fact that antisemitism is not just a threat to this specific group, but to all Coloradans.

Last week, while the Jewish community gathered to celebrate the Sukkot holiday at Temple Emanuel in Denver, news of the devastating attacks in Israel shattered their joy. Cantor Elizabeth Sacks, a senior cantor at the temple, described the heart-wrenching feeling of being torn apart in three directions – mourning for the lives lost in Israel, worrying for the safety of loved ones, and fearing for their own community's safety.

The attacks in Israel have taken the lives of more Jews in a single day than any other day since the Holocaust. The gravity of the situation is nearly impossible to escape, especially with the constant bombardment of graphic images and videos on social media. As Sacks explained, parents are struggling with how to explain these horrific events to their young children, who are witnessing the brutal reality of war.

READ MORE:

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• Dozens of Innocent Israeli Infants Brutally Beheaded -- Lawmakers Remain Silent

• Colorado Leaders React to Hamas Surprise Attack on Israel on Shabbat

Considering the recent uptick in antisemitic incidents, Colorado's Jewish governor, Jared Polis, has taken a stand. As the first openly gay and Jewish governor in US history, Polis knows firsthand the pain and fear that comes with being a member of the Jewish community during times of conflict.

The proclamation comes at a time when many Jews in Colorado are feeling the weight of rising antisemitism. Just this week, there have been reports of verbal and physical attacks on Jewish individuals and businesses. This has left members of the community feeling vulnerable and anxious for their safety.

Despite the fear and growing threat of antisemitism, the Jewish community in Colorado is finding strength and comfort in coming together.

Hundreds attended a vigil at the Temple Emanuel, finding comfort in community.

On Monday night, hundreds of people attended a vigil at the Temple to honor the lives lost in Israel and stand in solidarity with their fellow Jews. Cantor Sacks stressed the importance of unity in this time of turmoil, stating that the only answer is to be together, work together, and pray together.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, it is important for all Coloradans to stand against antisemitism and support their Jewish neighbors. Governor Polis' proclamation serves as a reminder that hate and violence have no place in our state.