The Boulder Jewish Festival marked its 30th anniversary on Sunday with a powerful combination of celebration, remembrance, and resilience. Held on the Pearl Street Mall, the festival began with the familiar sound of the shofar, setting the tone for an event that carried deep significance amidst recent local events.
A Mixed Atmosphere: Joy and Reflection
The festival came just one week after a man allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at a group of advocates for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. This act of violence added a layer of seriousness to the festivities, as many attendees came together to respond with unity and strength.
Simcha Schwartz, an attendee, expressed the importance of the community’s response, saying, “We’ve been singing and dancing, crying a bit, and coming together and celebrating what it means to be community. We have to respond with joy and action to hate, and so that’s what’s happening.”
The mood of the festival was a mix of somber remembrance and joyful celebration. The community took a moment to honor those injured in the attack the previous Sunday, reading the names of the victims in a moment of reflection.
Community Concerns and Celebrations
The festival also provided an opportunity for attendees to voice their concerns about the rising tensions, not just in the world but also locally. “People are very worried and concerned about what’s going on, not just in the world, but in our local community,” said Karen Bigelow, reflecting the collective anxiety many felt.
However, the festival was also a celebration of Jewish culture, with people coming together to share traditions and show unity. David Winterstein, another festival-goer, emphasized the importance of compassion and love, saying, “It’s just important to show love and compassion in every community. And I happen to be a part of the Jewish community that I know and love and respect, but I think it’s important for everybody to show compassion and unity in times, especially, that are difficult like right now.”
Increased Security Amid Tensions
Given the recent attack, the event saw heightened security, which was met with mixed feelings. While some felt reassured by the added protection, others found the security presence unsettling. Bigelow shared her thoughts, noting, “There’s a lot of people that feel maybe scared, concerned about the fact that there’s so much security, that there has to be that much security.”
Despite any unease, attendees stressed the importance of showing up and continuing with their lives and traditions in the face of fear. “We have to show up, we have to speak up, and we need to make people realize that now is the time to speak up for everybody in our communities. We’re all human beings,” said Bigelow, underscoring the need for resilience and unity.
The Boulder Jewish Festival proved to be a powerful example of how communities can come together to celebrate culture, honor victims, and confront hate with love and solidarity. While the recent events brought heightened security concerns, the spirit of the festival was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish community and their allies in Boulder.