Lutheran’s are shocked at the antisemitic terror attack that occurred on June 1, 2025, on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. The rise in antisemitic violence is a great concern. An attack on any of us is an attack on all of us.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman hurled “makeshift incendiary devices” at a group of peaceful walkers advocating for return of Israeli hostages in Gaza, injuring twelve persons, some severely, while stating afterward that he wanted to kill all Zionist people. He has been charged with a federal hate crime and 16 counts of attempted murder.
A Response to Recent Attacks in Washington D.C. and Boulder, Colorado from Sumud (Steadfastness) an ELCA group that advocates for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel
As people of faith who believe in the language of prayer, dialogue, and uplifting the dignity and humanity of all human beings no matter their background, ELCA Sumud grieves for the loss of life and injury of the recent victims of violent attacks whose attackers have cited “Free Palestine” as the cause for their violence. In both instances, this violence ended potential opportunity for peaceful dialogue surrounding the humanitarian aid block on Gaza and the safe return of Israeli hostages.
As we express deep disturbance at the lack of humanity shown to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, so also do we express the same deep disturbance that two individuals saw no humanity in the Jewish victims of the Washington D.C. shooting and the Boulder, Colorado attack. Violence begets violence, and as peacemakers we seek to find alternative ways to uplift the dignity, humanity, and beloved being in all people, everywhere. We are further disturbed by the phrase “free Palestine”, a phrase our partners and communities use to advocate for the end to violent military occupation and the right to a life of dignity and safety in the Holy Land, as a justification for violence.
These individuals do not represent the Palestinian community. As we learn in relationship with our Palestinian partners and siblings in Christ, freedom is a gift we all deserve as children of God, and none of us are free until all of us are free. We pray for the families of the victims in D.C., for a speedy recovery of the injured in Boulder Colorado, and for the nonviolent means to achieve a just and sustainable peace in the Holy Land
Further
This tragic incident follows two other recent widely known acts of violent antisemitism. On April 13, 2025, an assailant attempted to set fire to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence while he and his family were observing Passover. The suspect, Cody Allen Balmer, expressed hatred toward Governor Shapiro for his support of Israel and has been charged with terrorism and attempted murder.
And on May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., by Elias Rodgriguez, who shouted after the attack that he did it for Gaza. He has been charged with murder and the act is being investigated by the FBI as targeted antisemitic violence.
We pray for an end into the senseless violence in the Holy Land, and commit to work for peace and justice for all inhabitants.
Such acts of violence, hatred and bigotry have no place in our society. The Israel-Hamas war has elicited many strong feelings. Regardless of how anyone feels about this horrific situation, there is no justification – ever – for targeting Jewish individuals or communities. Holding Jewish Americans collectively responsible for the actions of a foreign state is both morally wrong and deeply dangerous.
