BOULDER, Colo. — Members of the pro-Israel humanitarian organization Run For Their Lives are once again facing harassment and threats following a tragic June firebombing attack that killed one of their members and left several others injured.
What Happened
In June, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national, launched a firebomb attack on the group during one of their weekly advocacy walks. The assault claimed the life of 82-year-old Karen Diamond and injured about 15 participants. Soliman reportedly echoed extremist rhetoric as he carried out the attack, leaving the group shaken but determined to continue its mission.
Since then, hostility has escalated. Protesters have disrupted the group’s one-mile awareness walks with inflammatory slogans such as “Free Palestine,” echoing language used by the attacker. Group members say the harassment has forced them to relocate their walks to undisclosed locations for safety.
Who Is Behind the Group
Run For Their Lives is a grassroots initiative dedicated to raising awareness for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The group organizes weekly walks to stand in solidarity with victims of terrorism and to call for the release of hostages.
Rachel Amaru, the group’s Boulder leader, has been the target of particularly harsh insults, including being called a “Nazi” by local critics. Despite these attacks, she and other members insist they will not abandon their peaceful advocacy.
Background or Timeline
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June 2024: Firebomb attack by Mohamed Sabry Soliman kills Karen Diamond and injures 15 others.
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Aftermath: Group members face ongoing harassment during walks, with counter-protesters using inflammatory slogans.
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Recent Weeks: Boulder City Council candidate Aaron Stone publicly criticized Israel and called the group’s leader a “Nazi,” sparking outrage among Jewish leaders.
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Current Status: Run For Their Lives continues its walks but now does so in secret locations to protect participants.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The backlash has sparked fierce debate in Boulder and beyond. Supporters of the group say the harassment reflects rising antisemitism and the dangerous normalization of hostile rhetoric. Jewish leaders across Colorado have condemned both the June attack and the continued targeting of the group.
On social media, clips of City Council candidate Aaron Stone dismissing the group’s concerns and labeling supporters of Israel as “Nazis” have drawn criticism. Many argue such language only deepens division and undermines efforts to foster meaningful dialogue about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Miri Kornfeld, Denver leader of Run For Their Lives, said: “Instead of receiving support, they’re being harassed again—even by a candidate for Boulder City Council. This is a chilling reminder of the hatred they’ve endured and the urgent need to stand with them against antisemitism.”
Despite the harassment, the group vows to continue its mission. “They want to harass and intimidate us,” Aaron Brooks, a participant, said. “But our resolve is unshaken.”
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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