In Boulder, Colorado, a Jewish couple, the Costellos, experienced a shocking encounter when the FBI informed them that their neighbor, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an illegal Egyptian immigrant, had been arrested for allegedly firebombing a pro-Israel demonstration, injuring twelve people. This revelation came shortly after they were welcomed to the neighborhood by Soliman’s wife, who had brought them cupcakes. Unaware of the brewing tension surrounding their neighbor, the Costellos found themselves in a fearful situation, especially given their visible Jewish identity displayed prominently in their home.
As the FBI explained the gravity of the situation, the Costellos reflected on their apparent vulnerability. David Costello noted that their home was easily accessible to Soliman, and they pondered the closeness of the threat, feeling that their Jewish symbols could have made them targets. The close proximity of Soliman’s home to theirs raised alarms about their safety, leaving them to contemplate what could have happened had the incident occurred while they were present. This realization underlined their precarious situation after having relocated in search of a quieter, more peaceful life away from previous threats.
During the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, the Costellos were cut off from news as they don’t use electronic devices, which led to their delayed understanding of the events surrounding them. It wasn’t until after the holiday concluded that they learned the scale of the attack and its implications for Jews in their community. The couple had moved from a neighborhood marked by anti-Israel activism to Boulder, hoping to reside in a more subdued environment. Their unwelcome brush with extremism so soon after relocating created an unsettling contrast with their intent to find a safe space for their family.
Soliman faces severe charges, including attempted murder and federal hate crimes, with a bond set at $10 million. He reportedly harbored intentions to attack Jewish individuals specifically, enhancing the looming fear felt by the Costellos. Rivkah Costello expressed her concern for their safety, especially with five young children in the house, stressing the psychological toll of living across the street from someone accused of terrorism. Such a situation complicates their desire for a peaceful community, transforming their simple domestic life into a potential target for violence.
The timing of the FBI’s visit also coincided with Shavuot, a holiday celebrating Jewish unity, which David interpreted as a sign of divine protection. He conveyed that the mezuzah on their door, while potentially a target, also serves as a spiritual safeguard, reinforcing their commitment to their faith in the face of hostility. The couple reiterated their hope for a decrease in antisemitic sentiment, despite their worries about the future. David confessed that, although they desired stability, the real risk posed by Soliman could force them to reconsider their living situation.
Despite these overwhelming circumstances, the Costellos have chosen resilience over fear. David emphasized their intention to remain visible and vocal in their Jewish identity, asserting that when confronted with adversity, they would rather stand strong than retreat. Their journey highlights the increasing concerns regarding antisemitic extremism and the personal impact it has on individuals and families seeking safety and belonging in their communities. Ultimately, the Costellos aim to maintain their dedication to their faith while navigating the precarious reality of their neighborhood’s newfound danger.
