Protecting Jewish communities in Boulder has become increasingly difficult, and there has been little meaningful help from political leaders who publicly claim to be allies of the Jewish people. Too often, we hear empty statements such as “we want a solution” or “we are here to help,” while nothing actually changes where it matters, on the ground.

 

This is not a new warning.

For years, through community briefings, security advisories, and Jewish community newsletters, we have raised concerns about policy failures that leave Jewish events, schools, and families exposed. Those warnings were not hypothetical. They were based on real threat reporting, real intelligence, and real incidents. All this has continually repeated across the US countless times.

The reporting published by the Intermountain Jewish News in January 2026 lays these failures out clearly and publicly.

For years, Jewish events in Boulder have taken place under unnecessary and dangerous restrictions. At locations including the historic Boulder County Courthouse, public parks, and other county-controlled properties, Boulder County has either forbidden or actively prevented the use of professional armed security to protect Jewish people.

This has affected major community events such as the Boulder Jewish Festival and organized gatherings like Run For Their Lives, Adventure Judaism, and countless other Jewish organizations that are under constant attack and threat. In a city that faces more Jewish hate in Colorado than most.

That same Run For Their Lives group was later attacked, in June 2025.

A Jewish woman lost her life, because real dedicated security was denied.

Despite this, Boulder County has not changed its position. There remains no clear recognition or perhaps acceptance of the ongoing security threat to the Jewish community and no policy that allows real, professional protection. Even while attacks, arson, shootings, and other violent targeting of Jews is exploding. Instead of fixing the problem, the County has defaulted to inaction. Doing nothing has become policy.

Boulder County bears responsibility for the June 1, 2025 attack. Professional armed security was refused. That security could have prevented the attack or stopped it sooner. This is not speculation. It is the conclusion reached by security professionals who understand deterrence, response time, and threat mitigation.

These failures do not stop at the County level.

The Boulder Valley School District is now leaving yet another Jewish group vulnerable to attack. Jewish families are being forced to hope that an off-duty law enforcement officer might be available, something that cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, religious services begin in BVSD buildings during weekend hours before any protection arrives at all.

BVSD has cited a “lack of policy” as the reason for refusing guaranteed, professional security solutions. As the Intermountain Jewish News reporting makes clear, this is not a legal barrier. Colorado law allows for armed security when authorized by the governing body. This is a policy decision, not a legal impossibility.

I can no longer remain silent about this level of negligence.

Silence Is Not Neutral

We are the states leading expert protecting the Jewish community in Colorado, we protect many Boulder communities. After the terrorist attack, I was asked to stay quiet. I was asked not to be vocal about the failures facing our Jewish community in Boulder. I watched as institutions. political leaders, and government made public statements about wanting to help, wanting to be part of the solution, and standing with the Jewish people, only to quietly disappear when real decisions were required. When the public was no longer watching.

Meanwhile, Jewish children, families, and elders were left exposed. They are let hoping for help in places the county can reject their basic right to peacefully assemble, while being safe and secure. The are left to call for help after a threat harms or takes Jewish lives. Help that is minutes away when seconds count.

I will not be silent while political discomfort and policy avoidance continue to place Jewish lives, or any live at risk.

Today, Jewish communities across the US, Colorado, and particularly Boulder are afraid to hold public events. They are requesting basic protective measures, including ballistic barricades and professional security, and are being told no by cities, counties, and school districts that refuse to acknowledge their own failures,

These issues are not isolated to Boulder or Colorado. They are happening across the United States.

When government refuses to recognize a credible threat, prevents communities from protecting themselves, and cannot guarantee protection in its place, that government bears responsibility for the harm that follows.

There must be change in Boulder County, across Colorado, and in the US.

Professional armed security does not replace law enforcement. It complements it. Law enforcement is not designed to provide static security or personal protection. Forcing officers into that role drains public safety resources and leaves communities dependent on staffing availability instead of preparedness.

Jewish people did not have to be attacked on June 1, 2025.

Our government failed them, then and continues to fail them now, as evidenced by Jewish groups still being denied security while using public property, with no guarantees of law enforcement availability.

Citing “no policy” is a cowardly way to pass responsibility down the road.

It is time for Boulder County, BVSD, and leaders across Colorado to recognize the role of professional security, stop hiding behind political discomfort, and take responsibility before more lives are lost due to inaction.

There is a solution and it relies on professional collaboration between security, law enforcement and government entities. Together we can all make a difference. 

Let's protect human life from those looking to harm or take it.