Sunday’s brazen attack on demonstrators in Boulder, Colorado is another horrific example of violence against others in our fractured society. It also contributes to the increase of antisemitism that threatens Jewish people around the world. According to reports, participants in Sunday’s Run for Their Lives march were peacefully raising awareness and calling for the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas. Twelve people, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were seriously injured when a man attacked the group using Molotov cocktails yelling “Free Palestine” amidst the chaotic scene.

We are living in a troubling state of existence. Our world is actively being reshaped by ideologically motivated politics, violence, and warfare driven by denying the legitimacy and existence of others. Under these conditions, people cease participating in civic life in good faith led by commonly shared values. Instead, they are drawn to align themselves with extremist narratives and movements of power that absolve themselves from accountability, blame, and the need to contribute to equitable solutions—only victory over the other. 

Our world is actively being reshaped by ideologically motivated politics, violence, and warfare driven by denying the legitimacy and existence of others.

Accusing and silencing people groups based on their identity, beliefs, politics, nationality, or race will always fail to promote lasting peace. We have seen this story before. Intimidation and violence escalate distrust, division, and injustices that lead to long-lasting consequences and all kinds of evils. This is no way to exist, let alone create meaningful change in our world. 

Instead of hate and violence, we need a unified movement of healing, peace, and collective flourishing. Recent events have demonstrated the urgent need for awareness, education, and the protection of civil and human rights for all people. Compassionately educating the public in non-threatening settings and experiences on past and present realities of systemic discrimination, hate, racism, and injustices is not subversive or a political agenda, it’s a social good that inspires self-improvement and human progress. Examining the stories and experiences of others in the pursuit of shared values of life, liberty, and peace—to name a few—builds and strengthens our communities, not polarize them.

Given the present times we live and the growing global crises we face, we cannot afford to give up on each other. People are intelligent conscious beings with the capacity to learn new information, apply it with reason, and create solutions and systems that aid in adapting our way of life to build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable future for everyone. Efforts to demonize and silence the demonstrators, teachers, coaches, lawyers, authors, and voices of peace and justice in this moment of history are not only misguided but undermine progress toward a better tomorrow for ourselves and our neighbors. The dehumanization of some dehumanizes all of us. We must use every available resource, program, and coordinated effort to organize systemic and lasting change for everyone, everywhere.

Given the present times we live and the growing global crises we face, we cannot afford to give up on each other.

Collective pain and grief need spaces of belonging and healing over the tsunami of oppression and violence we are witnessing sweeping across the world right now. There are glimmers of hope, but it requires humility and intentionality to participate in and support them within our local communities. Elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, churches, businesses, local libraries, and museums that remain committed to upholding the enduring values of freedom, empathy, and human flourishing exist. As our society grows more impatient and cedes its agency to ideologically motivated populists, such spaces will be increasingly found in the margins. Thankfully, this is where humanity has always found a place to rediscover its purpose and create meaningful change.

There can be no place for antisemitism, racism, or injustice in our world. As people of hope and change, we stand in solidarity with every victim of hate and oppression. We do so because we believe that a better tomorrow is possible when the dignity and goodness of all people are upheld, protected, and allowed to flourish. 

Hope and Justice For All

If you’re like me, you’re looking for compassionate hearts and rational minds in our chaotic world. Hope, change, and justice for everyone, everywhere require thoughtfulness, dedication, and courage to values-based living and leading. I believe that for myself—and for you. Will you join me in this consequential cause? You won’t find ads, paywalls, partner links, or random emails from me. I’m not for sale, and neither are you. However, this work does require support, and with your help, can remain accessible and uninterrupted. Please consider making a donation to keep weekly insights for hope and change available to you and others. Thank you!