In the shadow of a grievous attack on its streets, the city of Boulder is reaching out with a symbol of captivating simplicity and power: the Boulder Star. The city, in collaboration with the Boulder Chamber, has announced that the iconic beacon on Flagstaff Mountain will shine from June 2 to June 8, a luminous gesture of healing and solidarity. This response follows closely on the June 1 attack that targeted the Jewish community in downtown Boulder, sparking a wave of condemnation and a community's collective lament.
City of Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde expressed the collective emotion of her constituents, saying, "Tonight, we light the Boulder Star as a way to demonstrate support for our community, and to unite in the grief we are feeling right now." Rivera-Vandermyde went on to underscore her optimism, "the star represents hope, and it is my deep hope that its light will bring togetherness to our community during a time of mourning," as obtained by the City of Boulder. The star has long been a touchstone for the community, symbolizing the unity and resilience that Boulder residents cling to even more firmly in the wake of tragedy.
Not to be outshone in the chorus of support, the Boulder Chamber President & CEO, John Tayer, leaned into the solemn occasion with a poignant reflection. "We light the Boulder Star in recognition of the reverence our community holds for its symbol of unity, strength and resilience during our periods of greatest difficulty," Tayer stated, as per the City of Boulder. Elaborating on the broader implications, he shared, "The solidarity we share in our condemnation of this horrific targeted attack against members of our Jewish community and our concern for their well-being is reflected in the bright glow of our Boulder Star, a glowing beacon that stands as the further statement of our resolve to resist bigotry and hatred in all its forms."
