Recently, an observant Jewish family in Colorado Springs learned that their new neighbor, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an illegal Egyptian immigrant, was arrested for allegedly firebombing a peaceful pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado. The Costello family had recently moved to the area seeking safety, having left their previous neighborhood due to persistent anti-Israel activism and discomfort living in a Muslim-majority region. They had hoped to live under the radar by relocating to Colorado Springs.
Weeks before the attack, Soliman’s wife had visited the Costellos, offering a housewarming gift of cupcakes. The family, who observe Jewish traditions such as keeping kosher, accepted the gift but later discarded it. They were unaware that this neighbor had been involved in a violent incident, and the FBI’s sudden appearance at their doorstep left the family shaken. David Costello revealed he had noticed his wife’s headscarf and his own tzitzit, both symbols of their Jewish identity, and had wondered if they were in danger.
The FBI agents told the Costellos that they were being alerted due to their Jewish identity, which made them a potential target. David expressed both fear and gratitude, saying, “It’s by the grace of Hashem, that we weren’t attacked. It’s pretty obvious that we’re Jewish, like he could have easily just thrown a Molotov cocktail at our door—that would have been absolutely disastrous for us.” He emphasized that while religious symbols like the mezuzah on their door might make them a target, they also represent spiritual protection for the family.
Soliman is currently being held on a $10 million bond and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and federal hate crimes. Authorities say he admitted to planning the attack for over a year and expressed a desire to harm ‘Zionist people.’ His wife had visited the Costellos shortly before the incident, and the couple had no idea of the danger until the FBI arrived. The family expressed fear that Soliman might be released early, especially given the large bond amount and the proximity of their home to his residence.
The incident highlights a broader trend of antisemitic extremism in the United States, which has seen an increase in terrorist plots targeting Jewish communities since 2020. The Costellos hope that the situation will not continue to escalate, but they acknowledge that they may need to relocate if the danger becomes too great. Despite the fear, they have reaffirmed their commitment to their faith and remain vocal about their Jewish identity, choosing to stand firm rather than disappear in the face of adversity.