06/03/2025
***Joint Statement from Sheriff Michael J.Chitwood and Rabbi Dr. Robert B. Lennick***
We, Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood of Volusia County and Rabbi Dr. Robert B. Lennick, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler County, stand together in condemning the targeted antisemitic hate crime that occurred in Boulder, Colorado. This despicable act, motivated by a clear hatred towards the Jewish community, took place on the eve of Shavuot, one of Judaism’s sacred holidays that commemorates the receiving of the Ten Commandments—a profound reminder that our freedoms are bound by the law.
We recognize that domestic terrorism, in any form, threatens the basic foundations of a society rooted in law, order, mutual respect, and safety. Such acts of violence against any individual or community are an affront to us all. We firmly assert that an attack on anyone in our community is an attack on everyone in our community.
At present, we want to reassure our community that there are no active threats. However, we advise everyone to exercise heightened situational awareness and to report any suspicious activity to our Jewish communal leadership and law enforcement. The safety of every individual is paramount, and we stand united in our commitment to ensure that every person feels secure in our community.
In response to the troubling trend of rising violence against Jewish individuals across our nation, we are enhancing patrols of Jewish facilities, synagogues, and community gathering places. The tragic events surrounding the recent murder of Israeli Embassy staff members and now the attack on peaceful individuals in Boulder, simply for expressing their solidarity with hostages held by Hamas, illustrate the urgent need for increased vigilance and solidarity.
While these attacks may appear to be carried out by lone-wolf perpetrators, they signify a disturbing uptick in violence against Jewish people because of their faith.
Together, we will confront this abhorrent hatred and commit ourselves to combatting the growing scourge of antisemitism in all its forms.
We encourage our neighbors and fellow citizens to join us in fostering an environment where hate has no place. Our strength lies in our diversity, and our mutual protection commences with our unity.
We will remain in active communication in the coming days as we monitor this situation and continue our efforts to foster a community that is safe and inclusive for all.
Together, in solidarity, we stand against hatred, standing firm in our resolve for justice, peace, and unity.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood Volusia County Sheriff
Rabbi Dr. Robert B. Lennick Executive Director
Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties