Boulder Mourns Beloved Holocaust Survivor Killed in Antisemitic Firebomb Attack

An 82-year-old Holocaust survivor who dedicated her final years to standing up for Israel and the Jewish people has died from injuries sustained in a firebomb attack at a rally in Boulder, Colorado — an act authorities are calling a premeditated antisemitic terror attack.

Karen Diamond, a familiar and beloved face within Boulder’s Jewish community, passed away this week, weeks after she was critically burned when an assailant hurled firebombs into a peaceful demonstration supporting Israeli hostages.

Diamond had joined dozens of others on June 1 at the weekly “Run for Their Lives” rally, which calls for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Witnesses say the group was gathered outside a Boulder courthouse when a man later identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman attacked, throwing makeshift incendiary devices while shouting “Free Palestine.”

According to investigators, Soliman had allegedly spent a year planning the assault. Prosecutors believe his goal was explicitly murderous: to “kill all Zionist people.” At least eight people were injured in the firebombing.

Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty confirmed that Diamond’s death has led to upgraded charges for Soliman, who already faced more than a hundred criminal counts. He now faces first-degree murder charges in addition to 28 counts of attempted first-degree murder and other offenses. Soliman, who had overstayed a visa and was living in the U.S. illegally, could spend the rest of his life — and then some — behind bars if convicted.

“This senseless, hateful attack has stolen a precious life from our community,” said DA Dougherty in a statement. “Karen Diamond was dearly loved by her family, her friends, and by the many people whose lives she touched through her strength and dedication.”

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum paid tribute to Diamond’s memory, describing her as “a cherished member of the community who stood shoulder to shoulder with hostage families through unimaginable months of fear and heartbreak.”

“Karen’s passing is an immeasurable loss to all who knew her and to the cause she so passionately championed,” the Forum’s statement read. “Our thoughts are with her family and everyone mourning her today. May her memory forever be a blessing.”

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