A communication from the Winston Downs neighborhood association has alerted residents to a growing number of anti-Jewish attacks taking place in the East Denver neighborhood that is home to a large number of Jewish families and institutions.
“We are starting to see some disturbing issues on South Monaco Pkwy between Center and Alameda Avenues, the area of the two Jewish synagogues, BMH-BJ and Young Israel of Denver,” said the communique from the Winston Downs Community Assn., dated July 21 but made available July 20.
“People walking along the narrow East side sidewalk have been getting verbally harassed.
“This past Friday night [July 17], a water balloon was thrown at some residents as they were walking home.
“Times of concern are Friday evenings between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We caution all WDCA residents to be careful when you are walking in the neighborhood alone or with children.
“Mickey Greenberg, our safety chair, has alerted Denver Police, and extra patrols will be added starting this week,” the association concluded.
Reports of public harassment of visibly Jewish people in East Denver has been on the rise. About six weeks ago, one couple walking home late Shabbat afternoon with a young child in a baby carriage, was verbally harassed by a small group of young people.
Winston Downs is covered by Denver Police District 3. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity to the police, either to the non-emergency line, 720-913-1300, or to 911.
The ADL also runs a reporting mechanism, www.adl.org/report.
Susan Rona, ADL Mountain States regional director, told the IJN:
“The reports of Jewish community members being harassed in south Denver are deeply disturbing,
“All members of our community deserve the right to walk freely to their houses of worship and in their day-to-day activities, free of intimidation and harassment.
“The safety and security of the community is paramount.
“We are working with local law enforcement and our partners at the Secure Community Network and JEWISHcolorado to gather more information and help develop a strategy to address this harassment.
“We urge the community to continue to be vigilant and to report any incidents of anti-Jewish hate to law enforcement, ADL and SCN.”
Melat Kiros, who won the Democratic primary of Colorado’s 1st Congressional District over incumbent Diana DeGette, first learned of the incidents when contacted by the IJN for comment.
“I was horrified to learn about the reports of anti-Semitic remarks being shouted at families walking around their neighborhood,” Kiros said through spokesperson Michael Whitehorn. “Anti-Semitism is wrong and this is unacceptable.”
Rep. DeGette did not respond to a request for comment.
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