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An observant Jewish couple has recounted the shocking moment they learned that their neighbor, who had previously welcomed them with a housewarming gift, is now a suspect in a firebombing incident at a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado.
The Costello family, new residents of Colorado Springs, found themselves in a nightmare scenario when federal agents from the FBI arrived at their home. They informed the family that Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old illegal immigrant from Egypt, had been arrested for allegedly injuring 12 individuals during a violent confrontation in front of the Boulder County Courthouse.
“I came home to find the FBI waiting at my door. That is quite a terrifying scenario,” David Costello told reporters from Fox News Digital. “They reassured us that we were not in trouble, but they wanted to know if we were aware of the events in Boulder.”
The Costellos had met Soliman’s wife, who had previously knocked on their front door, offering cupcakes as a gesture of goodwill. The couple had not anticipated that this seemingly innocent encounter would precede such a troubling turn of events.
“The wife brought us some cupcakes,” David explained. “Since we keep kosher, we could not eat them, but we accepted them and ultimately discarded them.”
Unbeknownst to them at the time, FBI agents advised the Costellos to stay alert in light of the terror attack, given their visible Jewish identity. The family proudly displays a mezuzah on their front door, symbolizing their faith.
“He must have driven right past our house on his way to Boulder,” David remarked. “He certainly saw us moving in, dressed in tzitzit and a kippah, while my wife covers her head. It’s truly by divine grace that we were not directly targeted. It is apparent that we are Jewish, and he could have easily thrown a Molotov cocktail at our door; without a back exit, the consequences would have been disastrous for us.”
The Costellos, being observant Jews, do not use electronic devices during religious holidays, which left them unaware of the news during Shavuot. Their only indication of the incident was from individuals knocking on their door seeking interviews and the FBI’s eventual visit.
“I had no clue how significant the story was until I picked up my phone after the holiday,” Rivkah, David’s wife, noted. “We moved here hoping to escape attention, yet here we were featured in the news headlines.”
The couple had relocated from their prior neighborhood, citing discomfort due to persistent anti-Israel activism and their experiences in a Muslim-majority area. David expressed their desire to find a peaceful place where they could live quietly and away from discord.
As investigations continue, Soliman is currently held on a bond set at $10 million, facing numerous charges including attempted murder and federal hate crimes. Authorities revealed that he had been planning the attack for over a year and had openly expressed a desire to harm people he characterized as “Zionists.”
“It is unsettling,” Rivkah stated. “While they indicated that bail was set astoundingly high, it still leaves open the possibility of his release—and we live just across the street. With five young children, this situation is terrifying.”
“I want the community to understand what it means for a Jewish family to live across from someone accused of terrorism,” she added.
Amid these turbulent circumstances, David reflected on the significance of their religious observance during such a critical time. He noted that the period of Shavuot, which celebrates unity among the Jewish people, made the FBI’s visit profoundly meaningful.
“We genuinely felt like it was a miracle,” he asserted. “While our mezuzah might make us a target, it also provides spiritual protection.”
The Costellos remain hopeful that acts of antisemitism do not escalate further. “We truly do not desire to relocate again,” David stated. “However, if our safety becomes compromised, we may have no option but to consider moving.”
Despite the fear that permeates their lives, the couple affirmed their commitment to visibly and vocally express their faith. David emphasized a common response to adversity: “When faced with pressure, you can choose to recede or stand firm. We are choosing to stand.”
This incident highlights a growing concern within communities about the rise of antisemitism and the potential dangers faced by individuals who openly practice their faith. As such events unfold, the Costellos’ story serves to remind communities of the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of hate.
