In a poignant message to the nation, Barbara Steinmetz, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor, addressed the public on Tuesday following a terrifying incident where she was burned by a man wielding a makeshift flamethrower. This attack occurred during a peaceful demonstration advocating for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Speaking to NBC News, Steinmetz emphasized that the violent act had nothing to do with the Holocaust, but rather highlighted the troubling reality of human cruelty.
Steinmetz, a member of the group Run for Their Lives, expressed her dismay, stating, "What the hell is going on in our country?" Her voice reflected the shock and fear that lingered after the attack. When asked what message she wanted to convey to Americans, she urged, "I want people to be nice and decent to each other, kind, respectful, encompassing. We’re Americans; we are better than this.” Her heartfelt plea underscores the need for compassion and understanding in these troubling times.
During the demonstration, Steinmetz and other participants were suddenly attacked by a 45-year-old Egyptian national, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, who also threw Molotov cocktails at them. The incident left several individuals injured, including Steinmetz, who suffered minor burns but is expected to recover. Rabbi Marc Soloway, the leader of Congregation Bonai Shalom in Boulder, where Steinmetz is a member, expressed concern over the emotional toll this attack may have on her, given her harrowing past.
The attack on Steinmetz's group occurred just 11 days after a similar act of violence in Washington, where two Israeli Embassy workers were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum. In both incidents, the assailants reportedly shouted, "Free Palestine," indicating a troubling connection between the protests and the violence. Rabbi Soloway condemned Soliman's actions, labeling them as misguided and deluded, particularly if he believes such brutality could aid the plight of the Palestinian people.
Barbara Steinmetz's life story is a testament to resilience. Born in Hungary, she spent her early childhood on an island off the coast of Croatia, where her family ran a hotel. However, their peaceful life was shattered when Italian dictator Benito Mussolini stripped Italian Jews of their citizenship in 1938. The family fled to France and subsequently to Portugal as the Holocaust loomed. Despite applying for asylum in numerous countries, it was only the Dominican Republic that welcomed them. Steinmetz's journey reflects the struggles many faced during this dark period in history.
After the war, the Steinmetz family resettled in the United States, where her parents returned to the hotel business. Steinmetz later moved to Boulder in the mid-2000s, seeking a community that embraced her values and experiences. Her recent traumatic experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against hatred and violence, and her message remains clear: kindness and decency must prevail.
Barbara Steinmetz’s story is not just one of survival; it’s a call to action for all Americans to rise above hate and violence. As she continues to heal from her injuries, her powerful message resonates: we must strive to be better, to treat each other with respect, and to remember the lessons of the past. In an era where division often seems rampant, Steinmetz stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
