A Colorado Springs couple made national headlines as traumatized Jewish victims after their neighbor’s arrest for firebombing a Jewish rally. However, an earlier Anash.org report revealed that the couple are Christian missionaries who had previously infiltrated Jewish communities – raising serious concerns.
By Anash.org reporter
A Colorado Springs couple, David and Rivkah Costello, who recently made national headlines after their neighbor was arrested for firebombing a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder that sent shock waves across the country, claim to be traumatized Jewish victims. They said they moved “due to persistent anti-Israel activism and discomfort in a Muslim-majority area,” seeking “a place to go and be under the radar.”
Yet, an earlier investigative report by Anash.org reveals a very different story: the Costellos are actually Christian missionaries who infiltrated Jewish communities in Chicago under the guise of baalei teshuvah.
According to Fox News, the Costellos were caught off-guard when FBI agents visited them shortly after the attack on the pro-Israel rally, informing them that their neighbor, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, had been arrested for injuring 12 people with a firebomb.
What made the story even more chilling was the disturbing detail that, shortly before the attack, Soliman’s wife had personally brought the Costellos cupcakes to welcome them to the neighborhood – clearly recognizing them as an identifiably Jewish family. “We keep kosher, so we couldn’t eat them,” David said. “But we accepted them and then just sort of threw them away.”
The idea that the family of a man who allegedly attempted to murder Jews would walk across the street to “welcome” visibly Jewish neighbors is both bizarre and frightening – especially given the suspicion that such a gesture may have had sinister undertones. But what makes this story even more ironic is that the Costellos aren’t actually Jewish at all.
David Costello told Fox News, “I come home, and the FBI is waiting at my door. That’s a scary moment… They told us, ‘You’re not in trouble,’ but then they asked if we knew what happened in Boulder.” He added, “He surely saw us moving in [wearing] tzitzis and a kippah, and my wife’s head being covered. It is really by the grace of Hashem that we weren’t attacked.”
Rivkah shared the family’s fear: “We have five young children. This is terrifying. I hope people understand what that means for a Jewish family living across the street from someone accused of terrorism.” David reflected on the timing of the FBI visit during Shavuos, “While symbols like a mezuzah might make you a target, they also offer spiritual protection.”
The couple expressed their hope not to move again but warned, “If it becomes dangerous, we may not have a choice.” Their story was picked up nationally as a symbol of Jewish vulnerability of a frum Jewish family in the face of growing antisemitism.
However, a thorough report by Anash.org 6 years ago uncovered the Costellos’ true background and intentions. The couple, who had previously joined Chicago’s Jewish community, were exposed as Christian missionaries determined to spread Christian Messianic beliefs.
According to the report, David and Rivkah arrived in Chicago posing as newly observant Jews, integrating quickly into local anash circles. David worked in a kosher grocery store, and Rivkah babysat for a Jewish family. Despite their outward appearance, they held deeply non-Jewish beliefs and were affiliated with missionary organizations.
Community members grew suspicious when David spoke warmly of known Messianic Christian figures, prompting concerns about his true agenda. Rabbi Levi Notik of Chicago’s F.R.E.E. organization and Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz of Jews for Judaism investigated and discovered online evidence linking the couple to missionary groups. When confronted, David reportedly admitted to continuing his mission to influence the community with Christian teachings.
In a statement to Anash.org, Rabbi Notik warned communities: “While Lubavitch mosdos aim to be open and welcoming, it should not chas veshalom become hefker. We must keep our eyes and ears open and reach out when we have concerns. It is vital to note this situation was caught quickly before damage could be done.”
While the Costellos presented themselves as a frightened Jewish family caught in a national tragedy, it is clear and well-documented that they have a history of missionary activity under the guise of Jewish observance. Their story, now widely circulated in the media, is a reminder that even those who look and speak like us may have very different intentions. As frum communities, we must remain welcoming – but also cautious and discerning – especially when it comes to protecting the spiritual safety of our families and children.
This is such HP. They have managed to infiltrate another situation, and this event blew their cover. At least now everyone know who they are.
אוי לרשע אוי לשכנו
Always have to give credit to people with established organizations but don’t forget who actually first met these people the rabonim of Saatmar in williamsberg and Reb Odom who actually found these guys and took them down and exposed them.