Shabbat Shalom,
We enter Shabbat heartbroken and outraged.
This week, a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado—held in support of the hostages still held by Hamas—was violently disrupted by a terror attack. The pain and fear reverberating through our community are immense. We pray for healing for the victims and strength for all who gathered in peace and were met with hate.
Closer to home, antisemitic graffiti—including swastikas and slurs—was discovered at a residential construction site in O’Fallon, Missouri. We are grateful for the swift and serious response of local law enforcement and for their ongoing partnership with the Federation’s Community Security Team.
Though these incidents are not directly connected, they reflect a deeply troubling trend: a sharp rise in antisemitic threats, physical attacks, and even murder—including most recently in Washington, D.C. This is what happens when hate speech goes unchecked and those spreading antisemitic ideology in public forums and online are not held accountable.
We are not powerless. But we must act.
That’s why we remain fully committed to confronting antisemitism—wherever and however it appears. As the Torah reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
As we respond with urgency and unity, we also look ahead.
As we respond to these events with urgency and unity, we also look ahead. In addition to the round-the-clock security the Federation provides through Scott Biondo and our Community Security Team, we are rolling out important initiatives in the coming weeks:
Community Security Briefing
Federation will host a security briefing for all local Jewish agencies. This forum will allow us to share strategies, receive updates, and coordinate with law enforcement to strengthen our collective security.
Community-Wide Safety Training
We will be inviting the broader community to participate in critical safety trainings:
Situational Awareness Training: Learn to identify suspicious behavior and respond proactively.
Stop the Bleed Training: Certified emergency techniques that can save lives in a crisis.
These sessions will be open to all—parents, teens, educators, clergy, volunteers, and concerned neighbors. Together, we can ensure our synagogues, schools, and institutions remain welcoming, resilient, and secure. Please look for more information by email and on the Kehilla Calendar.
As we prepare to light the Shabbat candles and recite familiar prayers, we are reminded of our most central declaration of faith:
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.
Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.
In these ancient words, we find spiritual strength and a call to unity. No matter how scattered or shaken we may feel, we are one people—bound by faith, by history, and by our shared responsibility to one another.
May we carry that unity into Shabbat, drawing strength from each other, our tradition, and our collective resolve.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and safe Shabbat,
Danny
Danny Cohn
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of St. Louis