ADL Contact: Jake Kurz 214-794-2763
Jewish Federation Contact: Michael Lourie 314-799-8133
ADL and Jewish Federation of St. Louis Offer $30,000 Reward for Arrest of Those Responsible in Alleged Antisemitic Arson
Suspect(s) remain at large more than a week after what officials have called an antisemitic hate crime
St. Louis, MO, August 13, 2025 – ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) and the Jewish Federation of St. Louis today announced a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a suspected antisemitic hate crime in the residential neighborhood of Clayton, Missouri on August 5.
Clayton Police are continuing their investigation into the burning of three vehicles in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue, which they believe was intentionally set. Antisemitic graffiti was discovered scrawled in the roadway nearby. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
“This apparent arson attack in our community is horrific and terrifying. We need to send a clear message that antisemitic hate crimes are unacceptable, have no place in Missouri, and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Jordan Kadosh, ADL Heartland Regional Director. “We deeply appreciate the Clayton Police Department, the FBI and the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit for their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous and cowardly act.”
“Antisemitism cannot be ignored, excused, or allowed to fester in the shadows,” said Danny Cohn, “We will stand together, remain vigilant, and do everything we can to ensure those responsible are found and held accountable. We deeply appreciate the partnership of local, state, and federal law enforcement as they work tirelessly to bring justice in this case.”
The Clayton arson attack comes at a time when antisemitic incidents have reached historic levels in the U.S., with a record 9,354 incidents reported across the country in 2024, including 105 in Missouri. Missouri recently was rated as a “progressing” state in the ADL Jewish Policy Index, which noted that the state, which has a Jewish population of approximately 59,600 people, mandates Holocaust education in schools and has adopted the IHRA Definition of antisemitism, but still has room to adopt additional measures to confront anti-Jewish hate.
Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to submit a tip to St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477, or via the regional CrimeStoppers website. All tips are completely anonymous and individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward up to $30,000 following the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s).
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About ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
About Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization. Founded in 1901, it is one of the region’s most respected and effective nonprofit organizations. Jewish Federation of St. Louis supports more than 85 agencies, programs and services in St. Louis and around the world – to ensure a thriving Jewish community, respond to emergencies and care for our vulnerable. Funds are raised through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Annual Campaign and through Planned Giving opportunities. Find out more at JFedSTL.org. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity.