We are horrified and profoundly saddened by the vandalism at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri on February 20, 2017. Over 170 Jewish gravestones were knocked over in the oldest section of the cemetery. Local police from University City are reviewing surveillance footage.

The damage sustained is going to need professional help as the monuments weigh thousands of pounds. In response, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis has opened the Jewish Cemetery Restoration and Security Fund to assist Chesed Shel Emeth with the vast repairs that will be needed.

Funds donated to the Jewish Cemetery Restoration and Security Fund will be used to support the restoration and security needs of Chesed Shel Emeth. Any additional funds raised will be used to support the growing security needs of the Jewish Community.

As with all emergency funds, the dollars raised will fund the specific target and not be used for other purposes.

Jewish Federation of St. Louis is committed to addressing the needs of our community and will be making a lead emergency allocation to the Jewish Cemetery Restoration and Security Fund.

Additionally, please join us at a Community Solidarity Event on Wednesday, February 22 at 4:00 pm outside the Cemetery at 7550 Olive Blvd, University City, MO, 63130. More details to follow.

We thank you in advance for your generosity.