A $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the Clayton antisemitic hate crime that damaged three vehicles and left antisemitic graffiti in a residential neighborhood. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Jewish Federation of St. Louis announced the reward Aug. 13, urging the public to assist in the investigation.
Incident and investigation
The incident occurred Aug. 5 in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue, about 350 yards from Kol Rinah synagogue. Clayton Police say the vehicles were intentionally set on fire and antisemitic graffiti was found in the roadway nearby.
The FBI, St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit and Clayton Police are investigating the case as a hate crime. No arrests have been made. Captain Al Thuet of the Clayton Police Department, who often assists with Kol Rinah’s security, said the department has received significant community support but still has substantial work ahead.
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Statements from ADL and Jewish Federation
“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, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “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.”
Public urged to submit tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477 or through the CrimeStoppers website. All tips are anonymous and those providing information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for the $30,000 reward.
Community response
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On Aug. 11, Kol Rinah hosted “Standing Together: A Gathering for Healing and Hope,” bringing together about 180 people, including interfaith clergy and local leaders, to show solidarity with the Jewish community.
Clayton Mayor Bridget McAndrew called the attack a shock to a city unaccustomed to violent crime and said it underscored the need for unity and rejecting violence of any kind.
Antisemitic incidents in Missouri
The antisemitic hate crime in Clayton comes amid record-high antisemitic incidents nationwide. The ADL reported 9,354 incidents in 2024, including 105 in Missouri. The state, home to about 59,600 Jewish residents, mandates Holocaust education and has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism but was rated “progressing” in the ADL Jewish Policy Index.
