As the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran early Saturday, Jewish leaders in St. Louis urged calm, vigilance and reflection, emphasizing there are no known local threats at this time while acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment.
In a message to the community, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis said it continues to “pray for the brave service members of the U.S. Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, stand with the people of Israel, and hope Iranians will soon see a future of freedom and self-determination.”
According to reporting from JTA and JNS, Israeli officials believe Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening phase of the strikes, though Iranian authorities had not confirmed casualties as of Saturday. The joint operation triggered missile retaliation toward Israel and sent civilians across the country into bomb shelters.
Federation said it is working closely with Jewish Federations of North America to monitor developments and remain in contact with partners in Israel.
Locally, the Federation’s Community Security Team has been in contact with Jewish communal leaders and law enforcement to reinforce situational awareness.
“While there are no credible threats to our community at this time, vigilance remains a priority,” the Federation statement said.
JCRC addresses policy, security and democratic concerns
The Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis also issued a detailed statement from Executive Director David Cohen, emphasizing both solidarity and the complexity of the moment.
JCRC said it is working with community partners to heighten security around schools, events, services and programs.
“We are very aware of the multiple tensions at play here within the U.S. Jewish community, the wider population, and of course in Israel and Iran,” Cohen wrote.
The organization expressed solidarity with U.S. troops and with Israelis facing missile retaliation, noting that the conflict with Iran did not begin with the current strikes.
“Already, retaliatory Iranian missile attacks against U.S. bases and allies are underway, underscoring the seriousness of this moment and the risks our service members and all in the region face,” the statement said.
JCRC sharply criticized the Iranian regime’s decades-long record of destabilization, support for terrorist proxies and threats against Israel, arguing that efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities would make the region safer.
At the same time, the statement stressed the importance of democratic accountability in the United States.
“It is incumbent upon President Trump to lay out the rationale and objectives of his military actions,” Cohen wrote, adding that Congress must be closely consulted under the War Powers Act and that the administration should present clear strategic objectives, criteria for success and a credible plan to prevent escalation.
The statement also warned against antisemitic conspiracy theories suggesting undue Jewish control over U.S. policy.
“That would be a double standard applied to Jews in America that is applied to no other cultural or religious group,” Cohen wrote.
JCRC concluded by expressing solidarity with the Iranian people and calling for a return to diplomacy in the days ahead.
Congregations respond with prayer and preparation
Congregation Shaare Emeth confirmed Saturday evening that it has been coordinating with Director of Community Security Scott Biondo and local law enforcement and will implement additional security measures for upcoming Purim celebrations.
“As Shabbat comes to an end, our hearts are heavy with the news of escalating violence in the Middle East,” the congregation wrote. “As Jewish communities around the world prepare to welcome Purim in coming days, we are reminded of our people’s story of vulnerability and survival, courage and faith.”
The congregation acknowledged the range of perspectives within the Jewish community regarding the strikes and emphasized prayer for safety and wisdom.
Central Reform Congregation also addressed its members Saturday on social media.
“Shabbat Shalom to our CRC Community,” the congregation wrote. “We are praying for a speedy resolution to the war that began last night, a resolution that will stop the casualties and hopefully bring more peace, security and freedom for all.”
CRC leaders said they are thinking of congregants with loved ones in Israel and throughout the region and are “sending them and you blessings of safety, courage, and healing.”
