Following the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis joined Jewish Federations of North America in issuing statements to acknowledge the military action—a move taken in coordination with the State of Israel to address a serious global security threat.

Our statement expressed gratitude to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, some of whom deployed from right here in Missouri, and recognized the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Israel, an allyship that has helped sustain Israel since its founding. Most of all, we sought to reinforce something even more essential: that in times of uncertainty, our community stands united in care, compassion, and concern for Jewish people everywhere.

I’ve heard from several community members who expressed concern about Federation’s commentary on the military action. While many appreciated our message, some felt it moved the Federation outside its traditional role of community-building and into the realm of partisan political advocacy.

I hear that concern. And I take it seriously.

Federation is, and remains, a nonpartisan organization. We are not a political action committee. We are not a policy institute. We are a convener of Jewish life in St. Louis and supporter of Jewish life overseas. We are a place where Jews of all beliefs and backgrounds can feel seen, heard, and respected.

Judaism has always embraced debate. Our sacred texts—from the Torah to the Talmud—are filled with disagreement and discussion. The Midrash teaches that even opposing opinions can both reflect the divine: “Elu v’elu divrei Elohim Chayim—these and those are the words of the living God.” What matters most is not that we all agree—but that we return to the table, again and again, with respect and shared purpose.

That’s why our Federation exists: to strengthen the bonds that make us one people, Am Yisrael. Our professional team—comprised of talented, passionate women and men—works every day to create a vibrant Jewish community for all. We are guided by the values of inclusion, humility, and collective responsibility. And in that spirit, I want to acknowledge that statements like this week’s must always be weighed with care—especially when they touch on complicated, emotional, or politically charged topics that may stir division at home.

What is not up for debate is Israel’s right to exist safely and securely. This is not a political position. It is a moral imperative. That truth transcends party lines. And as Israel continues to confront Iran’s terror proxies Hamas and Hezbollah, as antisemitism rises here and abroad, and as Jewish families around the world worry for their loved ones, we must hold fast to our core values.

At the same time, we must hold space for discomfort. For complexity. For disagreement. The strength of the Jewish people has never come from uniformity—it comes from unity. From standing together, even when we don’t agree. From speaking up and truly listening when others do. Vibrancy isn’t just something to which we aspire. It’s what we create when we show up, stay engaged, and live our Jewish values—together.

We continue to pray for peace as we prepare for the road ahead. We are coordinating with our partners in the U.S. and Israel to understand where support and resources may be needed in the coming weeks. And our Community Security Team is continuing to monitor for antisemitic threats, work with local law enforcement, and manage security at events.

In uncertain times, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to protect our community, stand against antisemitism, and ensure that Jewish life in St. Louis continues to thrive—safely, proudly, and together.

I hope you will join me, as a member of our Jewish community, in a promise that even if we don’t all agree on the words, we will continue to gather at the same table. To debate, to wrestle, to learn, and to build. That is the Jewish way. That is the Federation way.

Am Yisrael Chai.

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Danny Cohn is President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.