Jewish Cemetery In St. Louis Starts Repairs After Vandalism

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
A St. Louis Jewish cemetery is repairing dozens of headstones toppled or damaged by vandals over the weekend, and accepting donations to the restoration efforts on its website.
Repairs now underway at Chesed Shel Emeth, the historic Jewish cemetery, where vandals knocked over 150+ headstones yesterday. pic.twitter.com/QIUotjvuqq
— Kiya Edwards (@KSDKkiya) February 21, 2017
Police are still investigating whether the incident was a hate crime, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Anita Feigenbaum, executive director of the cemetery, told a New York Times reporter she doubts the crime was the work of kids.
Kids being kids? Those stones are heavy and a LOT were toppled. She’s not inclined to buy that. (3/9)
— Niraj Chokshi (@NirajC) February 21, 2017
Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, who is Jewish, condemned the attack on Facebook. “Today, Missouri witnessed a despicable act of what appears to be anti-Semitic vandalism at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery,” he wrote.
Contact Shira Hanau at [email protected] or on Twitter @shirahanau
Report an incident
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
