Rep. George Hruza spoke with Jamie Allman about the cars that were set on fire and the anti-semitic message spray-painted on the street in Clayton, Missouri early Wednesday morning. Give it a listen.
STATEMENT FROM GEORGE HRUZA:
“We watched in horror as young Jews were murdered in Washington, DC and an elderly Jewish community volunteer was burned alive in Colorado. Noting the dramatic rise in antisemitic attacks in our country, Jew hatred violence has come to Missouri. The arson attack in Clayton targeting a member of our Missouri Jewish community is pure evil. Nothing that is happening in the world at large can justify such a hateful act. The IHRA global standard definition of antisemitism can guide us to know what to call this incident – antisemitism pure and simple. This act has not arisen in a vacuum. Antisemitic rhetoric has become commonplace in the U.S. since the mass murder, torture, rapes, and hostage-taking by the terrorist group, Hamas, on October 7, 2023. Unfortunately, with echoes of 1930’s Germany, the antisemitic rhetoric has led to incitement to violence.
I am angry but even more committed; in knowing the pain this has caused our community. I have, and will continue to fight, in the Missouri legislature to pass legislation to stamp out antisemitic behavior wherever it rears its ugly head. NEVER AGAIN IS NOW!”
First Alert 4 reported that detectives are investigating a hate crime after multiple cars were damaged by a suspicious fire overnight in Clayton.
According to police, the call came in around 3 a.m. for a report of a vehicle fire in the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue. The Clayton Fire Department responded, along with other fire departments and Clayton Police.
Officers on the scene found three cars that were heavily damaged from a fire they believe was intentionally set. They also found what was described as “antisemitic graffiti” written in the roadway.
Drone 4 captured video of the graffiti, in which “Death to the IDF” was written. The IDF is the Israel Defense Forces, the national military of the state of Israel.
