ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – A disturbing incident shocked drivers on Interstate 64 this past weekend as a group of masked neo-Nazis gathered on the Mason Road Overpass in west St. Louis County. On Saturday afternoon, the group displayed swastika flags and banners promoting an ideology of xenophobia and white nationalism, igniting a wave of condemnation from local leaders and advocacy groups.
Jordan Kadosh, regional director for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Heartland, called the rally a stark reminder of rising antisemitism across the country.
“We catalogue antisemitic incidents, and this would qualify, obviously,” Kadosh said.
“Just today, over 10,000 incidents have been counted across the country since Oct. 7, 2023. Antisemitic incidents are on the rise. They happen in public, in residential areas, and on public property. Unfortunately, this is becoming something we’re used to, and we shouldn’t have to be.”
The Town and Country Police Department confirmed it had been inundated with phone calls from concerned citizens about the demonstration. However, law enforcement reported no direct threats to public safety during the rally.
Some on social media, though, expressed concerns that the demonstration was inciting violence, questioning whether such gatherings should be protected.
In response, Adolphus Pruitt, president of the NAACP St. Louis, emphasized the importance of not giving these hate groups the reaction they seek.
“You can’t give them a win. Becoming outraged is giving them a win,” Pruitt said. “They tried to shock people, but at the end of the day, the majority of folks in this region and in this country disagree with their position.”
The Town and Country Police Department reiterated that, regardless of the message, the group has a constitutional right to protest. As of Sunday evening, the department had not released an official update on the incident.
Kadosh stressed the need for solidarity and the importance of allies speaking out against these acts of hate.
“We see these incidents and sentiments on the rise, and they need to be confronted. It’s not enough for the people who are directly targeted to speak up. We need allies to speak on our behalf as well,” he said.
The rally comes at a time when tensions surrounding antisemitism, and other forms of hate are escalating in public discourse. As the war in Israel continues, and with the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack approaching, activists are calling for increased dialogue and mutual understanding.
“Continuing to talk to people who aren’t like you is a great way to foster understanding,” Kadosh said.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that hate, particularly against Jewish communities, is far from being a thing of the past. Activists are urging people to confront these ideologies and continue open discussions to combat ignorance and fear.
