ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is ramping up security, supporting educational travel and broadening its outreach efforts in response to what leaders are calling a “chilling wave” of antisemitic violence around the world.

The renewed focus follows a string of high-profile attacks against Jewish communities in cities like Paris, Washington, D.C. and most recently, Boulder, Colorado.

In Boulder, a Molotov cocktail attack over the weekend left eight people injured, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.

The incident occurred just days before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. As global tensions rise, demonstrations surrounding the conflict have grown more volatile and, in some cases, dangerous.

The President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis responded to the Colorado attack with deep concern, calling it a stark reminder of the growing threat of antisemitism.

He released a statement to FOX 2 on behalf of the organization, saying:

“We are again tragically reminded of what happens when hate speech goes unchecked and when people who spread antisemitic ideologies in public forums and on social media are not held accountable. “We are heartbroken. We are outraged. And yes — we are shaken. These feelings are real, and we are not alone in carrying them.”

The leadership of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum also released a joint statement, calling the attack “chilling.”

Despite the fear and grief such attacks bring, museum officials say they remain committed to their mission.

They believe that education and empathy are more important now than ever, especially as hate speech and violence continue to escalate.

This year, the museum plans to expand several of its initiatives, including its “Spiral of Hate” program, which traces how bias and stereotypes can evolve into acts of violence.

Staff say the Boulder attack has only deepened their resolve to educate the public, ensure safety, and advocate for justice.