Anti-Israel Protest Mars St. Louis Blues Hockey Game

During a St. Louis Blues hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, an anti-Israel protest took place in the stands at the Enterprise Center in Missouri. Protesters unfurled a flag of Israel stained with red, resembling blood, with the words "Israel Kills" written on it. Additionally, banners reading "Free America From Israel" were displayed, featuring an illustration of the Statue of Liberty with the Israeli flag covering its mouth and another depiction of the statue in chains. The St. Louis Blues organization announced that the demonstrators were removed from the arena, calling the incident "antisemitic."

The incident occurred during a home game in the NHL, attended by over 18,000 spectators. The signs appeared in multiple locations, including seats near the ice and in a private suite. Photographs showed a Star of David crossed out with red stains surrounding it on one of the signs, and some protesters wore shirts in the colors of the Palestinian flag. Security personnel and police intervened, confiscating the banners and escorting the individuals out of the venue.

On Monday, Tom Stillman, chairman and owner of the St. Louis Blues, issued a formal condemnation, stating, "The St. Louis Blues organization, and I personally, condemn antisemitic rhetoric in all its forms." He described the messages displayed as "abhorrent, unforgivable, and in no way represent our fanbase or our city. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we will never allow it in our arena."

The protest was claimed by the "Freedom Convoy USA" movement, which had recently embarked on a protest journey from Los Angeles to Washington demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. The group distributed flyers outside the arena, aiming to present a petition to Congress on October 26th calling for the redirection of aid funds from Israel to U.S. citizens' needs. In response to the condemnation, the group insisted their actions were not antisemitic, arguing that criticism of Israel is not antisemitism and accusing Stillman of political silencing. They questioned why taxpayer money funds the Israeli military while U.S. citizens struggle with housing, food, healthcare, and education, asserting that labeling criticism of Israel as anti-Jewish sentiment is itself a form of antisemitism.

The regional branch of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) viewed the display as more than just a political protest. Jordan Kadosh, the branch director, explained that the message of alleged Israeli control over the U.S. echoes long-standing antisemitic conspiracy theories about Jewish control of governments. He also noted that the combination of the Star of David with blood-like stains evoked historical blood libels against Jews. Kadosh, a Blues fan himself, emphasized that sporting events should be inclusive spaces for fans of all backgrounds.

The protest joins a series of anti-Israel demonstrations at international sporting events. Last September, organizers of the Spanish cycling race Vuelta a España canceled the final stage in Madrid due to pro-Palestinian protesters blocking the route. During the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, demonstrators also gathered to form a large human Palestinian flag near the opening event. Meanwhile, on the ice, the St. Louis Blues won the game 6-2. The team has a long-standing connection with the city's Jewish community, with Jewish businessmen Sidney Salomon Jr. and his son Sid Salomon III acquiring the franchise and arena in 1966. In 1983, Jewish businessman Harry Ornest purchased the team during financial difficulties, preventing its relocation.