Antisemitic Vandals Target Historic Jewish Cemeteries in Cincinnati

Vandals in Cincinnati have caused significant damage to 176 gravestones at two historic Jewish cemeteries in a shocking antisemitic attack over the past week. The local Jewish federation, Jewish Community Relations Council, and Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati issued a joint statement condemning the act as “antisemitic vandalism.”

“We are deeply saddened and outraged to report that 176 gravestones were vandalized at the Tifereth Israel Cemetery and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery,” the groups announced on Monday. These cemeteries, part of a larger complex on Cincinnati’s historic west side, house graves dating back to the 1800s. The vandals pushed most of the gravestones facedown, making it challenging to identify and notify the affected families. Local law enforcement has advised leaving the scene untouched for investigation purposes.

This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of antisemitic acts targeting Jewish cemeteries. The desecration of these sacred sites, which included many gravestones being cracked or severely damaged, has deeply affected the Jewish community. Local and federal law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The rise in antisemitism has been a growing concern for Jews nationwide, particularly since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war. Synagogues, Holocaust museums, and Jewish day schools have also become targets of hateful acts. However, Jewish cemeteries have long been frequent targets of antisemitic vandalism, a trend that predates the current conflict.

The community is calling for support and donations to the Jewish cemetery group’s monument repair fund to help restore the damaged gravestones. This act of vandalism not only disrespects the deceased but also deeply wounds the living relatives and the broader Jewish community.

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