A total of 176 headstones were vandalized in two Jewish cemeteries in Ohio, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati said in a statement Monday, calling it an “act of antisemitic vandalism.”
The desecrations occurred at Tifereth Israel Cemetery and Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery. No suspects have been arrested yet.
Nearly 200 Jewish headstones vandalized at 2 Cincinnati cemeteries
(Video: from YouTube)
Ohio media outlets reported that headstones, some dating back to the 18th century, were toppled and smashed. Cincinnati police and the FBI are investigating the incidents with the support of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
Jewish leaders in the area expressed their deep sorrow upon discovering the desecration of 176 headstones in the two cemeteries. Sue Suskind, executive director of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati, said that she held discussions with law enforcement as the FBI began its investigation.
"When a crime takes place on a religious ground, like our cemeteries are, then it's a federal crime, Suskind explained. "That's why the FBI was called in to look into it as well."
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Nearly 200 Jewish headstones vandalized at 2 Cincinnati cemeteries
(Photo: from YouTube)
Cemetery officials are attempting to contact the relatives of those whose headstones were damaged. Many of the headstones were found face down, obscuring the names.
Law enforcement officials have advised against touching the vandalized headstones to preserve evidence. Once authorization is given, the headstones will be turned over to identify the names and contact family members.