FBI Investigates Vandalism of 176 Gravestones at Jewish Cemeteries in Ohio

Social Media · July 5

Federal authorities are investigating a shocking act of vandalism that targeted nearly 200 gravestones at two Jewish cemeteries in Cincinnati. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati reported that two sections of the Covedale Cemetery complex were attacked, resulting in 176 markers being damaged or knocked over in the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol and Tifereth Israel cemeteries.

The vandalism, which was discovered early Monday, is believed to have occurred between June 25 and that day, as the damage was not present when a groundskeeper mowed the lawn last Tuesday. The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati stated, "The destruction includes tombstones dating back to the late 1800s, many of which have been knocked over, with some cracked in half. Most of the gravestones have been pushed face down." On Tuesday, the damaged headstones lay flat, overturned with inscribed names hidden against the grass. In some places, whole lines of graves were knocked over and broken, while in other areas, the headstones remained standing, apparently untouched.

The atmosphere at the cemeteries was somber as small groups of family members arrived, searching for the graves of their loved ones. Many visitors recognized each other, sharing their grief and frustration. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been made. The Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati is collaborating with SAFE Cincinnati, the security arm of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Police Department, the FBI, and Green Township to investigate the incident. Law enforcement officials have advised that the vandalized markers should not be touched to "preserve the integrity of their investigation."

Sue Susskind, executive director of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati, mentioned that her team would use a cemetery database to identify the graves by their locations once they are cleared to do so. She urged family members to report any findings during their visits. Although no timeline has been given for repairing the damaged gravestones, and no cost estimates for replacements have been provided, some families might be able to cover the costs through their homeowner insurance policies. Additionally, there is a donation page on the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati website to support the repairs.

"We're going to do our part to work with everybody so that we make sure everybody's stones get back up," Susskind said. The incident has deeply affected the local community. Visitors arrived at the cemeteries wanting to know if their loved ones' markers were among those damaged. One couple, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, drove to the Tifereth Israel section after learning about the vandalism on Facebook and in the news. The husband noted that he had seen graves knocked over eight or ten times at other cemeteries since he was a child, "but nothing like this." Fortunately, their family's marker was untouched.

Rita Birch, from the Cincinnati suburb of Monfort Heights, visited the cemetery to check on markers from both sides of her family. Her family moved to the U.S. from Germany, and her relatives are buried with others from the New Hope congregation. Birch's grandparents' headstone was fine, but her mother's was not. "I wish I could say that I'm surprised, but I'm not," Birch said. "It's not the first time and it won't be the last."

President Joe Biden condemned the vandalism in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The vandalism of nearly 200 graves at two Jewish cemeteries near Cincinnati is despicable," the post read. "This is Antisemitism and it is vile." The post also stated that the Biden administration is committed to supporting investigators and bringing justice to the perpetrators. Mayor Jeremy Levi also on X said. "

While it is unclear whether the acts of vandalism constitute a hate crime, Susskind believes the acts were motivated by hate. "One would have to think that there's more behind it than just doing something mischievous," she said. The American Jewish Committee released a statement highlighting the rising rate of antisemitism in the United States over the past five years. Their 2023 report found that 25% of American Jews felt their Jewish institutions had been targeted by antisemitism.

"This incident is unfortunately part of a rising and unacceptable trend of Jewish sites being targeted by antisemitic hate in recent years. Sadly, our community is not immune," said Justin Kirschner, Cincinnati regional director for the group. Antisemitic incidents have increased since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last October, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Their annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reported 8,873 incidents in 2023, up from 3,698 in 2022. From October to January alone, 3,291 antisemitic incidents were reported in the U.S.

The investigation into the vandalism of the gravestones at the Jewish cemeteries in Cincinnati is ongoing, with local and federal authorities working to identify and apprehend those responsible. The incident has highlighted the persistent issue of antisemitism in the United States and the need for continued vigilance and action to protect Jewish communities and their heritage.

Credit: Detriot Press 2024-07-06

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