After the antisemitic vandalism of two Jewish cemeteries in Cincinnati, where 176 gravestones were toppled, many left face down or cracked, national and local elected officials have weighed in on the incident.
The Jewish Federation and the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati are holding a fundraiser to help repair damaged headstones, some of which are from the late 1800s.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), President Joe Biden condemned the vandalism of the Tifereth Israel Cemetery and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery.
“The vandalism of nearly 200 graves at two Jewish cemeteries near Cincinnati is despicable. This is Antisemitism and it is vile. I condemn these acts and commit my Administration to support investigators in holding those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law.”
Congressman Greg Landsman (who also visited the cemeteries on July 3)
“Know that the current explosion of antisemitism is real, and it has no boundaries. These headstones will stand again, and I hope those responsible will be caught and brought to justice.”
Greg Landsman viewing toppled gravestones at Tifereth Israel Cemetery and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery (courtesty)
City Councilmember Mark Jeffreys
“This is so deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. The vandalizing of 176 gravestones at the Covedale Jewish Cemetery in the past few days does not represent Cincinnati values. We must stand united against this hate in our community. It does not represent us.”
“Abhorrent and unacceptable, to put it lightly.”
The vandalism of the two Jewish cemeteries comes during a time of skyrocketing antisemitism. According to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks antisemitism, antisemitic incidents have reached record levels in 2024.
