Photo credit: JCGC
By Julia Olson
Assistant Editor
The investigation into the vandalism that left 176 gravestones defaced and overturned at two Cincinnati Jewish cemeteries is currently ongoing. The FBI has offered a reward of $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for the immense damages at the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol and Tifereth Israel cemeteries in the Covedale Cemetery complex.
The vandalism, which took place between June 25 and July 1, has garnered national attention. In a July 3 post on social media, President Biden called the act “despicable,” condemning the act and stating that his administration would hold “those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law.” The FBI has also posted information about the reward and ways that potential tipsters can reach out to the agency on their social media accounts. Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH) condemned the vandalism when he visited the cemetery complex on Tuesday of last week. He told the Jewish News Service (JNS) that antisemitism in the US “has no boundaries,” and also expressed hope that “these headstones will stand again” and that “those responsible will be caught and brought to justice.
CEO of the ADL Jonathan Greenblatt posted online that he was glad Biden spoke out about the antisemitism in Cincinnati and called the act of vandalism “heartless, sacrilegious, and vile.” The destruction at the two cemeteries in Cincinnati comes amid a startling rise in antisemitism across the country and throughout the entire world. According to the ADL’s summary of antisemitic acts in the US, there has been a 140% increase in antisemitic incidents from 2022 to 2023, with a major increase occurring in the period following the Oct. 7 attack in Israel.
Sue Susskind, executive director of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati recently told CNN that cemetery officials now have permission to repair and inspect the damaged headstones, though some are so heavy that they will need cranes to be lifted.
The JCGC is currently accepting donations for the restoration of the 176 damaged stones. More information about how to help this community effort can be found on their website.
The American Israelite will continue to report on this story as more information is made available.
