Submitted by Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati (JCGC)
“A rollercoaster experience” is how Sue Susskind, Executive Director of Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati, described the week that began with the horrible discovery of 176 monuments toppled in two Covedale cemeteries. A sickening act of vandalism had toppled 176 headstones, destroying sacred peace. Yet by week’s end, and in the weeks since, horror yielded to hope and gratefulness for the kindness of so many in the Jewish community and far beyond.
On Monday morning, July 7, yellow crime scene tape sectioned off strips of Tifereth Israel and Beth Hamedrash HaGadol cemeteries, as officers of two police forces, plus SAFE Cincinnati and the FBI, collected and photographed evidence. Standing, and speaking on their phones, Jewish Federation CEO Danielle V. Minson and Susskind scrambled directing Federation staff to prepare a public statement that would inform the expected media coverage.
But Susskind and Crew Manager Tim O’Connell were already doing mental math. How many thousands would it cost for monument professionals to put back 176 stones, each weighing hundreds of pounds? Add in the staff hours, just to “get back to zero.” This senseless act would set back so much other planned work. And exactly which families were affected? Identifying whose graves had been desecrated would take many days as the stones were toppled face down.
The media whirlwind began within hours and lasted for days. Susskind took the first interviews at the affected cemeteries while still more or less in shock. To the inevitable questions about her reaction, she answered honestly: It made her sick. Why destroy the rest and peace of these Jewish burial places, and cause such pain to so many families?
To their credit, reporters followed up by asking what people could do to help, and Susskind answered: Please donate on the JCGC website, to help defray the costs of returning the two cemeteries to peace and order. Cincinnati Federation’s news release requested the same, and other key Jewish organizations spoke up locally in support.
News organizations across America and beyond picked up the story, calling it the worst act of antisemitic vandalism ever recorded in Cincinnati, surpassing all other similar Jewish cemetery desecrations in America in an atmosphere of rising antisemitism. Even President Joe Biden posted online about his outrage. Elected representatives and local officials spoke out.
Back at the Jewish Cemeteries office, though, the phone rang constantly as people began calling. Most were worried their loved one’s grave was involved, to which the answer was “We don’t know yet,” and helpful information was then exchanged. But many had absolutely no connection to the Jewish community other than sympathy and outrage at the act. Jews and non-Jews called offering use of lift equipment, manpower, and more. All offers were carefully noted for the upcoming repair effort. Jewish Community Relations Council donated their interns’ help writing thank-you notes to the donors, saving many hours for the office staff and Board.
But best of all, literally within hours, the donations began pouring in. From a few dollars to hundreds, and some well over $1000, the donations didn’t stop until well into August. Most astonishing was that more than a third of the donations arrived not from locals, but from across the length and breadth of the United States and even as far away as Hawaii, Israel, and the UK.
The dollars will surely help make the two cemeteries whole again, but it was the heartfelt notes attached to dozens of the gifts that really helped heal the Jewish Cemeteries staff and board. “The entire community deserves the same healing and kvelling,” says Board President Karen Zanger.
Donors echoed feelings of being saddened, heartbroken, sickened, and many sent love and support to the families affected.
“I am so sorry this has happened. I am appalled by these acts of antisemitism and want to express my support to my Jewish neighbors…” “[signed] …A buddhist ally.”
“We were so sick to hear what happened to the gravestones in Covedale. Blessings from Green Township neighbors.”
“We are Covedale community members and are devastated that the Jewish community has been affected by hate in our community and want to help contribute toward the restoration…”
“…As a Palestinian, I want to let your organization and your community know I stand by your side against antisemitism.”
“I cannot imagine the pain caused to the Jewish community with the desecration of grave stones. Antisemitism of any kind must be stopped. You are in my prayers…”
“…As a Catholic, respect for the dead is an act of piety, and, as a human being and an American, antisemitism is an outrage…”
“Just a small donation to help you restore/repair the vandalized tombstones. Am Yisrael Chai!”
“We cannot say thank you enough for all this support,” said Susskind. “We’ve lifted about 75 of the headstones and are lining up help to get the other hundred up. Our crew has worked hard already, and there is a ton more to do in addition to all our regular work, but it feels amazing to know so many generous people have supported this effort.”
As donations slowed, the cemetery organization got another boost in late July when Pam and Bernie Barbash decided to make a very significant donation, to be split between immediate recovery at Covedale and the newly established Barbash Family Monument Repair and Security Fund within JCGC’s Capital Preservation Endowment. “That gift has reenergized our efforts. Better security at our cemeteries is very much on our agenda, and the Barbashes’ wonderful gesture will help us achieve that,” said Susskind.
