Vandals defaced 176 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Cincinnati on Tuesday morning, the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati (JCGC) and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati reported.
US President Joe Biden reacted to the incident on X, calling the act of vandalism "despicable" and "vile."
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.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 3, 2024
"I condemn these acts and commit my Administration to support investigators in holding those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law," Biden concluded.The antisemitic vandalism of the Tifereth Israel Cemetery and Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery at the Covedale Cemetery complex had “left our community heartbroken,” they said in a joint statement.“Most of the gravestones have been pushed face down, making it challenging to identify the affected families at this time,” the JCGC said in a post on Facebook. “We will inform the families as soon as we have more information.”
Vandalism under investigation
Some of the tombstones that had been knocked over dated back to the late 1800s, and some had cracked in half, the Jewish Federation said. It was working with the Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, and Green Township in their investigation, but there were no suspects, it added.
“In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to stand united against hate,” the Jewish Federation said in a statement. “We call on the entire community to remain vigilant and to continue to support one another. Together, we will overcome this act of hatred and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a community of tolerance and respect.”The JCGC and the Jewish Federation called on the Jewish community to donate to the JCGC’s monument repair fund.