Headstones in Jewish cemetery defaced in southeast Baltimore

More than a dozen gravestones were defaces with swastikas and other antisemitic messages.

JULY 8, 2021 18:39

Swastika painted on car in Kibbutz Hatzerim in the Negev. (photo credit: Courtesy) — Swastika painted on car in Kibbutz Hatzerim in the Negev.

(photo credit: Courtesy)

Thirteen gravestones in a Jewish cemetery southeast Baltimore were found on Sunday defaced with antisemitic messages, including swastikas.

"Painting swastikas on Jewish gravestones is an intentional act of antisemitism, and a despicable act of hate," said Howard Libit, the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council, according to WBAL-TV 11.

Police investigate vandalism of gravestones at German Hill Road Jewish Cemetery https://t.co/bc6pEpL0oM
— WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore (@wbaltv11) July 7, 2021

"Maybe it was teenagers doing it because they know swastikas get a lot of attention, or maybe it was people with deeper hate. I don't know which, but either way it's not acceptable," Libit said.

According to Libit, there is a spike of antisemitism throughout the community. His group is focused on fighting the hate.

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka shared the photos on Twitter and Facebook, decrying the act.