'I do not understand': Families react after 176 gravestones vandalized at Jewish cemeteries

CINCINNATI — The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati said it discovered 176 gravestones were vandalized at the Tifereth Israel Cemetery and the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery Monday morning, according to a press release from the organization.

Both of those cemeteries are located within the Covedale Cemetery complex in Green Township, the Jewish Federation said.

"This act of antisemitic vandalism was uncovered early this morning and has left our community heartbroken," reads the release, sent Monday afternoon.

The organization said it believes the damage happened between June 25 and July 1, since the vandalism had not occurred the last time the grounds were mowed on June 25. Two sections in the cemetery complex were damaged, the organization said. Tombstones, including some dating back to the late 1800s, were knocked over and some were cracked in half as a result.

Most of the stones were pushed over onto their faces, making it difficult for officials to determine which families were impacted by the damage. The Jewish Federation said law enforcement advised them not to touch the stones, to preserve the integrity of an investigation.

That investigation is being launched by SAFE Cincinnati, a security arm of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, in tandem with the Cincinnati Police Department, the FBI and Green Township authorities.

The restoration process may take the use of a crane, depending on the size of each tombstone, said Bruce Hoffman at Schott Monument Company. "It might be a problem trying to find relatives of a lot of those people."

"We unequivocally condemn this act of hatred and desecration," the Jewish Federation wrote in the press release. "Our hearts go out to the families affected by this senseless vandalism. The Jewish community in Cincinnati is resilient and we are committed to repairing the damage and restoring the sanctity of these sacred spaces."

Once law enforcement allows it, the Jewish Federation said it would work to turn over the damaged gravestones to identify which graves were impacted and notify family members as soon as they can.

The Jewish Federation said it currently isn't aware of any suspects, but the investigation between SAFE Cincinnati and law enforcement is ongoing.

Tuesday morning, Rita Birch discovered her mother's tombstone was toppled over. Birch said her parents fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s to come to the United States. She said it's disturbing to see them face antisemitism even after they have passed.

"Why people hate the way they do, I do not understand," she said.

There's no direct signs that the vandalism was motivated by antisemitism, said Jewish Community Relations Council director Rabbi Ari Jun. "At the same time, given the context around the world and here in Cincinnati, it wouldn't be surprising at all."

Jun said local incidents have been elevated since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7.

"This is easily one of the worst incidents we've had in a while," Jun said. "That's coming during a year where we've had some very bad antisemitic incidents."

It has been "exhausting" for the community, Jun said, adding that Jewish people are looking for ways to feel empowered.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden condemned the vandalism on social media.

"The vandalism of nearly 200 graves at two Jewish cemeteries near Cincinnati is despicable," Biden wrote. "This is Antisemitism and it is vile."

Biden said he's committing his administration to support investigators.

"Jews have been in Cincinnati for over 200 years," he said. "We are not going anywhere. We're a part of the fabric of this community. And we ourselves, if no one else, will make sure that continuous.

"It is true that the Jewish community was targeted right now. It's not just a Jewish problem," said Jun. "We need all of us to step up and make sure that this doesn't go further down the road."