Jewish gravestones vandalized at 2 West Side cemeteries

An act of vandalism left 176 gravestones damaged in two West Side cemeteries.

Two sections of the Covedale Cemetery complex near the intersection of Anderson Ferry Road and Sidney Road were targeted, a release from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati said Monday. The markers were found vandalized at the Tifereth Israel Cemetery and Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Cemetery, two Jewish sections of the complex, early on Monday. The vandalism is thought to have been committed between June 25 and Monday, as the damage wasn't present when a groundskeeper mowed the lawn there last Tuesday.

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"The destruction includes tombstones dating back to the late 1800s, many of which have been knocked over, with some cracked in half. Most of the gravestones have been pushed face down," the release states.

Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati is struggling to contact the families of those whose gravestones were damaged, as many of the gravestones are sitting face down with the names out of sight, according to the press release.

Law enforcement officials have advised that the vandalized markers should not be touched to "preserve the integrity of their investigation," according to the release. Once cleared to do so, the gravestones can be turned over so the organization can contact living relatives.

"We unequivocally condemn this act of hatred and desecration. Our hearts go out to the families affected by this senseless vandalism," the statement said.

Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati is working with SAFE Cincinnati, the security arm of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Police Department, the FBI and Green Township to investigate the vandalism.

"We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. We urge anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist in the investigation," the group said.

Those who wish to help fund cemetery repairs and maintenance can donate to the Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati at jcemcin.org/donate.

Antisemitism on the rise

Jewish Cemeteries of Greater Cincinnati described the incident as an "act of antisemitic vandalism."

Antisemitic incidents have proliferated since the start of the war between Hamas and Israel on Oct. 7, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which collects data on acts of hate.

There were 8,873 antisemitic incidents in 2023, up from 3,698 in 2022, according to their annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. Between October and January, there were 3,291 antisemitic incidents in the U.S., according to data provided by the league.

There have been 11 antisemitic incidents in Ohio so far this year, according to a map tracking incidents for the league.