'Hundreds' of Gravestones Vandalized at Jewish Cemetery in Philadelphia

Scores of gravestones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in the Wissinoming neighborhood of Philadelphia over the weekend of February 25.

Police estimate that anywhere from 75 to 100 graves were vandalized at the Mount Carmel Cemetery, the AP reported, while local rabbis speaking with WPVI said that over 500 were damaged.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted that the city “stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Rabbi Yosef Goldman of Philadelphia’s Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel said on Facebook: “It’s a devastating sight. Hundreds of headstones are broken or overturned. We’re turning upright the stones that are light enough for us to do so. And I’m feeling that the faith community in the US is strong. A caretaker for a nearby Quaker cemetery has been here for hours, and Muslim and Christian friends and colleagues are reaching out. Acts of violence against Muslims and Jews will only make us stronger and bring us together.”

This video, livestreamed by the Philadelphia-based Rabbi Yosef Goldman, shows Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari describing the scene. Credit: Facebook/Yosef Goldman via Storyful