Graves Vandalized in Jewish Cemetery on the Mount of Olives
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
More than 40 graves were vandalized at the Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives.
The vandalized graves were located in the Ger Hasidic section of the Jerusalem cemetery. Many headstones were toppled over or smashed, and brass lamps and other items were stolen.
The damage was discovered on Friday afternoon, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, when sect members visit the graves of their loved ones.
Among the desecrated graves was that of Rabbi Yitzchok Meir Levine, a haredi Orthodox politician and Knesset member for the Agudat Israel party.
Newly installed surveillance cameras in the cemetery were broken by the vandals, according to the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeitim.
Residents of Maale Hazeitim, located across the street from the cemetery, said that masked Arab youths vandalized the cemetery and that police did not intervene for more than an hour, waiting until reinforcements arrived, according to the committee.
Over the past few weeks, the cemetery has been vandalized several times as Jerusalem has been plagued by increased violence, according to reports.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
