Jewish Cemetery in Northern Hungary Vandalized

Image by Getty Images
Gravestones were vandalized in a Jewish cemetery in northern Hungary.
Up to 20 gravestones, including two crypts, were vandalized over the weekend in the Jewish cemetery of Gyongyos, in northern Hungary, the MTI-Hungarian News Agency Corp. reported on Sunday, citing Peter Weisz, the leader of the local Jewish community. Tombstones were toppled and smashed, and human remains were removed from the crypts, according to reports.
The fence around the cemetery also was vandalized, Weisz told Hungarian media.
One of the city’s deputy mayors on Sunday visited the site and offered the city’s help to repair the damage, as did the Catholic Church, according to MTI. The cemetery was similarly damaged in 2013.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary called the attack a “barbaric act.”
The Jewish community of Gyongyos is comprised of about 80 people, out of a total city population of about 30,000.
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
