Jewish Cemetery Vandalism: Synagogue President Speaks On Toppled Tombstones

PHILADELPHIA – After a handful of tombstones were found toppled in Adath Jeshurun Cemetery Monday, the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue President is speaking out about the vandalism.

"Certainly when an incident like this happens its always disappointing," Bruce Armon, President of the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue, told Patch.

Armon, however, said he is thrilled by the quick response from Philadelphia Police as well as the sympathies expressed by synagogue members and the community at large.

"If there's a positive that can come out of this, its members and other well wishers expressing sympathy," Armon said.

When asked if the thinks the acts were inspired by anti-Semitic beliefs, Armon said he is leaving that up to police to determine.

Armon said officials might review possible solutions to increase protection around the Jewish cemetery.

He went on to say the cemetery grounds keeper has been working to fix the toppled tombstones and that the synagogue has reached out to families of the affected tombstones to ensure they know their loved ones' memorials are being taken care of.

"It's an older cemetery," he said, "it's been part of our congregation for years. We take great pride in it."

Five tombstones were found knocked over Monday by the cemetery groundskeeper.

Armon and Philadelphia Police confirmed the tombstones did not incur any damage other than being knocked over.

.@FOX29philly Police say Tombstones overturned by vandals at Jewish cemetery in NE Philly.Police investigate#fox29 pic.twitter.com/wY09P1gEK8
— Dave Schratwieser (@DSchratwieser) May 16, 2017

Back in 2015, over 120 tombstones were vandalized in the cemetery.

Adath Jeshurun Synagogue is located in Elkins Park.

Image via Google