A Jewish cemetery in New York was vandalized Tuesday evening, making it the third Jewish cemetery damaged in recent weeks.
CNN reports the vandalism occurred at the Waad Hakolel Cemetery in Rochester, New York. According to WHEC, 16 headstones were knocked over.
Michael Phillips, the president of the Britton Road Association that oversees the cemetery, said, “There's no evidence of desecration, which leads us to believe that it was just a random act of violence, random act of vandalism.”
"It's almost not even a hate crime," Phillips said. "It's almost just an act that's unconscionable when you're a younger person and you think about your parents, and would you like them doing that to you, I don't even think that goes through their mind.”
Despite Phillips believing the incident is most likely not a hate crime, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a statement condemning the act as one of “hate and intolerance.” He also announced an investigation with federal and local authorities:
In recent weeks and months, the family of New York – people of all creeds, colors and backgrounds – have witnessed a dramatic increase in acts of hate and intolerance. The State Police Hate Crimes Task Force, in partnership with federal and local authorities, have launched aggressive investigations into reported hate crimes across the state.
Cuomo also said New York stands against “tolerance for bias.”
“New York has zero tolerance for bias or discrimination of any kind, and we will always stand united in the face of anti-Semitism and divisiveness,” his statement read.
Cuomo is allegedly planning to visit Israel in the wake of the attacks.
The vandalism follows similar attacks in St. Louis and Philadelphia.
In his address to Congress, President Trump condemned anti-Semitism across the country.
Thank you for supporting MRCTV! As a tax-deductible, charitable organization, we rely on the support of our readers to keep us running! Keep MRCTV going with your gift here!