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The FBI has launched an investigation after 176 gravestones at two Jewish cemeteries in Cincinnati were vandalized.
The vandalism, which occurred at the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol and Tifereth Israel cemeteries within the Covedale Cemetery complex, was discovered on Monday. According to police, the vandalism likely occurred between June 25 and July 2. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests had been made by Wednesday morning.

President Joe Biden expressed his outrage on social media, condemning the act as antisemitism. He said, “This is Antisemitism and it is vile. I condemn these acts and commit my Administration to support investigators in holding those responsible accountable to the full extent of the law.”
Jewish leaders from the cemetery said, “When a crime takes place on a religious ground like our cemeteries are, that is a federal crime. It’s a cowardly act, it’s a destructive act, but our Jewish community is resolute in that it’s not going to affect us in the way in which these haters want to see it affect us.”
Multiple headstones have been broken at this Jewish Cemetery in Covedale. @tvpaigebarnes will have more on this tonight @Local12 pic.twitter.com/Zu5k6bZ3Xn
— Morgan Ward (@MorganWardMedia) July 1, 2024
This incident reflects a broader national trend of increasing antisemitic incidents. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 140% rise in such incidents over the past year, with 8,873 cases recorded in 2023, the highest number since tracking began in 1979. The rise in incidents was particularly noticeable after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.