(ISJM) I have reported before that summer always seems to produce an upswing in incidents of vandalism at Jewish (and all) cemeteries. Maybe anti-Semitic thugs are fair-weather vandals, preferring good weather for their destructive acts. Spring and summer certainly bring out the teenage (and other) drinkers and drug-users who are known to frequent cemeteries for their private pleasures - their vandalism is just due to "mischief," not bigotry and hate. And then, summer is the time when visitors most frequent cemeteries - and sometimes old vandalism is discovered.
Whatever the causes, there seems no slowing of vandalism of Jewish cemeteries in Europe today. Hardly a week goes by without at least one verified report. In addition to the reports that I post on this blog, the Lo Tishcach Foundation is now monitoring these events and including them in their Newsletter. The July 2009 edition includes the following reports of vandalism at German cemeteries that I had missed.
Salzgitter Jewish Cemetery Vandalised
9 June 2009 - Six gravestones have been toppled in the Wolfenbüttel Jewish Cemetery in the German city of Salzgitter. According to the local municipality, removing the damages caused by the vandals will cost some 4000 Euros. The police have launched an investigation. Read the original article (in German).
Düsseldorf Jewish Cemetery Vandalised
8 June 2009 - 17 gravestones have been toppled in the Urdenbacher Kämpen Jewish Cemetery in Düsseldorf, four of which have been damaged beyond repair. The police have launched an investigation. Established in 1830, the cemetery was in use until 1920 and is one of about ten Jewish cemeteries in the Düsseldorf area. Read the original article (in German).
Göttingen Jewish Cemetery Vandalised
1 June 2009 - Three gravestones have been vandalised in the Dransfeld Jewish Cemetery in the German city of Göttingen. A swastika was carved into one of the stones. The police have launched an investigation. Read the original article (in German).
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