![Philadelphias Mt. Camel Jewish Cemetery Vandalized](https://www.srjnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Philadelphias-Mt.-Camel-Jewish-Cemetery-Vandalized.jpg)
Mt. Camel Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia’s Wissinoming nighborhood was vandalized Saturday night and about a ton tombstones were overturned.
A motive is yet to be known officially but it is rumored to be an institutional vandalism. No vandalism is found at the three Christian cemeteries located at the same intersection on other corner.
According to Rabbi Shawn Zevit of Mishkan Shalom Synagogue a few hundred headstones were found to be knocked over.
A similar incident occurred at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis and so the the fresh vandalism is a bit worrisome.
Meanwhile, a reward money of $10,000 has been announced for information that lead to arrest of those who are responsible for the act.
Mt. Camel cemetery dates back to around 1890 and a cleanup effort will taken place once the damage is assessed.
Philadelphia police said they came to know about the vandalism at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday when a man from the cemetery.
Social media users have responded to the news with outrage. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted, “The vandalism of Jewish headstones at a Phila. cemetery is a cowardly, disturbing act. We must find those responsible and hold accountable.”
A released statement from Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney read, “I encourage Philadelphians to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and to show them that we are the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.”