The recent desecration of a Philadelphia Jewish Cemetery follows a disturbing trend of contemptuous acts of intolerance on American soil.
These acts of hatred, prejudice, and cowardice demand of America the strongest condemnation and firmest resolve.
We must be a society of character that has the unwavering dedication to vanquishing intolerance, bigotry, and discrimination.
Desecration of Sacred Grounds
On Feb. 27, law enforcement officials were investigating the desecration of about 100 tombstones at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia. Many of these sacred headstones were not only criminally toppled but broken.
The words of Rabbi Yosef Goldman of Temple Beth Zion-Beth, who viewed the scene at Mount Carmel Cemetery expresses the violation of the sacred. “When I got there, I saw the degree of desecration… Seeing it in person was heartbreaking… you feel the violation.”
This desecration took place shortly after another massive violation of another cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Chesed Shel Emeth, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the state, had more than 170 tombstones vandalized sometime during the last weekend of February.
These desecrations not only destroy property, but they violate the dignity of loved ones, families, faith-based communities, and the heart of America.
Our nation is built on the foundation of freedom of religion and this sacrosanct principle must be eternally defended.
All privileged to call America home must denounce this desecration. All forms of hatred must be vanquished through not only through words, but by the actions of America.
Society can only have harmony when it is built on a foundation of respect, dignity, and tolerance. These virtues must be expressed toward every human being, not only in life, but also in death.
All who have died deserve being remembered with dignity and the places where they rest deserve honor.
The Muslim Community Responds
A response from a faith-based community to these reprehensible acts from the Muslim community gives hope to America.
It is a reminder that human decency is a powerful antidote to the venom of hatred.
With profound sensitivity to the desecration at the St. Louis Cemetery, members of the Muslim community united in a fundraiser to repair the damaged tombstones.
The heartwarming success of their charity resulted in the raising of over $100,000 in just over 24 hours.
This silver lining is a reminder of the decency of humanity and a celebration of goodness overcoming hatred.
Jewish Communities Victimized by Bomb Threats
The desecration of Jewish cemeteries is being compounded by pervasive bomb threats against their communities and schools.
