Ten Jewish graves at a cemetery in Belfast, Northern Ireland were damaged in what is being considered a hate crime by police, multiple news outlets reported.
Police are analyzing all CCTV footage from 24 hours prior to the incident.
The incident was condemned by political representatives. One, North Ireland parliamentarian William Humphery, said he was “disgusted and appalled to hear that 10 Jewish headstones have been damaged” and remarked that “this is a very sad day for Belfast,” Belfast Live reported.
“Those behind this appalling antisemitic attack are evil,” he continued. “A graveyard is a sacred place and should be respected as such. Those responsible are guilty of a most heinous hate crime.”
A Belfast City Council spokesman said the council, which operates the cemetery, is working with police and taking steps to “try to address issues of anti-social behavior and vandalism at City Cemetery,” according to Irish News.
He added that: “As part of our City Cemetery heritage project, we are planning to create a new visitor center and improve facilities. It is hoped the increased footfall will also help to deter vandalism.”
