Unknown persons have desecrated a Protestant cemetery in Jerusalem. According to Israeli media reports, more than 30 gravestones are affected. Israeli radio today reported significant damage at Zion’s Cemetery.
Tombstones were damaged and crosses were broken. The Jerusalem Post reported, citing Jerusalem University College, that the perpetrators were two Jewish teenagers. According to the report, they had caused estimated property damage equivalent to more than 94,000 euros.
An Israeli police spokesman confirmed today that an investigation had been launched, but did not comment on the identity of the suspects. A video was circulated on social media showing two figures throwing large stones at graves and knocking down a cross. The incident reportedly happened on Sunday.
German ambassador condemns the act
Established in 1848, the cemetery also serves as a burial place for the German-speaking Protestant community in Jerusalem. The German ambassador to Israel, Steffen Seibert, spoke on Twitter of “despicable criminal behavior” by the perpetrators. “I hope the police will investigate, find these people and hold them accountable.”
According to media reports, among the desecrated graves were the graves of three Palestinian police officers and members of various Protestant communities, including Bishop Samuel Gobat, second Protestant bishop of Jerusalem. Gobat had bought the cemetery property. The cemetery had already been desecrated in the past.
