A Jewish community in St. Louis is trying to comprehend the motivation behind the massive act of vandalism at one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the state of Missouri, where more than 170 gravestones at Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery were completely demolished over the weekend.
According to NPR: As St. Louis Public Radio’s Rachel Lippmann reports, the damage came after a day of bomb threats at Jewish centers across the country.
RACHEL LIPPMANN, BYLINE: Diesel engines broke the peace and quiet at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery today as crews from Rosenbloom Monument Company worked to reset the gravestones that were toppled by vandals. More than 170 monuments were affected. Most of the damage was concentrated in the oldest section of the cemetery where burials began in 1893. The cemeteries executive director, Anita Feigenbaum, says workers first alerted her to the damage yesterday morning. She said she cried when she saw the extent.
Among the people disturbed at the news of the destruction was Mike Pence.
Our new Vice President has shown time and time again that he genuinely cares about people, not only in his community, but around globe. He doesn’t shy away from opportunities to go above and beyond for people, especially allies and vets to this nation.
Immediately after hearing the news, Pence, along with Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, rolled up their sleeves and contributed to the restoration of the beloved Jewish cemetery:
https://twitter.com/achambersgop/status/834513995646263296
VP Pence and Gov Greitens also pitch in for a few minutes to help clean up the desecrated cemetery. pic.twitter.com/DcGnqfZyXW
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 22, 2017
Not only did he help clean up the physical destruction, he emotionally helped pick up the pieces as well by praying with the volunteers.
.@VP and Gov. bow heads as rabbi offers prayer at desecrated Jewish cemetery in MO. pic.twitter.com/BgXzNKbdYa
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 22, 2017
He finished with a heartfelt speech to Americans across the nation:
“There is no place in America for hatred or acts of prejudice, or violence, or anti-Semitism. I must tell you the people of Missouri are inspiring the nation by your love and care for this place, the Jewish community in Missouri.
And I want to thank you for that inspiration, and showing the world what America is really about,” he stated.
Here is a video of the incredible moment:
WATCH: Imagine if Trump had spoken this way a week ago – he could have avoided a week's worth of bad press. pic.twitter.com/fAaQBOYEP0
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) February 22, 2017
Share this if you love this man as much as we do!
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