Act of vandalism reported at the Jewish Cemetery in Saint Petersburg

Several dozen gravestones have been desecrated by unidentified individuals at the Jewish Cemetery of St. Petersburg. Following a visit to the site, representatives of the Jewish community received assurances from law enforcement agencies that the investigation would receive heightened priority.

Commenting on the situation, Chief Rabbi of St. Petersburg Menachem Mendel Pewzner stated: "This is an act of desecration and an insult to the memory of our ancestors. We are confident that law enforcement authorities will spare no effort to locate and prosecute those responsible. It is tragically symbolic that this occurred on the eve of Tisha B'Av—a day on which we fast in commemoration of the destruction of the Temple."

Dr. Michael Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC), expressed confidence in the following statement: "St. Petersburg, a city where I have resided for many years and where my friends and business partners live, has always been and will remain a city of profound culture and mutual respect between nations and faiths. I am certain that the citizens of St. Petersburg condemn these acts, and that law enforcement will conduct a thorough, objective investigation to apprehend the perpetrators. During the commemorative events dedicated to the victims of the Siege of Leningrad and the Holocaust in Jerusalem—specifically during the unveiling of the monument dedicated to the defenders and victims of the Siege of Leningrad—I met with the administration of St. Petersburg. This monument serves as a symbol of friendship between our nations and states. We are all deeply aware of the respectful attitude maintained by the municipal authorities toward the Jewish community, its culture, history, memory, and traditions," emphasized Dr. Michael Mirilashvili.

The Jewish Community of St. Petersburg and the EAJC will continue to monitor closely the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident at the St. Petersburg Jewish Cemetery.