The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has expressed shock and outrage at the desecration of 28 graves at the Pinelands Jewish Cemetery and a further 10 graves at the Jewish Cemetery in the Strand on Monday night.
Philip Krawitz, chairman of the Board’s Cape Council, condemned the incidents ”in the strongest possible terms”.
This is an act of desecration of the dead,” he said. The headstones of the graves were toppled and many shattered as a result.
Police in Cape Town and the Strand have confirmed that they are investigating both incidents, which Jewish leaders feel are co-ordinated acts of anti-Semitism.
”The Jewish community and the Board have gone to great lengths to ensure harmonious co-existence with all the people in our region and this is very disturbing,” said Krawitz.
”The Board of Deputies has always believed that respect and tolerance of the religious beliefs of others is a cornerstone of a stable democracy.
”We hope that the perpetrators will be speedily brought to book,” he added. – Sapa