January 10, 2016 — Jerusalem, Israel
AJC condemns the desecration of the Catholic cemetery in Beit Jamal (near Beit Shemesh) and trusts that Israeli police will apprehend and bring to justice those responsible. Dozens of crosses were destroyed in the cemetery.
“The Beit Jamal vandalism is an attack on Christianity and an assault on freedom of religion in Israel,” said Rabbi David Rosen, AJC International Director of Interreligious Affairs. “It is essential for Israel to do its utmost to prevent such odious acts and to punish the perpetrators.”
The Beit Jamal monastery and cemetery have been the target of vandalism in the past. In March 2014 the monastery was desecrated by anti-Christian graffiti.
