FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Police are investigating an act of vandalism at a Jewish cemetery in Freehold Township.
Freehold Township police reported that on Aug. 26, officers responded to the Congregation Agudath Achim cemetery on Business Route 33 at Cardigan Bay Lane to investigate a report that four headstones had been knocked over from their bases.
Police said the incident is believed to have occurred between the morning of Aug. 25 and the morning of Aug. 26. No other acts of vandalism were noted at the cemetery, which is operated by the Freehold Jewish Center, Congregation Agudath Achim, Freehold Borough.
Michael S. Berman, executive director of the Freehold Jewish Center, said, “The recent vandalism at the Agudath Achim cemetery is very upsetting on a number of levels. Disgracing the resting place of our Jewish family is abhorrent to us and unforgivable.
“The Jewish people have had a presence in western Monmouth County since the mid-18th century and our cemeteries are a record of that history. Security measures moving forward are being considered, such as digital surveillance and extra lighting.
“The Freehold Township Police Department was sensitive and proactive when called, determining after their initial investigation that this was a bias crime. All of the stones will be returned to their upright position and secured to their foundation,” Berman said.
Freehold Township police are asking anyone with information about the cemetery vandalism to contact them at 732-462-7500 or 732-294-2110.