Historic Jewish Cemetery in Croatia Vandalized

(JTA) — Vandals seriously damaged several graves in a more than 400-year-old Jewish cemetery in Split, Croatia.

According to Ana Lebl, the president of the Jewish community in Split, unknown persons forced open three graves and also damaged their headstones and fences. In addition, they knocked over and broke a fourth headstone and damaged other tombstone decoration.

The attack took place between April 10 and April 13, Lebl said, but the vandals left no graffiti or slogans that pointed to an anti-Semitic motive for the attack.

“The damage was reported to the police who came promptly and made written and photographic evidence,” she said.

The cemetery, located above the city on Marjan Hill, was founded in 1573 and in use until 1945. It is listed as a cultural heritage monument.