New York, NY, August 14, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the recently reported vandalism of over 40 tombstones at the Britton Road Cemetery in Greece, N.Y.

Over a period of two nights in July, the Jewish cemetery sustained damage that included more than 40 stones overturned. The cemetery serves the Jewish community of Rochester and the surrounding area of Monroe County.

“We are appalled by this act of hate on a religious community burial ground,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “We expect that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate this unsettling crime and that hate crime enhancement penalties will be applied if the crime was indeed motivated by anti-Semitism.”

Mr. Bernstein added, “Our hope is that members of the community in Greece, as well as in the surrounding areas of Rochester and greater Monroe County, speak out and declare that such hate-filled actions are not acceptable in our communities.”

According to ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, New York State experienced 203 incidents, including 146 cases of vandalism in 2013.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY