Dear Community,

It is with a heavy heart that we share the difficult news that the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula in Hampton has been vandalized with headstones toppled and the sacred resting place of our loved ones disturbed.

This is not merely damage to property. Among the greatest mitzvot we perform as Jews is chesed shel emet, caring for those who have departed, who can never repay us. It is a sacred obligation, and one that our united Jewish community takes with the utmost seriousness. We are deeply grateful to the Jewish Cemetery who is entrusted with this holy work and the dedicated volunteers who care for it.

We want our community to know that we are taking immediate and deliberate action:

We are in active communication with leadership in the City of Hampton and are working closely with law enforcement as their investigation proceeds. We are also committed to pursuing accountability and will work with authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

Out of respect for the integrity of that investigation, we will not turn the stones over until law enforcement has completed their work. Once that process is concluded, we will be in direct contact with the families of those whose loved ones were impacted.

We will work with our insurance and - if needed - raise the funds to restore the cemetery to its rightful, dignified condition.

We know this news is painful. The desecration of a Jewish cemetery strikes at something deep within us: our connection to those we have lost, and our responsibility to preserve their memory with honor. Please know that our community will not rest until this sacred space is restored.

We will continue to update you as this situation develops.

Respectfully,

Steve Marks
President, Jewish Peninsula

E.D. “Buddy” David
President, Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula

Eric Maurer
CEO, Jewish Peninsula