A Jewish cemetery in the city of Satu Mare in northern Romania was vandalized, with at least 14 gravestones toppled. The incident was reported by local authorities and confirmed by Israeli officials, including lawmaker Benny Gantz, who condemned the act.
The cemetery is the burial site of Rabbi Hillel Pollak, a 19th-century disciple of the Chatam Sofer and author of the religious work "Kodesh Hillulim." The vandalism targeted his gravesite and others. Local police have opened an investigation but have not yet identified any suspects.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz and other officials strongly denounced the vandalism as an anti-Semitic act. The World Jewish Congress also issued a statement expressing alarm and calling for a thorough investigation and enhanced protection for Jewish sites in Romania.
This incident occurs amid a reported rise in anti-Semitic acts in Europe. Romanian authorities have pledged to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
