Hundreds Attend Vigil at Vandalized Fall River Cemetery

FALL RIVER — Following anti-semitic vandalism to 59 gravestones, a vigil was held Tuesday night at the Fall River Hebrew Cemetery. Senator Michael Rodrigues of Westport was in attendance. He says he felt ill after hearing about the acts.

"I'm just so tired of everything you read, everything you hear, all the news media just focusing on hate and bitterness and divisiveness," said Rodrigues. "We all just have to get along, love one another, accept one another, and accept everyone's imperfections. We are all imperfect. Just live and let live."

Rabbi Mark Elber of Temple Beth El of Fall River led several prayers in front of many state and local authorities and citizens. Those in attendance included members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities.

Deborah Stone, whose grandfather's grave was one of those affected, says education about the history of the Jewish people may help prevent such acts in the future.

"What can we do to educate? I just know whoever this was, did they even know a Jew," wondered Stone. "Just knowing somebody. I just don't think this would have happened. It's just sad. Hate is sad."

Police are still searching for who may have desecrated the graves. The incident remains under investigation and multiple organizations have offered reward money for information that leads to an arrest.