Update: $3K Reward Offered for Grand Rapids Graveyard Vandalism

On Monday, the day before election day, an appalling discovery was made at Ahavas Israel, a Jewish cemetery in Grand Rapids. The words "Trump" and "Maga" were spray painted over 6 headstones. You can read the original article below.

Now, according to MLive.com, a reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vandalism. Specifically, the Anti-Defamation League of Michigan is offering up $3,000 for that information.

In a quote, Carolyn Normandin, regional director of Anti-Defamation League of Michigan said

This desecration of headstones in the Ahavas Israel Jewish cemetery is an inexcusable and heinous act in the place where community members are remembered and honored

The rabbi of Congregation Ahavas Israel, David Krishef, spoke on the act and said it

felt like an attack against the Jewish community

To me, that seems clear. Of course, if you go to the comment section of the original story on Facebook you'll see people throwing accusations around and blaming both Democrats and Republicans. Regardless of who did this or what political party they're associated with, it is absolutely vile. Members of our community feel unsafe and I don't blame them. According to the ADL, the number of antisemitic incidents were at an all time high in 2019 with a 56% increase in assaults alone.

So far, leads have been scarce since no evidence was left at the scene aside from the actual spray paint. The hope now lies with the community. That someone, somewhere knows something or saw something.

Grand Rapids police asked anyone with information to call investigators at 456-3380