Kent synagogue ‘appalled and deeply upset’ after burial ground attack

A synagogue in Kent has once again been targeted by vandals who knocked over and damaged headstones at a burial ground.

Chatham Memorial Synagogue suffered its fifth attack in recent years last Friday, leaving the local community “appalled and deeply upset”, a spokesperson said.

Kent Police said it received a “third-party report” of criminal damage at the synagogue and officers attended.

The Board of Deputies said:”We are horrified at the news of this desecration. We have reached out to the Chatham community to see if we can provide assistance.”

Dr Dalia Halpern-Matthews, a trustee of the synagogue, confirmed the site had been repeatedly singled out targeted by vandals.

“Sadly, we are a small community and do not have the funds to erect strong security measures,” the BBC reported.

“Both the Jewish and the wider Kent and Medway community are appalled and deeply upset by the latest vandalism.

“This is the fifth time the cemetery has been vandalised over the last few years. We did have CCTV, but a separate act of vandalism destroyed that too, with one camera literally being pulled off.”

Howard Soskind, who has been a member of the synagogue for nine years, said the lack of respect shown to the cemetery and those buried there was “disturbing”.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said: “At around 12pm on Friday 18 August 2023 Kent Police received a third-party report of criminal damage at a synagogue in Rochester.

“Officers have since spoken to representatives of the synagogue and this incident is being treated as a hate crime. Enquiries to locate those responsible for the damage are ongoing.”

Jewish News reported on a previous incident of vandalism in 2019.

The synagogue has Grade II listed status with Historic England.

A spokesperson added:”“Chatham Memorial Synagogue is the only synagogue in Britain to have an attached cemetery, with both elements pre-dating the 20th century, so we are keen to protect this important site.”