Donors give $220,000 to vandalized Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia.

Vandal damage at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia. These are thick, extremely heavy stones.

In the wake of the national publicity Mount Carmel Cemetery received after vandals caused extensive damage to headstones, 3000 donors have given $220,000 to help the cemetery recover, and volunteers have swooped in to make things right.

Large, thick, heavy stones like these are very dangerous. I know of one professional stone setter that didn't want to get involved here because of the danger.

While many considered this an outrageous hate crime against Jews, it probably was just a bunch of youthful idiots from a nearby neighborhood who had no grand plan except to cause mayhem.

There are approximately 18 Jewish cemeteries in the Philadelphia area. They are packed full of large, heavy tombstones, like these. Nobody went crazy visiting those other cemeteries to do this sort of damage. It is a type of vandalism that is also highly risky, where the perpetrators risk gruesome, life-changing injuries if they get hit or crushed by a falling stone. 

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that work begins next week on the rejuvenation of the cemetery, along with installation of new security apparatus. 

Vandal damage a Mount Carmel Cemetery. Philadelphia, PA.