(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — More than six months after 39 headstones at a historic, Jewish cemetery in Waukegan were vandalized with hateful messages and symbols, community leaders and residents gathered for a rededication ceremony on Sunday.
The ceremony came after community members removed anti-Semitic graffiti at Congregation Am Echod Jewish Cemetery.
“We find light in our community coming together as we celebrate the rededication ceremony,” said Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor. “Today our community shows, yet again, that Waukegan embraces our diversity — and it’s our strength.”
Taylor declared a new day and continued resolve for Congregation Am Echod Jewish Cemetery.
“I was horrified and immensely saddened by what occurred here,” Taylor said. “When City officials heard about what happened here in November, it was gut wrenching. But, as a city, it was incumbent on us to help our neighbors.”
Officials said no one has been charged for defacing the headstones.
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