The rededicated cemetery includes an enhanced wall with better security
TOWN OF WARWICK – It was 19 months ago that the Temple Beth Shalom
Cemetery in Warwick was desecrated with anti-Semitic graffiti.
On Sunday, Clergy from several faiths gathered with well over 100 members of the Orange County Jewish community to rededicate the cemetery.
Rabbi Rebecca Shinder, spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Florida, New York, led the service.
“Our cemetery walls, according to Jewish tradition, are to provide a barrier between the sacred and the profane,” Shinder said.
Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton called for unity.
“This wall will remind all of us that we must remain vigilant and we need to stay as one,” Sweeton said. “That’s what made this country great and we will be going forward in that spirit from this day forward.”
In February, Eric Carbonaro, 19, of Warwick, pled guilty to tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy in connection with the spray-painting of Nazi symbols. He is now in the Orange County Jail, but Orange County Jewish Federation Executive Director Suzanne Leon noted the case is not over.
“In February Judge Craig Brown will make a final decision as to his youthful offender status,” Leon said. “We believe it is imperative that his criminal record remain public to deter him from further criminal activity and warn others of his hateful ideology and capacity to harm others.”
Several donors stepped forward to have a new wall with security features erected at the entrance to the cemetery.
