Pro-Palestinian protesters defaced a California veterans cemetery this week, marking another act of vandalism in the United States since the war between Israel and Hamas began in October. The defacement followed similar actions in New York City and Washington D.C.
A large protest in Los Angeles devolved into the desecration of the Los Angeles National Cemetery Sunday.
Multiple slogans, including “Free Gaza” and “Intifada” were spray painted onto the memorial, which houses the remains of more than 80,000 veterans. Intifada refers to armed conflict, including two intifadas against Israel by Palestinians.
The demonstrators also chanted “Long live Palestine” and “There is only one solution” near the sacred site. In addition, the protesters also used the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which refers to the end of the state of Israel. Other protesters chanted slogans against President Joe Biden.
SICK: this is Los Angeles National Cemetery, which has 85,000 American soldiers buried from 19th, 20th, and 21st century wars.
First, pro-Hamas people defaced it with "Free Gaza." Then they defaced it again with "Intifada" (incitement to violence).
Remember: the pro-Israel side… pic.twitter.com/HZoyt4G9FG
— Sia Kordestani (@SiaKordestani) January 7, 2024
Demonstrators closed a major thoroughfare during the incident. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) wrote that this was “more proof that the people who hate #Israel, also hate America. ”
“Here, at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in my district, they deface a cemetery for those who gave their lives to end slavery and protect the world from fascism,” the representative wrote.
The cemetery, founded in 1888, was established to help disabled Civil War veterans.
Last year, protesters spray-painted a portion of the New York Public Library and hung up a Palestinian flag. The incident appeared to be motivated by the fact that the library’s complex was funded by a Jewish donor.
A large pool of red paint was also spilled on the steps in front of the building. A display showing upcoming exhibits at the library was also defaced.
The vandalism resulted in up to $75,000 worth of damage.
In addition to slogans painted on the Stephen A. Schwarzman, protesters also placed red palm marks on the building. A spokesperson for the library called the incident a “shameful act of vandalism.”
