Mayfield Issues Statement on Cemetery Vandalism

WAUKEGAN, Ill. – In response to the desecration of gravestones at Congregation Am Echod Jewish Cemetery in Waukegan this week, state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Waukegan, is issuing the following statement.

“This despicable act of vandalism is appalling and I join wholeheartedly with my colleagues, fellow officials, and community members in hoping for a swift and unsparing investigation that results in the capture and prosecution of the sick individual or individuals responsible. I applaud the Governor and the State Police for immediately mobilizing state resources to assist, and I want to encourage anyone impacted by this situation to reach out to my office for assistance. Our fellow citizens and neighbors who are Jewish are valuable members of our communities who deserve, no less than anyone else, to live in safety, dignity, peace, and happiness. The recent, widespread rash of antisemitic sentiment and action, largely due to the inexcusable rhetoric of prominent individuals, is having a direct and measurably negative impact on innocent people and families. It must end, and I call on all Illinoisans to reject hate and bigotry.”

Mayfield’s constituent service office is reachable at 847-599-2800 or 60thdistrict@gmail.com.