The New York Police Department says no evidence of vandalism has been found at a predominantly Jewish cemetery where more than 40 tombstones were toppled over.

The NYPD says after consultation with the management of the Washington Cemetery in Brooklyn, it was determined the 42 tombstones came down as a result of a number of factors. Those include long-term neglect or lack of maintenance, as well as environmental factors such as soil erosion.

There has been a rash of vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and 122 bomb threats against Jewish organizations in three dozen states since early January.

Authorities said Friday that Juan Thompson, a former journalist fired for fabricating details in stories, made at least eight threats against Jewish institutions nationwide as part of a campaign against his ex-girlfriend.

Following statements from Washington Cemetery personnel that the discovery of downed headstones last night was not an act of vandalism, Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D, Brooklyn) issued the following statement:

“When I received a call from the Boro Park Shomrim that something had occurred at Washington Cemetery, I immediately sent a staff member who met with the police. Then early this morning, I visited myself. I was joined by other elected officials, community leaders, NYPD investigators and numerous reporters. We all saw the same thing.

“More than 40 headstones were overturned. These stones were all in the same section where barbed-wire had been cut. Despite the fact that there are thousands upon thousands of graves stretching over many blocks, this was the only section where gravestones had been turned over. This area is less than 5% of the total cemetery grounds.

“So strong winds hit this section and left the other ones alone? I find that hard to believe. Something is definitely not kosher.”

(AP / YWN World Headquarters – NYC)