Vandals desecrate dozens of tombstones

ROME -- Dozens of Jewish graves were desecrated in a nighttime rampage through a Rome cemetery in Italy's latest display of anti-Semitism, prompting condemnation Thursday from politicians and Jewish leaders.

The culprits smashed parts of headstones, ripped off marble Star of David decorations and tore off parts of gravestones bearing Hebrew writing in the Jewish section of the Verano cemetery. At least one coffin was partially ripped open.

In all, 34 graves were damaged. The desecration, which happened after the cemetery closed Wednesday, was discovered Thursday by a visitor.