Leaders of the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula said 24 Matzeivos were damaged in a vandalism attack that has deeply unsettled members of the local Jewish community.

The destruction was discovered in a section of the Hampton cemetery that dates back more than 130 years, making it one of the oldest burial grounds in the area.

“This is not merely property damage,” E.D. “Buddy” David, president of the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula told WVEC-TV. “It is an assault on our dead, on our grief, and on our dignity as a community.”

David said investigators found shattered and overturned headstones spread across part of the cemetery grounds.

Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman said authorities believe the damage was caused by an 11-year-old boy who lives nearby.

Police said the FBI has been consulted and investigators currently do not believe the vandalism was driven by antisemitism or considered a hate crime.

“At this point, there’s nothing to suggest that was his motive,” Wideman said. “The primary indication right now appears to be issues within his family situation, including substance abuse.”

Wideman said no charges have been filed so far, though detectives are continuing to examine potential charges.

Despite police saying the act does not appear to have been motivated by hate, David said the Jewish community still feels deeply shaken by what happened.

“It might turn out to be the actions of a disturbed 11-year-old juvenile, but we nonetheless feel violated,” David said. “And of course, as Jews, we have cause to look around the corner.”

Cemetery officials said efforts are already underway to repair the damaged graves and restore the cemetery grounds.

“We are in touch with a company and expect this to be done within the next 10 days or so,” David said. “But we will never forget.”

Leadership at the cemetery also said additional security measures are being considered, including improved lighting and motion-detection systems.