EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Local synagogues are inviting the community to assist with a cleanup Sunday, Nov. 9 at Beth Israel Cemetery, 6804 Black Horse Pike. The cemetery is owned by Beth Israel Synagogue in Northfield.
Cleanups will be held in two shifts: 10:30 a.m. to noon and noon to 1:30 p.m.
The cleanup is needed after unhoused people took over a section of the cemetery, broke into a mausoleum and overturned gravestones. The area has since been vacated but was littered with broken glass, trash and mattresses, which have been cleaned up, but more sprucing up is needed. Video cameras have been installed to keep an eye on the area to ensure the emcampment does not return.
Beth Israel CemeteryVolunteers will honor the dead, many of whom were survivors of the Holocaust, by raking, clearing debris, removing overgrown plants and doing basic gardening chores. Supplies, including gloves, bags, and cleaning supplies will be provided. Snacks will be available. Bring extra gloves, rakes and hedge clippers if you have them.
The project is being viewed as a sacred mitzvah that honors the past and shows dignity and respect to local ancestors of the Jewish community.
"It's up to us as members of the Jewish community to keep our core values of honoring the deceased in our hearts and minds to remedy this situation," Jewish educator Josh Cutler said. "We must never forget the Holocaust survivors buried there."
Register by contacting Josh Cutler of the Board of Jewish Education at 609-822-4404, ext. 124 or email [email protected].
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