HFBA/CAJAC JOINT STATEMENT

07 Mar HFBA/CAJAC JOINT STATEMENT

HFBA/CAJAC JOINT STATEMENT

The Hebrew Free Burial Association (HFBA) and the Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemeteries (CAJAC) strongly condemn the recent shocking acts of anti-Semitism committed against Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Missouri and Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia. These hate crimes as well as all acts of desecration against Jewish cemeteries cannot be tolerated. Both organizations encourage the Jewish community and all communities throughout New York and the United States to speak out against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate.

CAJAC’s mission is to honor and respect the departed who can no longer speak for themselves. CAJAC represents the New York Jewish community’s consolidated efforts to preserve older distressed Jewish cemeteries and create permanent solutions for their long-term sustainability. Acts of desecration against Jewish cemeteries cut to the core of CAJAC’s critical work.

Founded in 1888, HFBA cares for less fortunate Jews after death by ensuring that every impoverished Jewish person in the greater New York City metropolitan area receives a respectful and dignified burial. HFBA works with social service and government agencies and arranges nearly 400 burials yearly. It is the largest free burial society outside of the State of Israel.

CAJAC and HFBA stand in solidarity with both Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery and Mount Carmel Cemetery against these despicable crimes of hate against the Jewish people.

Jamie Cotel, Executive Director CAJAC
Amy Koplow, Executive Director HFBA​