HFBA learned through NamUs (National Missing & Unidentified Persons System) that Sam S. had passed away in April 2024 and had remained unclaimed for 15 months. HFBA had buried his wife in 2022 after her estranged family declined involvement. Efforts to contact Sam’s relatives — including children from a previous marriage — similarly revealed no interest in making arrangements.
HFBA worked with the nursing home to clarify why no burial had taken place and proceeded to coordinate his funeral. A minyan was assembled for the burial, even on the fast of 17 Tammuz, with volunteers — and even cemetery visitors — stepping forward to ensure he was not laid to rest alone.
Poignantly, Sam was ultimately buried in an unused grave originally reserved in 1944 for another person who was never interred there. After more than a year of being forgotten, he was finally laid to rest with dignity, among generations past, in accordance with Jewish tradition.
Cheryl F. had been in the NYC Morgue since April 2025. Her name appeared in NamUs, and she was believed to be undomiciled, making it especially difficult to confirm information or locate next of kin. For many months, her case remained under review as efforts continued to clarify her status and determine how best to proceed.
Once the case was formally cleared for release, HFBA stepped forward to ensure she was laid to rest with a traditional Jewish burial, providing dignity and care to someone who otherwise had no one to advocate on her behalf.
Her story is a quiet reminder of how easily individuals without family or documentation can be overlooked — and why HFBA’s mission remains so essential.
Last fall, we were contacted regarding a Jewish man, Michael G., who had passed away shortly after arriving at a nursing facility. With no known family or documentation at the time of his death, the case was referred for further investigation.
Months later, proof of his Jewish identity was obtained — but tragically, he had already been buried in City Cemetery (Potter’s Field) on Hart Island. Once his status was confirmed, we immediately began the process of arranging a disinterment.
Despite the urgency of an approaching snowstorm, our team worked swiftly to ensure he was transferred from City Cemetery to Mount Richmond Cemetery, where he was given a proper Jewish burial. A volunteer minyan was present to accord him the dignity and kavod (honor) he deserved.
Even when the process is complicated and delayed, we remain committed to ensuring that every Jew is laid to rest in accordance with our tradition.