Taiwan Opens its First Jewish Cemetery

A historic milestone for Jewish life in East Asia took place this week as Taiwan inaugurated its first-ever Jewish cemetery, with the country's first Jewish burial held at the newly established site.

Taiwan marked a historic milestone this week with the inauguration of the country’s first Jewish cemetery, where the first Jewish burial was also held.

The funeral was for a 73-year-old Israeli citizen who had been living in Taiwan. Family members traveled from several countries, including Israel, to pay their final respects and ensure he was laid to rest according to Jewish tradition.

The burial was carried out with the assistance of ZAKA’s International Division. At the request of local Chabad Shliach Rabbi Shlomi Tabib, a team from Hong Kong led by Rabbi Mendy Rabinowitz, Chabad Shliach in Hong Kong and ZAKA Commander for East Asia, traveled to Taiwan to oversee the taharah and assist with all aspects of the funeral and burial.

“Volunteers from ZAKA’s International Division operate wherever they are needed around the world to ensure the dignity of the deceased,” said Baruch Nidam, Director of ZAKA’s International Division. “This week, members of the International Division traveled from Hong Kong to Taiwan at the request of the local Chabad Shliach to assist with all aspects of the funeral and burial.”

Rabbi Rabinowitz said the Hong Kong team was asked to assist because of its experience in caring for Jewish burials. “We came to Taiwan at the request of my friend, the Rebbe’s Shliach Rabbi Shlomi Tabib, and assisted with the taharah and burial,” he said. “In Hong Kong we have a Jewish cemetery, and we are experienced in ensuring kavod hameis. As part of ZAKA’s worldwide activities, we provide assistance for every Jewish deceased person in our region of East Asia.”

Until now, deceased Jews in Taiwan were routinely transferred to Jewish cemeteries in other countries for burial. The burial held this week marks a significant milestone for the local Jewish community as the first Jewish burial in Taiwan’s newly established Jewish cemetery.

ZAKA’s International Division works around the world in cooperation with Jewish communities, Chabad shluchim, and local authorities to ensure that Jewish deceased receive a dignified burial in accordance with halacha and Jewish tradition.

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