Taiwan Inaugurates First Jewish Cemetery Amid Growing Community
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Taiwan has opened its first Jewish cemetery, enabling local burials according to Jewish tradition. The inauguration coincides with a significant growth in the island's Jewish population and infrastructure, supported by the Chabad movement and local benefactors.
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- Taiwan's first Jewish cemetery opens, allowing traditional burials on the island.
- The cemetery's opening reflects the growing Jewish community in Taiwan.
- Around 75 rabbis attended a regional conference on the island.
- The Jewish population in Taiwan has grown significantly since 2011.
- A new fund will support Jewish infrastructure in the region.
Taiwan has inaugurated its first Jewish cemetery, allowing members of the local Jewish community to conduct burials according to Jewish tradition on the island for the first time. Previously, families had to send their deceased abroad for burial.
The opening of the cemetery signifies the rapid development of Jewish life in the region, which has recently seen the establishment of a new community center, synagogue, school, mikvah, and kosher restaurant, according to The Times of Israel.
The consecration ceremony was led by emissaries from the Chabad movement, who gathered on the island for a regional conference. Approximately 75 rabbis from 15 countries attended the event to tour the new facilities and discuss supporting Jewish communities across Asia.
Rabbi Shlomi Tabib estimates that around 1,500 Jews currently reside in Taiwan, a significant increase from the approximately 70 individuals when he and his wife arrived in Taipei in 2011 to open a Chabad center. The community largely comprises foreign high-tech specialists and Israeli tourists. Shabbat services attract up to 70 attendees, with holiday gatherings reaching 300.
Organized Jewish life began in the 1950s with American military personnel, but substantial growth has been fueled by local Jewish businessman Jeffrey Schwartz, who was instrumental in funding a $16 million community center. The idea for the cemetery emerged three years ago following a request from a seriously ill community member. The first burial took place in June, prior to the official consecration, which community representatives view as a testament to a fully established and sustainable community.
During the conference, a new fund was also announced to support Jewish infrastructure and the deployment of emissary families to countries throughout the region.