Taiwan Holds First Jewish Burial at New Taipei Cemetery

A historic ceremony took place this week in Taipei, Taiwan, when the country’s first Jewish cemetery was inaugurated and its first burial was held there. The deceased was a 73-year-old Israeli citizen who had been living in Taiwan.

Family members of the man traveled from countries around the world, including Israel, to pay their last respects and ensure he was laid to rest according to Jewish tradition. The burial marked the first Jewish interment at the new cemetery.

Baruch Nidam, head of ZAKA’s international division, said its volunteers work worldwide “for the dignity of the dead.” He said ZAKA’s international team from Hong Kong, led by Chabad emissary Rabbi Meir Rabinovitz, came to Taiwan at the request of the local Chabad emissary, Rabbi Shlomi Tabib, to handle all aspects of the funeral and burial.

Rabinovitz, who also commands ZAKA in East Asia, said the group helped with the purification ritual and burial. He noted that Hong Kong has a Jewish cemetery and that the team is experienced in preserving the dignity of the deceased. Until now, Jewish bodies in Taiwan were typically transferred abroad for burial, making this week’s funeral a significant milestone for the local Jewish community.