The combination of me living in Brooklyn Heights, skiing in Utah, and Delta having big hubs in both New York and Salt Lake, means that I fly out of JFK a bunch, and I always use the Airtrain to get there. Taking the A train to Howard Beach can't be beat in both time and money saved. I’ve also become quite adroit at navigating my luggage and ski bag through the streets of Brooklyn and the New York City transit system.
When the A train emerges from underground in Ozone Park, just east of the 80th Street station, there is a large, overgrown cemetery that always catches my eye. Even from the elevated tracks, I could see Magen Davids amid the weeds.
A little research reveals that it is the Bayside Acacia Cemetery. It’s one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in New York, and as is evident from the passing glimpse from the elevated train, has fallen into a terrible state. Wikipedia says that the congregation that is supposed to maintain it, has instead used the money for other purposes, and is being sued.
On Sunday, the Times had an article describing how many other Jewish cemeteries have also become neglected, when the burial societies that were supposed to maintain them, have themselves, become defunct.
Fortunately, a group has been formed to save these sites, and I intend to see what I can do to help. I can pull weeds with the best of them.
The pictures on this post are from the blog Citynoise, which has many more poignant and beautiful photos.
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