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Concerns Over A Shortage Of Kevarim In Rishon L’Tzion


Last week, an urgent discussion was held by the Rishon L’Tzion Chevra Kadisha regarding new construction and development possibilities. In view of new alarming data regarding the number of city residents who died. The discussion also increased the accelerated fatalities in the city during the past two months, which has led to a dramatic decrease in the reserves of existing burial graves.

According to early forecasts from the beginning of the year, which were calculated according to the average burial rate in 2016, while calculating the rate of population growth in the city, and average of 120 people die monthly in the city. Nevertheless, in January and February of 2017, in contrast to predictions, 300 people were buried in the cemeteries in Rishon L’Tzion, which represents a 24% increase as compared to the 2016 average.

The chevra kadisha warns the burial reserve is only sufficient for a period of two and a half months. “We must take into account that the Gordon Cemetery is closed and there are no more designated lands for burial” says CEO Yisrael Horowitz. “The situation in Ganei Esther Cemetery is even worse as the remaining graves are filling quickly. If alternatives are not found immediately, we will have to find alternative for burial outside the city. this is an intolerable situation that must be prevented at all costs” he added.

Horowitz adds “Most city residents are entitled to free burial in the city by law. He adds in addition to the trauma of having to head to another city to bury their loved one, we will not be able to guarantee that such a kvura is free of charge but may involve high costs.

Chairman of the city’s chevra kadisha, attorney Yaki Ariav adds “In contrast to the earlier forecasts that half a year ago, the burial places in Rishon L’Tzion will run out, the situation is far more critical than calculated earlier. We expect that within a period of only two and a half months, the land reserves for burial will be depleted.

Rishon L’Tzion City Halls responds, explaining the municipality is working to address the issue both long and short term. In the long run, the city is in the process of establishing a burial company and in the future, it hopes to establish a a cemetery in the southern area of the city.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)



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