Egg Harbor Cemetery Cleanup Planned After Homeless Encampment

An Egg Harbor cemetery in a state of disrepair will be getting cleaned up after a homeless compound littered the holy sight with debris, shopping carts, and human waste.

Beth Israel Cemetery, at 6804 Black Horse Pike, across from Walmart in Egg Harbor Township, has a buildup of waste left by homeless folks living on the grounds.

In one mausoleum building, there was visible hoarding activity, including mattresses, pillows, and moldy clothing.

Trash and discarded bottles litter the grounds of the cemetery.

The windows of the crypts were shattered, and dozens of tombstones were knocked over.

The cemetery reports that the broken glass on the mausoleums has been replaced and new locks installed, and plans call for the demolition of a building on the site.

During a recent walk through the cemetery grounds, it appeared that the toppled tombstones had been restored and were back in place.

The Cemetery Has Historical & Religious Significance

Beth Israel Cemetery has graves dating back to the late 1800s. Among those interred are war veterans, Holocaust survivors, rabbis, and past leaders of the South Jersey Jewish community.

Shelly Meyers, the head of Beth Israel's recently formed cemetery committee, told the Press of Atlantic City that the synagogue didn't realize the extent of the problem for some time, but now they have notified Egg Harbor Township Police and asked for help with the situation.

She pointed out that the synagogue was also concerned for the welfare of the homeless individuals using the property.

“We care about these people, and we care about their welfare,” she said. “We want to make sure that they’re being taken care of.”

A Cemetery Clean-Up Day Announced

There will be a Beth Israel Cemetery Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, November 9th, with shifts from 10:30 am to noon and from noon to 1:30 pm.

Work will include raking, clearing debris, and trash, and doing basic gardening.

Some time will also be spent learning more about Jewish leaders, rabbis, and Holocaust survivors.

All are welcome to help and attend, but you must RSVP by contacting Josh Cutler, with the Board of Jewish Education at 609-822-1404, ext 124, or email BJEJosh@aol.com