Leeds, UK – A historic Jewish cemetery in Leeds has closed after engineers branded it dangerous.
Leeds Jewish Orthodox Cemeteries (LJOC) has been forced to close Hill Top Cemetery due to subsidence causing the ground to collapse.
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The structural problems are thought to be due to the Gildersome site lying over a labyrinth of coal mining tunnels and mine shafts.
No further burials will take place at the cemetery, which has 4,000 people buried and dates back to 1873.
LJOC chairman, Dan Cohen, said “We are incredibly upset that we have had to take this action. “We obviously apologize for the inevitable distress this may cause but I am certain the Jewish community will understand that it was a decision taken only when no other options existed.
The organization says it was forced to seal off the site as the Coal Authority could not guarantee the safety of the grounds.
In an announcement to the Jewish community, the LJOC said: “We must close the Hill Top Cemetery, with immediate effect and on a permanent basis.
“No person may now enter the grounds and anybody doing so will be regarded as a trespasser. Such a person would be risking serious injury or death for which the LJOC cannot be held responsible or liable.”
It goes on: “Any person affected by this decision is asked to consult their synagogue president and rabbi.”
A Coal Authority spokesman said the matter was being investigated.
My fathers ancestors are buried in Leeds. I hope this isn’t that cemetary.