Jewish Cemetery of Penang

The Jewish Cemetery of Penang

Perhaps this could be the only known Jewish Cemetery in Malaysia. Located along Jalan Zainal Abidin, the cemetery was not easily visible if you are travelling along the road. I discovered it by chance when we park in front of the cemetery.

According to the caretaker, relatives came from oversea to visit the tombs annually. Lets hope this heritage dated as far back as 1835 will be preserved for the future. For the future generations to emulate our fore fathers who managed to live together harmoniously although they were from different religions and races.....

The Gate to the Jewish Cemetery
KOMTAR, the highest building in Penang is partial visible here.

Coconut Palms
Coconut palms greeting visitors.

Lay in Peace
They were laid in different sizes and in different shapes.

Two Geese
Guarantee no snake around this cemetery.

In Jewish?
Anyone know what were written on the tombstone?

The oldest
In the shape of a triangle!

9th July 1835
Probably the oldest tomb.

Hardly visible
Age is showing on the face of the stone.

Modern Tomb
Although dated 1964, the tomb was rebuilt with tiles.

Well inscribed tomb
Notice the symbol of Israel.

Sunset at the cemetery
Strange red color coming from the sunset!

Three tombs
A little one, a big one and a smaller one. Perhaps infant, mother and baby...

A cow
On first look, it looks like a cow - the mother in this case.

Broken stone
Dated 1906, perhaps this stone was hit by bullet during the world wars?

Round and triangular
Perhaps, I think I know the answer - the triangular represent male while the...

Square, round and triangular tombs
The second tall building on the right is the UMNO building in Penang. The...

Neighbours
Note the cross at the tall grey building and the chinese temple...

Apartment mushrooming around
Modern apartment overshadowing the quiet cemetery.

article published 9/25/2004

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revert the road name to Jalan Jahudi
It was sad that the anti-semitic Malaysian govt decided to wipe out the Jewish identity of this road "Jalan Yahudi" by renaming it to Zainal Abidin, after the ex-chairman of UMNO, a dominant Malay political party which still constantly intimidates other ethinic groups. Whether Malaysians like to admit or not, the politics of Malaysia is dictated by institutionalised racism. The Jewish community in Penang faced such problems in 1970's & 80's & all decided to move to other countries.
— Respect History, August 18, 2011

we welcome jews... not israel...
— Draz, December 24, 2010

My Previous House
This is my early time of the kid at about 7-12 years of old..at about 1985..that street had be changed/altered from the earlier name of 'Jalan Jahudi' means (Jewish's Road) in Malay..

Whereof, I had been playing with my neighbors at the small field near the cemetery (near the entering gate)..

BTW.. Who is their keepers now?..

Cheers..
— Faizal, July 27, 2010

Jews, Muslims and Christians used to live in harmony for many centuries... all over the world... as this cemetery reflected... but then come the zionist with their ideas of a country called Israel.. that's why many Jerusalem jews opposed zionist....
— malaysian, June 4, 2010

Treat All Souls With Honour
Treat All Deaths, Souls With Honor! Let Right Be Done!
— Choosen1, November 2, 2009

I went here yesterday (10/6/2009) and the caretaker let me in. The current caretaker is Raju (Tamil). I think Fatima was his mother and passed away. The place is in good condition.
— graeme, June 10, 2009

Great pictures, thanks loads for sharing! I've visited Penang many times but have somehow missed this interesting place, what a shame. And a reason to go back! ;)
— Skia, May 8, 2009

Shalom, As a Peranakan Catholic also from this beloved island nation of Penang, I deem that the Jewish should have their rights in this island. I also deem that modern Malaysians to think openly as even Indonesian Muslims befriends Israel. -Peace-
— Adam C, August 26, 2008

After a brief search, I did find out that there was a synagogue on the island and it was only closed into 60's. That's interesting! Penang is indeed diverse in culture!

Shalom.
— Benjamin, July 15, 2008

It is indeed surprising for me to learn that there is a Jewish settlement (there must be one since there is a Jewish cemetry) in Penang. I'd really like to learn of their life here in the Malay Peninsula, and what the society was like back then with the presence of Jews on the island. Anyone knows if there was a synagogue on the island, its location, and whether it's still there?

Shalom. May peace come to Earth and live among all peoples!
— Benjamin, July 15, 2008

watch out for dog
Sept 21 2007

There is a family living on the grounds. They own a guard dog. The cemetery is fenced off, ask to be let in, they will keep the dog away from you, do not enter unannounced. Do not try to play with or get dogs attention it is a biter. The dog did not bother me the family members shushed it away.

One of the family members gave me a little tour of cemetery. I gave him 5 ringits tip, he seemed happy with that ammount.
— Frank, September 21, 2007

i know there is a Jewish Cemetery in Penang.But I doubt whether there is any Jew who holds Malaysian citizenship.May be Mr.Charles Ephraim?
— sulaiman hashim, November 22, 2005

Triangular style
The idea that triangle style is a male's tombstone is negated by photo number 6, (2nd row, first photograph)which is the burial site of a woman named Ruchamah.

Thanks for the site though, I found it quite fascinating.
— David Korn, October 23, 2005

Fullbright Scholar, Taiwan, 1989-91
Shalom. I visited this cemetery in January 1990 when I was traveling through East Asia. The guidebook stated that the cemetery was on "Yahud Street," which means "Jewish Street," but the street sign said, "English Street." The cemetery was known to locals as the "English cemetery," but there were very few English letters on the gravestones and lots of Hebrew letters. I was glad to see that this cemetery had been preserved by the Malaysian government. In today's negative political climate, it's good to reflect upon an era in which Jews and Moslems lived and worked together for long periods of time.
— Cherie Sue Lewis, October 21, 2005

I asked a colleague from Israel to translate the inscription on the tombstone in photo #5. It basically says that the grave belongs to a Ryma Bat Rahel. She was 80 when she died, in the year 1913.
— nor hashim, November 20, 2004

Thanks for sharing Forest. I found the cemetery my 2nd time in penang.... it is very unique.... I must go back ;o)
— Lorraine Brecht, October 25, 2004

I have been hearing about it since I was a kid but have no idea where is it. Well now I know.
— Turbo Snail, October 15, 2004

New to me...
Surprise to find out that there is a jewish cemetery in Georgetown. Really unique, which should be hard to find in typical muslim country I think. Thanks for sharin.
— Ooi Ping Chuin, September 26, 2004

Honor in peace
It is nice to know that the chosen people are burried world wide. It tends to lend solace to a tepid world. These people are so creative. Sometime I think they are the world's only prayer to peace.
— Monte Petersen, September 25, 2004

The cemetery looks well taken care off.. at least better than the heritage cemetery where Francis Light were burried. Interesting shapes of all thoese tombs. Regards, Erina
— The Explorers, September 25, 2004

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