One of the most prominent members of the local Jewish community has congratulated Maitland City Council on a plan to care for one of the state’s most historic cemeteries.
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Joe Eisenberg counted among the Friends of Maitland Jewish Cemetery, was at Tuesday night’s council meeting when the plan was adopted.
“It’s an absolute knockout,” Mr Eisenberg, Maitland Regional Art Gallery cultural director, said.
The Friends have been central to preservation works and documenting the history of the old burial ground.
Their work uncovered photographs of the Louth Park site from the turn of the last century, depicting a white picket fence that council plans to reinstate.
Part of council’s resolution was to get the cemetery on the state heritage register that would make it eligible for government funds. Council also resolved to investigate potential names for the lane between Louth Park Road and the cemetery.
“I would like to get the community involved,” Cr Arch Humphery said.
Mr Eisenberg said there was one Jewish family synonymous with Maitland’s history and a good fit, he felt, for the lane name.
“In terms of a name, Cohen is one that really leaps to mind,” he said.