by KYW's Steve Tawa
West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. is setting aside a tract of land that will include a Jewish burial area.
The historic 187-acre cemetery, which conducted its first burial in 1870, has never had a religious affiliation. Pete Hoskins, CEO of West Laurel Hill, says it's a true non-denominational cemetery.
And with its Quaker roots, he says, the environment is welcoming to all:
"We're here, right off Belmont Avenue, a very prominent location in Bala Cynwyd. It's very much at the heart of our cemetery."
After discussions with Lower Merion Synagogue, Hoskins says, West Laurel Hill agreed to create the Jewish section, in part to address the needs of Jewish families who emigrated from the city to the Main Line and other western suburbs over the years.
The Jewish site will accommodate 1,500 burial spaces, including a significant portion for Orthodox, traditionally among the strictest of Jewish denominations.
(Photos by KYW's Steve Tawa)
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