Hebron's Stories
If a story is important, then it must be told. We can portray dreams of what the future may hold, or allow introspection on what has occurred in the past. A story is a narrative that can relay lessons and warnings. A story can teach us about hope and remind us how important and meaningful our lives are. We are unearthing stories about those buried at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
Located on Block 25, Reference 17 is the Freedom Benevolent Society. Initially founded as the Erster Kaiser Franz Josef Kranken Unterstutzungs Verein (First Franz Joseph Sick and Benevolent Society) the Freedom Benevolent Society was founded in 1882 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan by Jewish immigrants from Austria-Hungary. The initial name paid homage to the emperor of Austria-Hungary at the time of the society's founding, before it was renamed in 1940. It is likely that the original members of the organization were from German-speaking communities, given that some early records of the club were written in German. The society was all male. However, it was apparently associated with the Franz Joseph Ladies Sick and Benevolent Society. Less information is known about this society, but it operated at least in the 1930s and 40s. It is likely that the society operated before this, as the earliest death date for a society member buried at Mount Hebron is 1900. The last society member buried in Mount Hebron died in 1991.
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Joseph Edward Bromberg was a Hungarian-born American character actor in motion picture and stage productions dating mostly from the 1930s and 1940s.He was involved with the era of blacklisting actors who were accused of communism. He now rests at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
~Blog Written by Julian Christy
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Samuel Vigoda is generally considered to be one of the last of the star Chazanim of the "Golden Age".Samuel Vigoda lived well into his nineties, and was feted by Chazanim until the very end of his life. He travelled extensively, giving concerts in practically every large city in the United States and Canada. He was a composer, as well as a performer, and left behind some treasured recordings of his remarkable singing.
~Blog Written by Priya Permal
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Fred Lebow was a runner, race director, and founder of the New York City Marathon. When the New York City Marathon began in 1970 it only had 55 finishers. Through his innovation and passion, it became one of the biggest marathons in the world, with a record 52,000 finishers in 2018.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron.
Post Written by Rene Yaroshevsky
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Tuba’s life represented the dynamic nature of the Jewish world in the twentieth century, which saw great changes in the Soviet Union and suffered the Holocaust. As a socialist, Tuba sought to uplift the conditions of the workers at her factory. As a family woman, she supported the growth of the Yaroshevsky and Zisman families with an everlasting love for Galina, Simon, Alex, Richard, Boris, and Evgeny. Her Jewish heritage is honored.
~Blog Written by Rene Yaroshevsky
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In the July of 1949 the names Rebecca and Albert Sebar made headlines because of their heartbreaking story. The Sebar siblings’ parents immigrated from Turkey and resided in the Bronx. Rebecca, just five years old, had been diagnosed with leukemia and needed blood transfusions every day. Her brother Albert, barely an adult at the age of eighteen, would donate blood as often as he could and convinced his friends to donate as well. He would also spend all the money he had on blood for their little girl. When the donations and money depleted, Albert, along with his friend Emanuel Buffa, resorted to crime to save his sister. They were arrested after breaking into a stationary store on March 24th, 1949.
~Blog Written by Elisheva Schuster
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Bertha Kalich was a Ukrainian-Jewish-American actress. Though she was well-established as an entertainer in Eastern Europe, she is best remembered as one of the several "larger-than-life" figures that dominated New York stages during the "Golden Age" of American Yiddish Theatre during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Historians estimate that, during her career, Kalich performed more than 125 different roles in seven different languages.
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Alan King was an American actor and comedian known for his biting wit and often angry humorous rants. King became well known as a Jewish comedian and satirist. He was also a serious actor who appeared in a number of movies and television shows. King wrote several books, produced films, and appeared in plays.
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Walter J Fuchs was an official U.S. Army Photographer and served in the 40th Infantry Division. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
Please join us on a photographic journey of his time during his service.
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The Yiddish Theatrical Alliance and the Yiddish Artists & Friends- Actors Club invite you and all lovers of Yiddish theater,music and song to join us at our annual memorial ceremony at the Mount Hebron Cemetery, Flushing,NY on Sunday,September 11, 2022 at 12 noon (rain or shine). We will gather on the grounds of the Yiddish Theatrical Alliance,Block 67. The vast majority of the actors,composers, orchestra leaders,musicians and all other theater family of the Yiddish stage are interred on these grounds.
Cantor Moishe Bear will officiate.
Joining us will be one of the most popular klezmer clarinetests,composers and Yiddish theater musical stars, ZISL SLEPOVITCH, who will dedicate a musical tribute to the luminaries of the Yiddish stage.
We are offering free round trip bus transportation from Manhattan to those interested.The bus will depart at 11 AM sharp from the Hebrew Actors Union building, 31 East 7th Street (betw.2nd & 3rd Ave.) NYC Bus reservations must be made in advance as there is limited seating. Call (917) 376-4969 and leave your name and contact number.
ALL LOVERS OF YIDDISH THEATER ARE INVITED.
Zayt gezunt,
Corey (Gedalye) Breier
- Published: Friday, September 2, 2022
- Category: News
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Julius "Julie" Schwartz was a comic book editor, and a science fiction agent and prominent fan. He was born in The Bronx, New York. He is best known as a longtime editor at DC Comics, where at various times he was primary editor over the company's flagship superheroes, Superman and Batman. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
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Meyer “Meir” Posner (November 6, 1890 – February 8, 1931) was a music director, conductor, composer, choral director, and educator. Posner was a man of many titles. He started young, learned efficiently, and went on to plant his legacy. He lived a young yet fulfilling life.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
Max Warmbrand, who advocated fruits, vegetables, sun and exercise in his books and lectures on nutrition was a major force in the medical world with his insights on good health discovered through his own ailments.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemey
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The history of Freemasons is global and well known. However, the role of Jewish people in this fraternal organization has a long standing tradition. Please come with us on a journey through our world, national and cemetery history at Mount Hebron.
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Despite all the evil and hatred she faced, Frances Irwin never lost her faith in humanity. In fact, she chose to focus on the good that she could find in her others. Additionally, she heeded her father’s advice and was a good, caring person. Her extraordinary life, as a survivor, educator, and philanthropist and is one that everyone can be inspired by.
- Published: Friday, July 29, 2022
- Category: Survivors
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We implore you to read the story of how the law intermingled with the criminal elements in New York as a true testament to the solidarity of the Jewish people during this horrific time in history.
May the memory of Judge Nathan Perlman not only be one of law and order but also of perseverance against Nazi forces attempting to infiltrate their sick ideology into our great city.
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Corporal Cassrell Freidberg was a World War II Army Veteran who also served in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He was in Company D, 2nd Battalion.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery. May his service and legacy be a blessing to us all.
Slideshow
Milton Sachs was a Bronx native who attended medical school and served in the Army Medical Corps during WWII. His legacy is blessing to our country, his family and our community here at Mount Hebron.
~Blog Written by Michael Ackermann
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Seymour Rexite, also known as Seymour Rechtzeit (Jan 18, 1910, OR 1911 – Oct 14, 2002), was a Polish American actor, singer, and pioneer of the American Yiddish Theater. He began as a child singing wunderkind, dazzling everyone who heard him perform. He starred and performed on radio shows for several decades throughout his career, served on Yiddish airwaves, and even sang for President Calvin Coolidge. Rexite's passion, talent, and ability to reinvent himself led to a legendary career spanning several decades.
~Blog Written by Brandon Castro
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We implore you to discover more about the tragic and mysterious passing of David Traub, an Army veteran who as killed at the age of 21. May his memory and life be a blessing to all.
~Blog Written by Michael Ackermann
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Jeanne Manford made waves in our community after the assault of her son. She founded PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to fight for the safety and respect for those who are part of the LGBTQ community. May her memory be a treasured blessing to all and may her fight continue to inspire others.
~Blog Written by Elisheva Schuster
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Herman Wohl (September 1, 1876 - October 10, 1936) was a prolific Jewish-American composer, director, and songwriter celebrated for his prominence during the early stages of American Yiddish Theater. His work made many people recognize Yiddish Theater. His career followed the rising trends of American Yiddish Theater in the early twentieth century. His life's work continues to influence many future actors and musicians.
~Blog Written by Brandon Castro
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Marvin Weiss was an electrician in the Coast Guard on the USS Northland, which was later named "The Jewish State" or " Medinat Yehudim" in Hebrew. His amazing legacy was shared in his words from his family. We thank the Weiss family very much for sharing a his story of bravery and resilience. His memory is a blessing to all.
~Blog Written by Michael Ackermann
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Without knowing its name, you have probably heard of the infamous Willowbrook State School.
Renee Meckler, the daughter of Ethel Meckler, was both mentally disabled and physically handicapped. She resided at Willowbrook State School until her death due to strangulation on June 21, 1965.
~Blog Written by Maya Mehrara
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Michael Rabin (May 2, 1936 - Jan 19, 1972) was an American classical violinist renowned and remembered for his talent and his tragic and inspiring story. Rabin was a marvel at the violin from a very young age. He dedicated much of his life to get better at his craft. But, unfortunately, his rising stardom, fame, and lifestyle clashed with his waning health.
~Blog Written by Brandon Castro
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William Irving Sirovich was an American politician from New York. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
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Sergei Dovlatov wasa leading Soviet emigre writer noted for the laconic irony and graceful irreverence of his stories about his homeland. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron.
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Charles Pores was the King of Long Distance Running and won the 5 Mile Title three times during WWI. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
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Fred Lebow was a runner, race director, and founder of the New York City Marathon. When the New York CIty Marathon began in 1970 it only had 55 finishers. Through his innovation and passion, it became one of the biggest marathons in the world, with a record 52,000 finishers in 2018.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron.
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Yablokoff had a fabled career and life. His performances, songs, and plays influenced many generations, and many are still moved by his work today. His performances to over 180,000 Jewish refugees deserve all the praise and celebration in the world. Yablokoff's story and legacy should be shared and remembered forever.
~Written by Brandon Castro
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In 1941, with the birth of her son Leonard, Nina Eaton found herself propelled into a lifetime of challenge, triumph, uncertainties and opportunities, heartbreak and hope, but mostly of achievement. Through her own experiences she selflessly chose to help others by creating the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
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Alexander Olshanetsky was one of the most prominent and prolific Second Avenue composers and conductors, and one of the musically most sophisticated exemplars of the Yiddish theater.
He now rests with us at Mount Hebron Cemetery.
~Blog Written by Brandon Castro
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Mount Hebron Cemetery, in Flushing, NY is the final resting place for a quarter million extraordinary individuals. The Cemetery is home to over 1,200 societies. Many of these societies were born from emmigration from Eastern Europe to America after World War II. We have several Holocaust Memorial monuments on these grounds that pay tribute and honor to those who lost their lives.
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Victor Huppert was born in Austria and became a Prisoner of War during the Russian Revolution and was released. During the rise of Anti-Semitism in he attended Medical school with the help of a Catholic Priest. He went on to become a doctor in a Russian work camp rather than be sent to Germany and travelled the world to survive the Holocaust.
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Eather Haneman was born in Belchotow, Poland. Her harrowing tale of survival at Auschwitz Concentration Camp during World War II and liberation is a tribute to the triumphant human spirit.
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Raphael Lemkin was the man behind the first UN human rights treaty, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
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Joseph Rumshinsky was a Jewish conductor, lyricist, director, and composer. Rumshinsky is celebrated among the greatest American Yiddish musical composers, even being considered one of the Big Four composers of his period. He transformed Yiddish theater, made it a part of his life, and took it with him.
~Blog Written by Brandon Castro
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Alfred Eisenstaedt was a German-born American photographer and photojournalist. He began his career in Germany prior to World War II but achieved prominence as a staff photographer for Life magazine after moving to the U.S.
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Jeanne Sobelson Manford was an American schoolteacher and activist. She co-founded the support group organization, PFLAG, for which she was awarded the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal.
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Leon Solomon Moisseiff was a leading suspension bridge engineer in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. He was awarded The Franklin Institute's Louis E. Levy Medal in 1933.
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Please read this beautifully written editorial from Hannah Berman, an intern who researched veterans. She shares the unique experience of studying veterans through the lens of a religious upbringing.
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The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men. ~Minot J. Savage
Tribute video created by lead Veteran researcher, Michael Ackermann.
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Gotfryd was a Holocaust survivor. The Germans overran his Polish hometown of Radom days after World War II started. As a photo lab apprentice he photographed the atrocities of the Nazi's. He survived six concentration camps. He then immigrated to America and joined the Army as a photojournalist. His stone reads, "I could not remain silent".
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As his inscription reads, "I did my best.".
Hyman Matza selflessly and humbly helped to liberate the prisoners of Dachau concentration camp during WWII.
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Albert Boyars was a Navy Veteran who became a New York Philanthropist. He lived his life helping those in need only to lose his life for his humane causes.
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The Skoblionko Family and Ralph Spievak share not only a beautiful monument but also a tragic tale from 1925.
Blog written by Wilhelmine Coste.
Category:
News
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On November 19, 1984, the world gained an angel, even if only for twenty-two years. Stephen, known as Stefan, Adelipour was a bright light whose ambition could not be diminished. A friend to all who were lucky enough to meet him in the hallways or on the streets, Stefan was a truly kind soul. A lover of people and life, he was outgoing and outrageously funny.
Blog written by Maya Mehrera.
Category:
Family Legacy
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Elizabeth Blume Silverstein was the first female to practice law in New Jersey and was an advocate for women's rights. She now rests with us at Mount Hebron.
Category:
Notable
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Abraham "Abe" Landau was the chief henchman for New York gangster Dutch Schultz. Landau was Schultz's most trusted employee, often given tasks that required coolness and cunning rather than gunfire and brutality. It is very likely that he never actually killed anyone during his gang years.
Category:
Famous
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The Sugarman Family monument is a tragic tale of a young Romanian family who settled in the United States. They were tragically killed in a tenement fire.
Blog written by Wilhelmine Coste.
Category:
News
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This blog encompasses the story of a an Persian American family and their ancestors who rest with us at Mount Hebron. It is a touching story written by, our Legacy Project intern, Maya Mehrera about her grandmother's legacy of love and family tradition. .
Category:
Family Legacy
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Solomon Schechter was outstanding authority on the Talmud, and a researcher who discovered important ancient documents. He was also a leader of Conservative Judaism in the United States.
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Rabbi Chaim Noach Brevda was an illustrious and eminent Rabbi in the 20th Century who was also a Holocuast Survivor.
Blog written by Chloe Baker.
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Jack Gilford was an American Broadway, film, and television actor. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Save the Tiger. He now rests with us at Mount Hebron.
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Madeline Lee Gilford was an American film and stage actress and social activist, who later enjoyed a career as a theatrical producer. Gilford was married, secondly, to actor Jack Gilford from 1949 until his death in 1990.
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Menasha Skulnik was an American actor, primarily known for his roles in Yiddish theater in New York City. Skulnik was also popular on radio, playing Uncle David on The Goldbergs for 19 years.
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Temima Gezari was an American artist and art educator. Her life's work in painting and sculpture is presented in the photographic retrospective The Art of Temima Gezari, edited by her son, Daniel Gezari.
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