**Acacia Cemetery: A Historic Jewish Burial Ground in Ozone Park**
Acacia Cemetery, located in Ozone Park, Queens, is a significant historical landmark and one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in New York City.
Established in 1888, the cemetery’s origins trace back to the Pike Street Synagogue of Manhattan, which no longer exists.
Initially, it was created to serve the growing Jewish population of the area, particularly those seeking burial grounds in accordance with the Rural Cemetery Act of 1847.
The cemetery’s location on approximately 40 acres, situated near the elevated A train tracks, provides a peaceful resting place for approximately 50,000 individuals, including families and communities connected to the area’s Jewish heritage.
Over the years, Acacia Cemetery has faced considerable challenges, including periods of neglect and significant vandalism.
The cemetery’s location made it a target for theft and destruction, particularly during the 20th century.
Incidents such as the breaking of mausoleums, the shattering of windows, and the defacement of walls with graffiti occurred repeatedly.
A notable event in 1981 involved teenagers damaging a coffin at the adjacent Mokom Sholom Cemetery.
In 1983, two men deliberately destroyed stained-glass windows and covered walls with graffiti.
The cemetery's history reflects the broader struggles faced by many older Jewish cemeteries in the city, grappling with issues of preservation and security.
More recently, efforts have been made to restore and protect the cemetery.
A $8 million donation from the Shaare Zedek Synagogue in 2017 began a restoration project, focusing on volunteer efforts to address the ongoing issues of upkeep and preservation.
Despite these efforts, the cemetery’s history remains intertwined with themes of vulnerability and the ongoing importance of safeguarding these historic spaces for the Jewish community.
The cemetery continues to stand as a memorial to the area's Jewish heritage and a testament to the resilience of the community.
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