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Burial and Mourning

Bringing a body from overseas

Bituach Leumi (Israel's National Insurance) covers much of the cost of burials in Israel for Israeli resident citizens, even if they die abroad.  The technical/logistic arrangements for such a funeral, however, must be made by the family. If, for example, an Israeli (who is covered by Bituach Leumi) dies while visiting a foreign country, it is the family that must initiate the arrangements for the funeral in Israel.  The family should contact the chevra kadisha and Israeli consulate/embassy nearest the place of death.  The local chevra kadisha can care for the body and do the tahara when appropriate.  They and/or the consulate staff should also know how to arrange flights to Israel. The family must also contact the chevra kadisha in Israel that will supervise the burial here, in order to reserve a plot and time for the funeral, and to request that they receive and transport the body after it arrives at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. Depending on the country in which the death took place, the Israeli chevra kadisha may also have to send a fax informing the foreign authorities that they accept responsibility for the burial. 

Once the body arrives at Ben Gurion airport, it is taken to the "Maman" building a few kilometers south of the main terminal.  After family members disembark through the normal arrivals hall at Ben Gurion, they may go to the Maman building to be with the coffin. Assuming the chevra kadisha in Israel was already asked to receive the body (see above), they will arrange for transport of the body from the airport.  (The cost of this transport may not be included in the regular fee paid to the chevra kadisha, and the family should clarify whether or not they must be prepared to pay it.)  Once the deceased has arrived at the cemetery, the chevra kadisha performs the burial.  [Please note: It is the responisbility of the family to arrange their own travel from the arrivals hall to the "Maman" building, and/or to the place of burial.]


Contact Information Overseas:

Maalin b’Kodesh
Mordechai
3803 14th
Brooklyn, NY
718-435-6100
Har Hamenuhot - $7,250
Har Hazetim - $8,250
Eretz HaChayim - $5,700
 
Orthodox Union Contract Parkside
877-LEVAYA-OU (877-538-2926)

For private burial in Israel (Eretz HaChayim Cemetery outside of Bet Shemesh): Ma'lin bakodesh society:718 437 2200. (In Israel, Rabbi Yitzchak Froehlich: 0505322030.)
 
For burial in Jerusalem Municipal Cemetery (Har Hamenuchot)
Levi Yitzchak Freidman  212 677 1333.  (In Israel Uri Miller 0528697666)

In the UK, try contacting Shamshi Moses. You can reach him at 208 958 0808 or on his cell phone at 781 -379-2364

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