Special service in Greenock Cemetery for Jewish restoration

In an historic occasion Scotland's most senior Rabbi Moshe Reuben led the re-dedication service paying homage to those long buried in the Greenock Cemetery including the father of world famous virtuoso Henry Tiemianka.

On the day Provost Drew McKenzie and Inverclyde Council extended the hand of friendship to Glasgow-based community leader Sammy Stein, who devoted the last five years of his life fundraising to restore the Jewish section, and descendants who came from all over the country.

The Tele had reported work was getting carried out on the section after Greenock Councillor Francesca Brennan stepped in to support the project, which celebrates a long forgotten community who made Greenock their home in the early 20th century.

Following the service, conducted in both English and Hebrew, there was a civic reception in the Town Hall.

Councillor Brennan said: "I was so pleased to see Sammy’s hard work come to fruition.

"I felt really proud of our area, especially when Sammy and Rabbi Reuben spoke in celebration of the hard work of Stephen Fulton and his team at the cemetery and also Viki McDonnell’s research that grounded the project.

"Rabbi Reuben talked about how all of us can see something that needs to change and how good things happen when we make a choice to see that change and take action.

"I was delighted to play a small part in bringing people together to celebrate the work that everyone had done.

"It was important for the council to mark the restoration of the Jewish section. Provost McKenzie was a great support in welcoming people to Inverclyde on the day and extending an invitation to the town buildings to mark this special occasion."

"It is now hoped that the connection can continue in future years."

At the re-dedication service Provost McKenzie led a delegation from the local authority, including council leader Stephen McCabe and people involved in the project welcoming senior figures from the Jewish community.

Jewish leader Sammy Stein's work has been closely linked to that of researcher and historian Viki McDonnnell, who wrote a book tracing all those buried in the cemetery between the years 1908 to 1945.

Provost Drew McKenzie, who hosted the event, was aware of the significance of the occasion.

He said: "It was important to celebrate this, it is not only Jewish heritage but it was also about celebrating and recognising our own heritage.

"It was a huge honour to have everyone back at the Municipal Buildings. It is great that we have left a lasting impression of Inverclyde.

"Inverclyde is a welcoming place for people of all traditions. It was a momentous day."

At the service he paid tribute to the impact and legacy of the Jewish community including David Adams, who was the first Jewish councillor in the area who became a bailey. He also said that from those seven gravestones, there are now thousands of descendents who can trace their roots back to Greenock.

Organiser Sammy Stein, who raised around £8,000 himself, was deeply moved by the support of people in Inverclyde.

He then worked closely with Inverclyde Council to get the restoration completed.

Sammy said: "It was very special, we had guests from Manchester and London coming along.

"They were so impressed by the hospitality in Inverclyde.

"Provost McKenzie's words were very poignant. I would like to thank all those involved including Councillor Francesca Brennan and Viki McDonnell.

"I had no idea there was a Jewish burial site in Greenock Cemetery until a chance meeting at a stall I run in Glasgow. From there it has turned into this.

"I am so pleased that the Jewish section is now restored and not forgottten.