Beth Haim was established in the 17th century and is not only the oldest Jewish cemetery on Curacao but is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The cemetery was consecrated in 1659. The oldest tombstone dates from 1668.

The cemetery contains 2500 graves and many of these have been adorned with beautiful sculptures. Mortality among women in childbirth was frequent. On the tomb of Rachel, wife of Yitzhak Pereira, the father is shown handing over the newborn child to another woman before the dead mother. Approximately one hundred, of the 2,500, 17th and 18th centuries, are still somewhat visible and readable today. Replicas of some of the elaborate tombstones can be seen at the entrance to the Curacao Jewish Museum located adjacent to Mikve Israel-Emanuel Sunangoue in Punda.

Unfortunately the oil refinery which was build nearby has deteriorated many of the old stones. The last burials held in this cemetery were in the 1950s.

The sign on the gate says:

For guided or non-guided GROUP Tours to
the Casa de Los Rodeos exposition and
the Beth Haim Cemetery (min 10 persons),
please call 465-4141/461-1067.
__________________________________

For SCHEDULED guided tours
on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
Please call 737-6637. (Tour only takes place
when at least 10 persons sign up for this tour)

Beth Haim was established in the 17th century and is not only the oldest Jewish cemetery on Curacao but is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. The cemetery was consecrated in 1659. The oldest tombstone dates from 1668.

The cemetery contains 2500 graves and many of these have been adorned with beautiful sculptures. Mortality among women in childbirth was frequent. On the tomb of Rachel, wife of Yitzhak Pereira, the father is shown handing over the newborn child to another woman before the dead mother. Approximately one hundred, of the 2,500, 17th and 18th centuries, are still somewhat visible and readable today. Replicas of some of the elaborate tombstones can be seen at the entrance to the Curacao Jewish Museum located adjacent to Mikve Israel-Emanuel Sunangoue in Punda.

Unfortunately the oil refinery which was build nearby has deteriorated many of the old stones. The last burials held in this cemetery were in the 1950s.

The sign on the gate says:

For guided or non-guided GROUP Tours to
the Casa de Los Rodeos exposition and
the Beth Haim Cemetery (min 10 persons),
please call 465-4141/461-1067.
__________________________________

For SCHEDULED guided tours
on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
Please call 737-6637. (Tour only takes place
when at least 10 persons sign up for this tour)