Penang Jewish Cemetery

About

The Penang Jewish Cemetery, tucked away on a Georgetown side street, is the oldest in Southeast Asia, dating back to 1835. Upon passing through the gate (just knock or yell for the proprietor if you find it locked - he’ll be happy to give you a tour), visitors find rows of rounded or triangular tombs that are seemingly unmarked. However, on the side farthest away from the entrance, small alcoves bear inscriptions. The most recent addition to the cemetery was made in 2011. Penang’s Jewish community had been declining for decades, with the only Jewish synagogue closing in 1976. Even the cemetery’s street was renamed from ‘Jewish Road’ to Jalan Zainal Abidin. Today, this quiet corner is the last remnant of the community.