Founded 1614 Phone +31 6 53725335 | Province North Holland | |
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Address Kerkstraat 10, 1191 JB Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Netherlands Burials Samuel Pallache, David Pardo, Gijsbrecht IV of Amstel, Joseph Pardo, Joseph Pallache, Joseph Tehawehron David | ||
The Beth Haim of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Netherlands. It was purchased for use as a burying ground by the Jewish community of Amsterdam in 1614 and is located in the village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, in the countryside near Amsterdam.
In addition to its age, the graveyard is interesting because the tombstones have inscriptions in three languages, Portuguese, Dutch and Hebrew, and because, unusually for a Jewish cemetery, many of the tombstones are carved with elaborate scenes including human figures.
There are two paintings by Jacob van Ruisdael that were inspired by Beth Haim. Although the paintings are usually called in English "The Jewish Cemetery at Ouderkerk", the artist felt free to add picturesque elements, and they therefore do not closely resemble the actual location.
Famous people buried at the Beth Haim include:
The cemetery is open to visitors and is free of charge.