A Penang Kaddish : The Jewish Cemetery In Georgetown :A case study of the Jewish Diaspora in Penang (1830s-1970s). / The story of the Jewish community in Penang has hitherto remained hidden within the
footnotes of local history, known only to the few who have been acquainted with its past. Though
it has warranted occasional curious mention in the contemporary press, little effort has been made
to conduct a comprehensive study on the establishment, growth and subsequent migration of the
former Jewish community in Penang. This brief paper will merely provide a preliminary
discussion on the subject, via a survey of an important historical landmark relating to their past,
namely the Jewish Cemetery on Jalan Zainal Abidin (Jahudi Road). But it is hoped that by
evaluating its history within the shared context of Penang's historical environment, due attention
may be drawn to preserve and protect this site as a tangible reminder of Penang’s rich communal
identity and unique cultural diversity.
