Willesden Jewish Cemetery Celebrates Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
As the country was celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years’ rule, the United Synagogue’s Willesden Jewish Cemetery had its own special commemoration.
Our active team of volunteers wanted to do something festive and long lasting for this momentous occasion. After a few ideas and deliberations, it was decided to create a commemorative rose garden. Preparations started several weeks before, when a suitable plot was chosen by the main path close to the cemetery’s entrance and the House of Life Visitor Centre. Our volunteer gardeners prepared the ground and planted seven roses, specially chosen for the occasion: four Queen Elizabeth and three Jubilee varieties.
On the first day of the Jubilee celebrations, 2nd June 2022, our volunteers, along with the representatives of the United Synagogue, came together for a ceremony to unveil the commemorative plaque.
It features a quote from the Prayer for the Royal Family: “In her days and in ours, may our Heavenly Father spread the tabernacle of peace over all the dwellers on earth”. Recited every Shabbat and festival morning synagogue service, a prayer for the sovereign has been an established tradition in Judaism, going back to the middle ages. It reflects the appreciation by the British Jewish community of its heritage and its place in the history of this country. This theme was highlighted in the unveiling speech by Gerry Lucas, our volunteer guide and chair of the events subcommittee. He also pointed out that all of those now at rest here in this cemetery were either immigrants themselves or their descendants. He said: “They were able to settle in this country as a safe haven from discrimination and violent persecution in the lands of their birth. As our monarch, we thank Her Majesty wholeheartedly for her steadfast support in welcoming all those who sought refuge on these shores.”
Following the plaque unveiling ceremony, everyone assembled at the Visitor Centre for an informal social event and refreshments.
The Interim Manager of Willesden Jewish Cemetery’s House of LifeHouse , Corinne Van Colle, thanked everyone who contributed to this project, and all the volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to bring its rich heritage to the general public through tours, events, permanent displays, etc.
The celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee became a delightful occasion, which gave our volunteers and representatives of the United Synagogue a chance to meet and reflect on the successes and the future of the House of Life project, and we look forward to firmly putting Willesden Jewish Cemetery on the heritage map.
We hope that with the love and care by our volunteer gardeners, the roses will blossom to join the spectacular flower displays adorning the pathway by the cemetery’s entrance and car park, and will celebrate Her Majesty the Queen for years to come.
