First burial takes place at Bushey New Cemetery

Eli Benson, former Vice President of Magen David Adom UK, was buried at the £8m cemetery, which was opened by the Chief Rabbi in May

The United Synagogue’s Bushey New Cemetery held its first burial, when Eli Benson, the former Vice President of Magen David Adom UK and member of Hendon United Synagogue, was laid to rest.

The burial follows the cemetery’s consecration in May, which was led by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Dayan Menachem Gelley, Head of the London Beth Din.

Developed over many years, and part of the ongoing process for The US of enlarging cemeteries, Melvyn Hartog, Head of US Burial, said: “This is a significant moment for the US as we strive to ensure we care not only for our members who have passed away but also for those they leave behind.

“We are pleased that our investment in Jewish communal infrastructure has resulted in the provision of Bushey New Cemetery and hope the detailed thought that went into its design, will ensure a dignified and meaningful experience for all mourners.”

Designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects, with engineers Elliott Wood and landscape architects J & L Gibbons, the funerary buildings of the cemetery have been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Stirling Prize for the UK’s best new building. The winner will be chosen from a shortlist of six in October.