Analysis
Quick burials are not queue-jumping
The Jewish community is not asking for preferential treatment, says Daniel Sugarman
January 18, 2018 16:15
1 min read
The Jewish community is not asking for preferential treatment, says Daniel Sugarman
January 18, 2018 16:15As British citizens, we pride ourselves on our calmness in the face of trying circumstances.
But there is one scenario that is guaranteed to enflame even the most mild-mannered of us — the idea of someone jumping the queue.
Over the past few weeks, the JC has devoted much space to the story of Mary Hassell, the senior coroner at the St Pancras court in London, whose jurisdiction covers a significant section of the capital’s Jewish community.
She has told Jewish communal representatives that “no death will be prioritised in any way over any other because of the religion of the deceased or family”. Her policy, she says, is to follow the “cab rank rule” — everybody waits in line.
As a proud Brit, it is easy to find oneself nodding in agreement. Queue-jumping offends our sense of fair play. As in life, surely in death, the policy should be ‘first come, first served’?
But the Jewish community is not asking for preferential treatment. Rather, it is asking for an expedited burial service to be made available to all who want it.
Many families prefer to wait for a few days before burying a loved one. It gives time for everyone to gather together for the funeral or cremation. By contrast, Jewish (and Islamic) law stresses that the dead need to be buried as quickly as possible.
However, the Orthodox Adath Yisroel Burial Society (AYBS), which has lodged a complaint against Ms Hassell, has said the service they are requesting should be open to everyone.
Any family, from whatever background should be able to request a quick release of a relative’s body.
The coroner would be offering a speedier service to those who want it, and a regular service to those who prefer to take their time. This seems eminently fair.
No other senior coroner in the UK has a problem with Jewish burial requirements.
Ms Hassell should take note — when you are this out of step, it is time to rethink your position.
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