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Budget cuts could imperil Jewish burial

March 26, 2009

NEW YORK (JTA) -- The New York City medical examiner warned that Jewish burial could be threatened by proposed budget cuts. 

Dr. Charles Hirsch told a City Council hearing Wednesday that the $7 million he has been ordered to cut from the medical examiner's budget could hamper efforts to expedite the speedy burials of Jews and Muslims, The Associated Press reported.

Under Jewish custom, burial is supposed to take place as soon as possible after death. Hirsch said the cuts could delay the issuing of deaths certificates, a requirement for burial.  

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