Punda in Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean — Caribbean (Dutch Caribbean)

Jewish Cemetery Beth Haim at Bleinheim, Curacao

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

1. Jewish Cemetery Beth Haim at Bleinheim, Curacao Marker

Inscription. In 1659, the early Jewish settlers on the island founded a cemetery and gave it the customary Hebrew name of Beth Haim, meaning the 'House of Life'. The name refers to the Jewish belief in the immortality of the soul. Regretfully the fumes from the adjacent refinery have rendered most tombstones illegible.

Photo donated by Henry van der Kwast

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1659.

Location. 12° 6.318′ N, 68° 55.971′ W. Marker is in Willemstad, Curaçao (Curaçao). It is in Punda. It can be reached from Hanchi Snoa. Marker is located in the courtyard of the Mikve Israel - Emanuel Synagogue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Hanchi Snoa 8a, Willemstad, Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is one of the Lesser Antilles

on the Caribbean Sea,

in in the Atlantic Ocean,

and in North America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Beth Haim Berg Altena (here, next to this marker); Historical centuries old Mikvah (here, next to this marker); Timeline (here, next to this marker); Royal Visit Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Mikve Israel - Emanuel (a few steps from this marker); Mr. Dr. Moises Frumencio Da Costa Gomez (about 120 meters away, measured

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in a direct line); This sculpture is called Chichi® (about 120 meters away); Wilhelmina (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willemstad.

Also see . . . Curacao Cemetery: Beth Heim - Blenheim.

Beit Heim is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the Western Hemisphere, and is located on the grounds of the Isla oil refinery. Unfortunately, the air polution from the refinery has essentially eroded all the legends from the stones.

(Submitted on February 10, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Jewish Cemetery Beth Haim at Bleinheim, Curacao Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Pete Skillman, February 25, 2025

2. Jewish Cemetery Beth Haim at Bleinheim, Curacao Marker - wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware. This page has been viewed 48 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 10, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.