Greenock author Viki McDonnell inspires cemetery restoration

Campaigner and Friends of Israel leader Sammy Stein welcomed the work of Viki McDonnell in retracing the roots of the community who arrived in the late 19th century and then disappeared by 1945.

It was her study which inspired him to act after learning more about his people buried in Greenock Cemetery, one of whom is the father of world famous virtuoso Henry Tiemianka.

The Tele reported earlier this year that Jewish leader Sammy has spent the last six years of his life raising £7,500 to repair damage to the headstones and the site where 16 souls were laid to rest.

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Now a re-dedication service - with families of those buried there in attendance - is set to take place in the cemetery to honour those who came to escape persecution and build a new life.

And Viki is also set to update her book in honour of the most recent developments.

Determined Sammy, 76, said: "I had no idea there had been a Jewish community in Greenock. When it was mentioned to me there were graves in the cemetery I went looking. Then I found out about Viki's book and it helped so much.

"I have managed to find many of the families and some of them will be at the service and have contributed to the restoration. There are relatives in Glasgow, London and Israel.

"I think it is so important that we pay respect and recognise part of our history."

Viki herself has formed close links with the Jewish community in the Garnethill Synagogue where the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre is housed.

She said: "It all started because I was in a charity shop in Greenock and I bought what I thought was a candelabra centrepiece and it turned out it was a Jewish menorah. I wondered why that would be in Greenock.

"So I set about to find out more. I am now looking forward to updating my book in time for the rededication. 

"Without Sammy's determination the restoration would never have happened."

READ MORE: Historic Jewish corner of Greenock Cemetery to be restored

After painstaking research Viki had accounted for the 100 or so people who had been part of the Jewish community, many of them leaving a lasting legacy.

Her book included Reverend Israel Isak Tiemianka, born in a Jewish ghetto of Ozorkow in 1880 and travelled to London where with his baritone voice he found employment as a cantor.

He ended up in Greenock where he lived in Rue End Street, just a stone's throw from Shepherd's Hall in Cathcart Street. It served as a synagogue and he was the first minister (not a rabbi).

In 1906 Israel successfully negotiated with the council for a strip of land to be allocated in the cemetery for Jewish burials.

From 1908 to 1945 there were 16 buried in the small section.

Israel's son Henri later emigrated to America where he became a world famous conductor and musician.

His family recently donated a bust in his memory and made a donation to the Watt Institute in his name.

Many of those who arrived in Greenock in the late 19th century had originally come to other big cities fleeing the pogroms in Russia.

Viki added: "They were very much economic migrants to Greenock and made a real contribution to the town."

The community settled in Greenock for a number of years, becoming successful in business and trade, before moving on.

We recently visited the cemetery where the restoration work is nearly complete.

Jewish leader Sammy has been working with Inverclyde Council and In-work, based at Inverclyde Association of Mental Health, who have being completing the ground works.

He also thanked Inverclyde Council burial grounds supervisor Stephen Fulton and Councillor Francesca Brennan for their support

In-work manager Fraser McGowan was proud to be involved.

He added: "It is great to see the restoration work nearing completition."

The re-dedication service will take place on Sunday July 16 with the Chief Rabbi for Scotland in attendance and Provost Drew McKenzie will host a reception.