The Hebrew Free Burial Association has played a crucial role in New York City for over a century, ensuring that Jewish individuals who die alone, without family, or without financial means receive a dignified burial. Founded in 1888, the organization operates two cemeteries on Staten Island, serving as the final resting place for thousands, including victims of historic tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and prominent members of the Jewish community.

Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to identify Jewish individuals among the city's unclaimed bodies, sometimes intervening before they are sent to mass graves or cremated. The burial process follows Jewish traditions, including ritual washing and silent ceremonies performed by the burial society. Over the years, the association has also led efforts to mark previously unmarked graves, ensuring that every individual is remembered.

The demographics of those served have evolved, now including many from Russian-speaking communities, but the mission remains unchanged. The organization relies on donations and grants to continue its work, with each burial costing thousands of dollars. Despite challenges, the Hebrew Free Burial Association persists in its commitment to providing true kindness to the city's lost and forgotten, honoring both the named and unnamed dead.