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TOMBSTONES USED TO PROP-UP GOLF COURSE WERE DONATED

The partially engraved Jewish tombstones used to shore up a Long Island golf course were donated by two former members roughly 50 years ago, according to the facility’s president.

The Woodmere Club investigated the origin of the stones — several of which bear full names — after members raised concerns stemming from a report in today’s Post on the macabre markers yesterday.

In an e-mail sent to members this afternoon, President Norman Raber stated that an “internal investigation” revealed that the markers were “flawed and excess” granite stones used to protect the course’s 17th hole against the waters of Reynolds Channel.

The unnamed, now deceased pair who donated the stones operated either a graveyard or a monument company, according to golf course superintendent Don Mollitor.

“There were some concerns from members,” he said. “They wanted to know where these stones came from.” Mollitor said that the markers, none of which bear birth and death dates, were not used at cemeteries.

One of the pillars bears a Star of David while others are engraved with names including Hyman Friedman and Ira Feinberg.

Rabbi Heshy Blumstein of the Young Israel of Hewlett synagogue said that there is no inherent sanctity in a gravestone. “There is definitely insensitivity involved, but in terms of Jewish law I don’t see it as a problem.”

Because the stones are located at the club’s fringes, members have been unaware of their decades long existence. “It’s a disturbing find,” said one longtime member. “I think people are sort of unsure what to make of it. It’s uncomfortable.”