Jerusalem Pizza, a Highland Park institution, closed by fire
HIGHLAND PARK – Jerusalem Pizza, a community staple for more than 30 years, suffered devastating fire damage Tuesday night, closing the restaurant.
The three-alarm blaze, which began around 11 p.m. in the apartments above the restaurant at 230 Raritan Ave., was brought under control in about five hours, authorities said. The second floor of the building collapsed.
Borough police officers encountered heavy smoke and fire upon their arrival, and one resident was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for smoke inhalation, said Police Chief Rick Abrams. There were no injuries to police officers or firefighters., Abrams said, and about 10 residents were displaced.
“Jerusalem Pizza has been a mainstay of our Main Street for as long as I can remember, so I am torn apart to see them suffer this setback,” said Mayor Elsie Foster. “I hope to see them recover from this loss and return to serve the community that so evidently treasures them.”
The Kosher dairy restaurant, known for its generous portions and cafeteria style, offers Jewish, Israeli, Middle Eastern and Italian hot and cold dishes, as well as sushi, vegetarian meals and salads in an ever-changing menu.
The Kosher Chinese restaurant next door, China Lee, was also impacted by the fire, according to Vaad Harabonim of Raritan Valley, a communal Rabbinic organization which provides a variety of services to the local Jewish community including supervising local Kosher establishments.
Both restaurants, owned by Shalom and Yardena Cohen, are closed for the foreseeable future.
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Jerusalem Pizza was called “a local institution" by several people on social media who expressed their sorrow about the fire.
"Jerusalem Pizza is a highly respected institution in the community," wrote Joseph Abeles on Facebook. "I trust no one was hurt. This is a terrible misfortune. May it rise like the phoenix from these ashes."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective G. Palumbo at 732-572-3800, ext. 4264 or Gpalumbo@hpboro.com.
The fire does not appear suspicious, according to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s office which is leading the investigation.
In addition to Highland Park police and fire, responding agencies included the East Brunswick, North Stelton, New Brunswick, Edison, South Plainfield, Middlesex Borough and North Brunswick fire departments. The Highland Park Office of Emergency Management was on scene assisting displaced tenants.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Jerusalem Pizza in Highland Park NJ temporarily closed by fire
