We started out today by going to the Holocaust museum, other known as Yad Vashem. Yad Vashem was built in 1953 to commemorate those who perished in the Holocaust. As we pulled up, we were astonished by the beautiful building and view. The view was very special to our class because we will always remember all the tragic deaths, and also how far us Jews have come by creating the Jewish state. We heard stories about famo
us heroes such as Felix Zandman, a Polish born Holocaust survivor. He, unfortunately was the only one in his ghetto house that survived. In a sculpture which represents the story, it showed the horrors he and his family faced in WWII.
Next, we went to a memorial for the children who died in the Holocaust. Outside there were stone figures representing the class picture these children never got to take. It was a room with five candles and mirrors surrounding them. symbolizing how the souls of the perished live forever. Last, we went to a children’s memorial. The children’s memorial was generously donated by Abe and Edita Spiegel, whose son Uziel was murdered in Auschwitz at the age of two and a half. This memorials showed how young some where and how their life had been cut way to short.
What a moving experience. It reminded me that one of my graduate school professors, Jan Karski, is a non-Jewish hero who is honored at Yad Vashem. Professor Karski was a member of the Polish underground who was captured by both the Nazis and the Russians during World War II. He eventually made it to America, where he briefed President Franklin Roosevelt on the persecution of Jews throughout Europe. Thank you for reminding me about Professor Karski’s solidarity with the Jewish people and his sacrifices on their behalf.
Thank you for sharing this as well as all the other wonderful reflections. I am glad you were able to visit Yad Vashem and the Children’s Memorial to bear witness to the horrible acts perpetrated by the Nazis and collaborators. I hope you remember what you see and learn to help ensure this never happens again—to the Jews or any other group. Continue to enjoy your experiences in Israel. ( Sidra’s Eema).
Remember this experience when you are in HS, college and beyond. Always stand up and defend the rights of others, no matter what!