Yom Hashoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, began last night.
In my small town the main commemoration began in the basketball hall.
It was packed; everybody showed up; some had to sit on the stairs or the floor or to stand.
Seven plain white silhouette human figures were evident in the background.
The message written on the wall was our imperative to somehow draw out the lines of their faces, i.e. not to see the victims as "THE six million," but rather as six million individual faces.
And while the presentation went on -- candle lighting by several survivors, prayers, a psalm, songs, a dance, readings -- all the while artistic high school students were indeed sketching in faces and clothing.
See the difference between the first and second photos? Quite amazing, and very moving.
The talented and serious youth were in charge of the commemoration.
What a blessing they are.
In closing we all stood and sang Hatikva, feeling especially grateful to now be living in our own free and strong country.
Let us remember the lost generations in Europe who went before us.
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Poignant and powerful.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law was in a camp, but was the only member of his huge family to survive. My mother in law was in hiding and survived, with two of her 5 siblings. Sadly their parents were all exterminated.
ReplyDeleteBe safe and strong!
What a beautifully done memorial, Dina. I can see how moving it was.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and moving photos. The world must never forget, sadly a lot is going in this era now , and it makes you wonder if mankind can ever get along with each other.
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