The Holocaust Memorial: Love & Anguish in Miami Beach
When you hear the destination Miami Beach, what do you think of? If you’re like me, you probably think about sun and sand, the beaches and swimming pools, lazy days and wild parties at night, and a pretty laid back, carefree attitude. You aren’t far wrong if that’s what comes to mind.
Situated among all the frivolity, however, is the Holocaust Memorial, a dramatic tribute to the six million Jewish Victims of World War II. The site was designed by architect and sculptor Kenneth Treister, who was charged with interpreting the events of the Holocaust into a memorial that would honor the dead, comfort the survivors, and inform the world of this dark period of history.
The Memorial opened to the public in February 1990, with a dedication by Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel.
It is hard to explain how something that is so very painful, can also be so very beautiful, but that is an apt description. Constructed with contrasting elements of Jerusalem stone and black granite, and then set in the still waters of a reflecting pool, the site is one of those places that may just be everything to everyone.
On one of the granite wall panels is the history of the Holocaust, from 193
3-1945, along with pictorial depictions of events and experiences from that time. Other panels have become a Memorial Wall, with the names of victims inscribed in it, much like the Vietnam Memorial. How very sad to see the names of entire families that were lost.
By far the most dramatic presentation of the Memorial is a 42-foot high bronze arm and hand, looking like it is coming out of the earth and grasping toward the sky. Close to 100 figures, in different family groupings, are struggling to climb up the arm, symbolizing the pain and despair of a man-made hell. The hand at the top of the arm bears an identification number.
Although the immense tragedy and pain of the Holocaust can never be summed up in such a simple statement, I’d like to think that out of all evil shall come good, and that the Memorial provides visitors with a way out of their pain.
Location: 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach (Meridian Avenue & Dade Blvd)
Hours: 9 am-9 pm Daily.
Admission: There is no admission charge; donations gratefully accepted.
Photo credit: flickr
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4 opinions for The Holocaust Memorial: Love & Anguish in Miami Beach
Pinoy
Jan 12, 2007 at 4:05 am
I love that photo!
Mary Jo Manzanares
Jan 13, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Hi Pinoy,
Thanks for stopping by.
The Holocaust Memorial was a moving experience, and this photo captures the power and pain of the exhibit.
jon
Apr 23, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Hey I was looking for this picture and where it was i found it pretty interesting that it was at Miami Beach, do think you could refer to a site that has bigger image of it? thanks.
Mary Jo Manzanares
Apr 26, 2008 at 8:21 am
I would recommend taking a look at the Memorial’s site. They may have what you are looking for there.
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