Going to the Holocaust Museum in Israel was definitely a memorable experience. My Israel and Judaism teacher, Ophir Yarden, showed us around the grounds and then let us explore the museum on our own. One thing I love about the Jews: they love scriptures and they love symbolism. The picture above is from the children's memorial at the museum. You walk into a room that is completely dark except for these spots of light surrounding you. They were on all sides including top and bottom. The light came from a few candles in the middle and were reflected by thousands of mirrors. It was supposed to remind the viewer of the promise given to Abraham that his seed shall be as numerous as the stars. It was probably my favorite part.
Before sending us off, Ophir asked how many Jews had died in the Holocaust. Someone quickly answered 6 million. He then asked us to name two. We all stood there in silence. It was a powerful reminder that we can get lost in the numbers and logistics and forget about the people. To the Israelis these were their ancestors. Most, if not all, had at least one relative who died.
This was very evident in the way the museum was set up. Every room was filled with personal stories. Every artifact had the story attached. I tried to think back on my experience in the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. in 7th grade. I remembered the pit of shoes and the metal faces reminding us of the mass graves. I remember the model showing the mass number of people in the concentration camps. But my favorite part was the tower of pictures. There is something about remembering the individual that makes you realize the atrocity of this event. I was grateful that I could go and see the Jews story presented in the way they would have it.
That same week we got to hear from a local Holocaust survivor, Elias Feinzilberg. He was the sweetest old man who had us call him Abba (an endearing term for dad.) His story was amazing! He was sent to 9 different camps--3 of them being extermination camps. After returning to the ghetto after one labor camp, Abba found that his entire family had been killed. He was sent to many camps after. At one point, he managed to jump out of a truck on the way to one and return to the ghetto. Abba shared an amazing story of perseverance and faith. He was finally rescued by American soldiers and, while working in the kitchen at the camp, met his future wife. They moved to Guatemala and raised their children there before coming to Israel. Mr. Elias is 97 years old, has been through some terrible things and yet had the best attitude and outlook on life. He had us laughing through most of his presentation.
There are just a few things I don't want to forget. Dr. Whitchurch told him that we needed to be done because his caretaker said he was getting tired. Abba started telling us about a reporter who had interviewed him the week before. He started reading the paper, Dr. Whitchurch cut him off, Abba just kept reading with the biggest grin on his face. He thought it was so funny! We did too. At the end we had a few minutes for Q&A. One person asked what his advice to us would be. He said to keep the 10 Commandments. There is power in obeying the commandments. Last thing, we asked what he held onto in his darkest hour. What kept him going? He replied with "Tomorrow the war will end...ok. Maybe I just wanted to see Hitler die." I am so glad I got to learn from this amazing man.
The very last exhibit in the museum was celebrating the formation of the State of Israel. How neat is that! This state is more than just a political advantage. It is a safe haven--a place of refuge for Jews world wide. Never again will something like that happen to them. Never again will they be denied from every country. Having Israel means having a place where every Jew can feel safe.
Until my next adventure,
Lindy
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