The Making of The Hague Holocaust Monument
‘’I believe that Through art in the public space it is possible to be advocating for alternative perspectives that can challenge beliefs, assumptions, and community values.’’
‘’The memorial captures and documents the spirit and atmosphere of past events and is meant to generate curiosity & attention, as well to evoke compassion and tolerance. And by doing so, to impress upon the present and future generation the eternal impact we can have on each other’s lives.’’
‘’Lest They Be Forgotten’’
In January 2018 the city of The Hague, The Netherlands has officially recognized its dark episode of World War II by unveiling its own great Holocaust memorial.
The construction of this memorial was driven by the efforts of JMD foundation, The municipality & mayor of the Hague.
I was honored to be commissioned by the municipality of the Hague, to design & realize the new Holocaust monument in the city center.
“It is important, and carries a tremendous responsibility to serve the memory of all victims, but also to impress upon the people of today and tomorrow the eternal impact of the atrocities. The identity of our society changes and I recognize the urgent need to reach out to a new generation and foster consciousness about what historically can happen.‘’
The process of creating the conceptual framework for the monument meant a great deal of research, engagements with available literature, experts on the subject, interviews and exposure to testimonials of victims.
The fieldwork, involved collaboration with others involved in planning public spaces, from elected officials, city engineers and planners to community stakeholders.
Through art in the public space it is possible to be advocating for alternative perspectives that can challenge beliefs, assumptions, and community values.
Using symbolic elements incorporated in the design of the memorial, support succession in creating an intersection between past, present and future.
The memorial captures and documents the spirit and atmosphere of past events and is meant to generate curiosity & attention, as well to evoke compassion and tolerance. And by doing so, to impress upon the present and future generation the eternal impact we can have on each other’s lives.
The artwork itself consists of three elements which are designed to create awareness and curiosity among spectators. The centerpiece consists of a wall in three parts; in the middle, a door is set ajar with a shaft of light produced by a light installation. “The door standing ajar represents the hope to escape, but a hope that would unfortunately be in vain, while the crumbled edge of the wall at its side adds an element of incongruity, leaving a visual impact”, says Ratzabi. The door will feature the Magen David plaque designed by Dick Stins 50 years ago, which includes an extract from the book of Deuteronomy cast in bronze. At a short distance in front of the centerpiece, six round ovals will be placed to represent the six million Jews who were killed and bronze reliefs depicting the 12 tribes of Israel will be affixed to each stone. To complete the memorial, both next to the door and in the square, sit two bronze suitcases, which symbolize the inhumane way the Jews were forced to abruptly depart. (Emily Bolter, JPOST)
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