A memory for eternity
A HOLOCAUST memorial for the victims of World War II was recently unveiled at Leo Baeck Centre for Progressive Judaism in Kew.
A HOLOCAUST memorial for the victims of World War II was recently unveiled at Leo Baeck Centre for Progressive Judaism in Kew.
The sculpture, entitled The Wind Whispered Your Name, was created and donated by acclaimed Australian artists Konstantin Dimopoulos and his wife Adele, who is a Leo Baeck member.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor of Boroondara Councillor Jack Wegman, Kew MLA Andrew McIntosh, local councillors and dignitaries representing Jewish, Christian and interfaith organisations.
“This is truly in keeping with the last wishes of the murdered victims
of the Holocaust,” said Pauline Rockman, guest speaker and president of the Jewish Holocaust Centre.
“We have not forgotten, we cannot forget, we dare not forget, for us all and for future generations we must remain vigilant in defence of the precious gift of liberty and against any form of tyranny.”
Rockman said the sculpture “will encourage reflection and hopefully dialogue”.
“As we move further away from the events of the Shoah, how we memorialise it is significant and this act of the Leo Baeck Centre is indeed a mitzvah, serving not only to commemorate the murdered victims but to continue to let their voices be heard as a testament and warning to the future,” she said.
Congregation Rabbi Jonathan Keren Black agreed, talking of the importance of memorials, which serve to preserve those who perished.
“As the Holocaust moves from personal memory to recorded history, memorials have an increasingly important role in evoking and recalling the tragedy for future generations to reinforce the message to all humanity, never again.”
Holocaust survivor Stephanie Heller also addressed the gathering. She and her twin sister Annetta Able, both members of Leo Baeck, survived experiments at Auschwitz inflicted by the notorious Dr Joseph Mengele.
Konstantin Dimopoulos, who composed a poem to go with the memorial, is best known for his
creation of the Red Centre at Federation Square. His sculptures can be found in Melbourne and the US.
AJN STAFF
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