The Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem

I hesitate to say that this was really the highlight of my trip to Israel. But it was, in all honesty, its foundation on which all my experiences rest.

It won’t be too much of an exaggeration to say that this tragic event in the history of Israel provided the raison d’etre for the nation and it has been succinctly depicted through this heartbreaking memorial - Yad Vashem – in Jerusalem.

It was a poignant moment for me as I walked out to the open space after almost three hours inside the memorial. I was speechless and I daresay you will feel something similar. It was poignant because the memorial expresses deep hurt but in such a beautiful and dignified way. It’s almost as if the Jews are saying: We will forgive, but we will never forget.  

As you approach the open grounds of the memorial, you will see a lot of young army recruits, big groups of school kids and tourists around. This spot is a mandatory stop for young army recruits and a real life lesson for school kids. But their presence makes it difficult to move around inside the museum and really focus. Instead, you end up jostling for space.

That aside, the Holocaust History Museum will give a lesson in history like nothing else will. The structure of the memorial is symbolic in itself. Yad Vashem is designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. We were told by our guide that the design was deliberately made to look like a prison – cramped and dull.

You can hire headphones and a radio that will help you listen to the guide inside even if you are unable to stay close, which will be impossible to do. You can also take a tour by yourself since everything is self-explanatory.

I’m not going to reveal what you will see inside; let that be a discovery of your own. We were told that a lot of Germans visit the memorial too and are often overwhelmed by what they see to the point of crying. You too will find yourself trying to hold back a few tears.

The memorial also has an army-like mess where you can have your meal. Remember to put your plate in the rack once you’re done. You can see some more photographs of the memorial here. Incidentally, Israel observes the Holocaust Memorial Day on April 16.

If you liked what you read on Israel, then you can browse through some more articles on Israel i have written on this blog: The birth of Israel, The old stones of Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv, and Israel: First impressions. Please do leave your comments - bouquets and brickbats both are welcome!