Memorial to 6 Million Jews by Avraham Smiles z'l
(Artist
born February 13, 1924 – died August 9, 2009 ( 8th
of Adar 1, 5684 – 19th of Av , 5769 )
Background Comments by the Sculptor:
The Sculptor was handed by the committee for the memorial a sketch showing faceless Jews fleeing an area of destruction. The Sculptor suggested to the Committee that the figures shown have faces, Jewish faces with Jewish objects of ritual art. His comment was if they are faceless it could be anyone. The Committee decided to agree to the Sculptor's strong feelings. A sketch showing the people involved was created by the Sculptor. They thought it was good but that three figures should be eliminated. One was a soldier ripping off his Jewish Star from his clothing. Next they didn't like the Yeshiva Student. They did not like the bent over shames carrying the ner tamid. So the sculptor resubmitted the sketch with these three people in the background. Sketch was accepted and wood carving started.
The
most difficult part of the wood carving was showing old wood buildings and the
flames. This is carved into Mahogany.
The work began in Spring of 1969 and was finished in January, 1970.
email Sculptor for more
information
