A Wall of Names: Strasbourg Honors Shoah victims
STRASBOURG, FRANCE - On Monday, a poignant wall of names was unveiled in Strasbourg, France, serving as a solemn reminder of the victims of the Holocaust. Located within a commemorative garden built on the site of a synagogue destroyed by Nazis in 1940, the wall bears the names of 1,896 individuals who perished in the region.
The names etched into the wall represent a powerful testament to the human cost of the Shoah. Jeanne Basseghi, Strasbourg’s mother, emphasized the importance of this memorial, stating, “This wall stands as a defiant act against the scourge of denial adn cancellation.”
The ceremony coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a stark reminder of the horrors inflicted during the Holocaust. Aurore Bergé, the French Minister responsible for the fight against discrimination, underscored the enduring threat of antisemitism, stating, “Antisemitism has not disappeared, it is still there, renewed in all its forms, hiding today behind the veil of respectability.”
Bergé’s words echoed the recent surge in antisemitic incidents, highlighted by a report from the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) which documented 1,570 antisemitic acts in 2024. she called for collective action, urging individuals to “condemn these acts, sanction the perpetrators, publicly denounce hateful speech, provide concrete support to victims, strengthen education and training, and be vigilant.”
Harold Abraham Weill, Grand Rabbi of Strasbourg and Bas-Rhin, expressed his hope that the garden would serve as a place of peace, transmission, and awakening. He emphasized the importance of remembering the past and responding to the call of history and humanity.The inauguration of the “wall of names” in Strasbourg serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, vigilance, and the fight against all forms of intolerance.
Remembering the Shoah: A Conversation with Dr. [Expert Name], Holocaust Historian
Time.news editor: Dr. [Expert Name], thank you for joining us today. The unveiling of the “Wall of Names” in Strasbourg commemorating the region’s Holocaust victims is a deeply moving event. Can you shed light on the importance of this memorial and what it signifies in the broader context of Holocaust remembrance?
Dr.[Expert Name]: It’s an honor to be here. The “Wall of Names” in Strasbourg serves as a powerful testament to the human cost of the Shoah.These names etched in stone are not just statistics; they represent individuals with stories, families, and dreams shattered by the Nazi regime. By memorializing these victims, Strasbourg reaffirms its commitment to remembering the past and fighting against all forms of intolerance.
Time.news Editor: The ceremony coincides with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of auschwitz. How does this anniversary intersect with the message of the memorial and the ongoing fight against antisemitism?
Dr. [Expert Name]: The liberation of Auschwitz marked a turning point in history,a victory against unimaginably horrific atrocities. However, it also serves as a reminder that the battle against antisemitism and hate is ongoing. As French Minister Aurore Bergé emphasized, antisemitism persists, disguised in different forms, and we must remain vigilant. Memorials like the “Wall of Names” are crucial reminders of the dangers of such hatred and inspire us to continue the fight against it.
Time.news Editor: The CRIF report documenting a surge in antisemitic acts in 2024 is deeply concerning.What practical steps can individuals and communities take to combat this rising tide of hate?
Dr. [Expert name]: We all have a responsibility to combat antisemitism. It starts with education and awareness. Understanding the history of antisemitism and its various manifestations is crucial. We must actively challenge hateful speech and stereotypes whenever we encounter them. Moreover, supporting Jewish communities, advocating for equality, and promoting tolerance are essential actions in creating a more inclusive and safe society for all.
Time.news Editor: Rabbi Weill expressed hope that the commemorative garden will serve as a place of peace,transmission,and awakening. How can this space contribute to fostering understanding and empathy for future generations?
Dr.[Expert Name]: This memorial has the power to become a living testament to the past, a space for reflection, education, and dialog. By visiting this garden, people can connect with the stories of the victims, learn about the dangers of intolerance, and commit themselves to building a future free from hatred.It’s a place where memories are honored, lessons are learned, and a call to action for a better future is echoed.