Taken at the oldest Jewish cemetery in Krakow, behind the original synagogue, one of about 8 that had represented the vibrant Jewish community before Hitler began his 'Final Solution.' His forces pretty much destroyed the interiors of the synagogues, some being used for purposes such as munitions, ironically. In the space of less than 3 years, the Jewish community in Krakow -- professors, musicians, artists, businessmen, community leaders, families -- went from over 68,000 to less than 6,000, more than 62,000 murdered in the nearby death camps. This cemetery was spared, so the story goes, because the soldier who had be tasked with destroying the graves of one of the world's leading Rabbis mysteriously died before he could do so, for no apparent reason. Others were then afraid to take on the task, so the cemetery survived -- in decay, but still there. The centennial of the revered Rabbi's death is this year, bringing orthodox Jews to the site from around the world.
Remembering is key to Jewish tradition around death so we leave a stone to show that we were there, the person remembered. These stones were sitting on the grave across from the Rabbi's and the two gentlemen in front were paying their respects.
A more upbeat image from the Royal Palace is in my main album...visited after the above: http://365project.org/taffy/365/2015-03-12
@taffy -- I agree. And while this is a strong image leaving much the view to consider, I will always be thankful that we spent time there together, because walking among the headstones and the living who were paying respect is an experience that I will personally remember.
I think this tradition is such a beautiful one. I have always been moved by stories which have come out of the Holocaust and have been to more than one museum/memorial in remembrance. While there was so much darkness, there were also small glimmers of hope. I wish more people could see what you've seen on this trip (better yet, meet a Holocaust survivor)- in that way each one of us could be a stone of remembrance; a voice to confirm that it was real and it happened. We should never forget the horror of the Holocaust or the evil that caused it. Poignant capture.
March 19th, 2015
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
