This ancient Roman column stands proudly. It is the Italo Balbo Monument. A gift from Benito Mussolini himself. It commemorates a daring feat. Italo Balbo’s transatlantic flight in 1933. Twenty-four seaplanes. They flew from Rome to Chicago. A spectacular landing on Lake Michigan. Part of the Century of Progress World’s Fair. The Italo Balbo Monument is more than just a column. It’s a symbol of a complex past. A time of both technological achievement and troubling political alliances. The column itself is a 2000-year-old artifact. It was brought from Ostia the ancient port of Rome. Mussolini presented it as a grand gesture of friendship. But the Italo Balbo Monument is also a source of controversy. Balbo was a prominent fascist. He served under Mussolini. He used violence against political opponents. The monument stands as a reminder of this history. Its inscription tells a story of Roman daring. It overlooks the lake. The Italo Balbo Monument is a constant reminder. It sparks debate about public memory. How we remember and interpret our history. It’s more than just a statue. It’s a conversation about the past. A conversation that continues today. The Italo Balbo Monument. A piece of history. A source of ongoing discussion.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one