“Were my eyes a source of tears then I would cry day and night for the fallen warriors of my loved people”. These words etched into the Jewish WW2 resistance memorial Obelisk in Amsterdam resonate with a profound sadness. They speak of loss and sacrifice. They also speak of unwavering courage.
This Obelisk stands as a powerful testament. It commemorates the Jewish resistance during World War II. It is a poignant tribute to their bravery resilience and remembrance. The monument’s simple yet striking design evokes a sense of quiet contemplation. It’s a space for reflection on the horrors of the past. It is also a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity to resist even in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
The Obelisk is more than just a memorial. It’s a symbol of hope. It symbolizes the struggle against oppression. It serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made. The inscription is taken from the Book of Jeremiah. It speaks to the immense grief felt by those who lost loved ones. It speaks volumes about the strength of the Jewish community.
The initiator of this powerful memorial was the Jewish Resistance 1940-1945 Committee Foundation. They established it in 1986. At the unveiling Dick Dolman then chairman of the House of Representatives. He made a significant observation. He noted that both qualitatively and quantitatively the Jewish resistance surpassed the non-Jewish resistance. Approximately a thousand Jewish resistance fighters fought back. Sadly 500 paid the ultimate price.
Every year the commemoration of Kristallnacht takes place here. Kristallnacht was the night of November 8 to 9 1938. On that night Jews were attacked throughout Germany. Synagogues were burned. Shops were looted. Properties were defaced. This pogrom was the beginning of the systematic persecution and extermination of Jews in Germany. The Jewish WW2 resistance memorial Obelisk serves as a solemn reminder of this tragic event. It also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for the future.
Take a moment to stand before this monument. Reflect on the lives lost and the courage shown. Let the words and the spirit of this place fill you with a renewed sense of hope and resolve. Let the memory of their struggle inspire us all. The Jewish WW2 resistance memorial Obelisk is not just a memorial. It is a living testament. It stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit.