The old railway station of Thessaloniki stands as a haunting symbol of the Nazi occupation, where thousands of Greek Jews were sent to their death in Auschwitz. Germany's President Steinmeier, during a visit to launch the Holocaust museum, expressed deep remorse, saying: "Anyone who stands and speaks here as German president is filled with shame." This sentiment underlines the historical gravity of the site, now transitioning to honor and memorialize the lost lives.
Construction of the Holocaust museum, the first significant project in Thessaloniki since WWII, is seen as a long-awaited acknowledgment of the past. David Saltiel, leader of the Jewish community, reflects on this development by stating, "Finally it's happening. We've waited for this for so many years." This emotional moment highlights the perseverance of the local community and their quest to remember and honor their heritage.
The museum, projected to be completed in 2026, symbolizes a revival of memory where once there was silence. It will serve not just as a museum, but as a vital institution for education and remembrance in a city that lost 90% of its Jewish population during the Holocaust. The funding from Germany, which committed 10 million, signifies a step towards reconciliation and recognition of historical atrocities.
Collection
[
|
...
]