Germany Opens New Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

Baasma Wafa  Jadetimes Staff

B. Wafa is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe

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Holocaust memorial in Berlin [Wikimedia]

Photos of Germany's new Holocaust memorial, dedicated in Berlin, have been made public.

The memorial, a modern black stone building encircled by an olive tree garden, sits in the middle of the city close to the Brandenburg Gate. A single burning flame flickers at its core, representing memory and endurance.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier officiated at the opening ceremony on Monday, with Holocaust survivors, politicians, and tourists from across the globe.

Thousands of visitors have come to the memorial since its opening to the public on Tuesday morning. Among them was Sarah Klein, a granddaughter of survivors, who said to Deutsche Welle: "Being here makes history tangible. It's emotionally very deep."

Israeli tourist David Ben-Ari described the design of the memorial as "strength through simplicity." "It encourages quiet contemplation, and that's really powerful," he added.

The new memorial commemorates Jewish Holocaust victims but also those of the Romas, Sintis, LGBTQ+, and other victims persecuted by the Nazis.

In his speech at the ceremony, President Steinmeier referred to the memorial as "a promise never to forget." He challenged the visitors to not forget the risk of hatred and to fight democratic values. "Memory must live not just in stone, but in our actions," he asserted.

After the speeches, a children's choir sang a piece specially written for the event, reducing many of the audience members to tears.

The memorial opening is at a moment when Germany is doubling its efforts to fight increasing antisemitism and safeguard historical memory for future generations.

There will be a series of educational events and exhibitions running alongside the memorial, with schools around Germany booking visits in the coming months.