Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach

One does not expect to find a monument so disheartening in a tropical landscape like Miami Beach, located just a few meters from the beach and bathed in the Florida sun. This monument makes perfect sense, however, because Miami Beach's Jewish population is very large. In fact, behind New York, this city has one of the highest Jewish populations in the United States. Therefore, and because people want to remember their history, they erected this monument in memoriam to the Holocaust in 1990, to honor the six million Jews killed by Nazism. The monument is a huge bronze hand 13 meters high, upon which hundreds of men and women, representing the torment of the victims, climb.

In a city famous for beach parties, this monument reminds us of one of the darkest chapters of human history. Amid the palms and modern avenues of Miami, this hand seems to stretch out of the ground asking for help. To get there you have to go through a small tunnel that will send chills up your spine. Quiet music plays and the walls are engraved with the names of thousands of victims of the Nazi Holocaust. The monument is sure to stir your emotions, and as you get closer you'll see clearly how it represents the victims of this terrible time.

The centerpiece of the Holocaust memorial, this unique sculpture depicts a crowd of people dying, their ribs sticking out and their faces distorted by pain as they cling to one another. Then it turns into a gigantic hand outstretched to the sky, like that of a drowning man looking to be rescued. It's a moving meditation on the horrors of World War II.

Even though it's only open 10-5, the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach is a touching reminder of the horror of the Holocaust and all the lives that were lost. Inside the memorial you see it is bodies that make up the giant hand reaching into the sky. I thought it was a touching and accurate representation of the event.

The most interesting aspect of the memorial was the fact it was built at 1933-1945 Meridian Ave. The Holocaust took place between 1933-1945!

Worth taking time to stop in and take a look around. It's a great reminder for everyone.