After visiting Beit Lyn, Jerusalem's cac, I unexpectedly went over to yad vshem. Its completely different than 22 yrs ago. I was one of the first people in (10am Friday is like 10am Saturday in the states).
Struck by the size, scope and silence of yad vshem, I found myself lost in thought. Perhaps this becomes the middle of a unexpected and unanticipated Jewish journey which occured this last week. After seeing Jewish peoplehood at its finest in Ashkelon, I now bear witness to humanity at its worst and our people's ability to rise up and survive (which ultimately led to what I experienced in Ashkelon).
The eeire beauty and serenity over yad vshem this morning, compelled me to sit in warsaw ghetto square to at least compose my thoughts and keep them for myself for future reading.
So, maybe its a bit trite to sit and tap out thoughts, but how else iin today's world.
Holocaust is so ingrained (and maybe taken for granted) in my world, but it recharges one self seeing other tourists take in the scope of this site.
Much has changed, but quiet strength remains. Plazas and squares dedicated to events in the holocaust, a synagogue that contains the last bits of destroyed jewish populations throughout europe - gorgeous arks, torah covers, menorahs all displayed with renewed purpose. A hall of remembrance for the 1.5 million children killed with just darkened mirrored images of candles and names and ages read aloud. Massive sculptures depicting despair and triumph. All perched atop a breathtaking hillside view.
Yes - Jewish peoplehood is alive and well. After having left it professionally, its good to be back personally.
Ps - perhaps the lesson of world jewry's revival in israel may be witnessed by the very eastern european looking mother pushing a very ethiopian looking baby in a stroller at yad vshem. Proof we are one jewish people afterall
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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