Obj. ID: 44773 Holocaust Memorial in Kal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue in Rhodes, Greece, 2000s(?)
Who is Commemorated?
Jews deported from Rhodes
Description
Set against the north wall of the synagogue interior is the memorial installation of 20 acrylic panels mounted on two connected metal frames. The panels open like pages of a large book. After an introductory “page,” the panels contain the names of Jews deported from Rhodes, listed alphabetically by family. The small number of survivors is indicated by asterisks next to their names.
Inscriptions
On the first page, in English:
Every soul had a name.
As they walked through the gates of hell
they became a number.
As they perished and rose to heaven they
remained a number.
Every name deserves to be remembered.
In memory of all our Muestros,
Hylton and Veronique Jonas (Soriano)
Commissioned by
Hylton and Veronique Jonas (Soriano)
16 image(s)
Acrylic
The Kahal Shalom is the oldest intact and functioning synagogue in Greece and the only remaining synagogue on the Island of Rhodes where there were once six synagogues and prayer halls in the Jewish Quarter (called “La Juderia”). The Kahal Shalom is believed to have been built in 1577. It is still used occasionally for prayer services when visitors or former residents and their families visit the Island for Friday night prayer services, High Holiday services and for special occasions, and is open to the public most day as a historic monument.
The Jews of Rhodes and Kos were deported to Auschwitz in late July 1944. Many died along the way during a long and harrowing journey. The rest met their deaths immediately by gas, or over a longer period as slave laborers.