Holocaust Memorial, Miami

In a city dominated by flash, vanity and materialism, such as Miami, finding a place like the Holocaust Memorial in South Beach may seem a little strange. However, considering that Miami is a home to one of the largest populations of Holocaust survivors in the world, it is only logical to have it here as a reminder to future generations, as well as a symbol of the world's indifference to genocide.

The idea to establish in Miami a permanent memorial to the Jewish victims of Nazi persecution emerged in 1984 and was generated by a small group of local activists. The memorial took over four years to build and was opened to the public on February 4, 1990, created by sculptor/architect Kenneth Treister. Set amid a serene meditation garden, it pays tribute to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis before and during World War II.

The poignant and evocative complex features more than 100 artistic sculptures culminating with the moving bronze statue of Love and Anguish reaching to the sky, illustrating the torment of victims of death camps such as Auschwitz and Buchenwald. The surprisingly graphic images of concentration camps are etched on the walls of the black-granite colonnades surrounding the site. The ID number tattooed on the wrist of the central 42-foot-tall outstretched hand sculpture is missing the final digit – the artist did it on purpose, so as not to make any reference to a specific prisoner.

Why You Should Visit:
The inspiring memorial offers interesting and educational side excursion.
The site is free to visit and may well be one of the most memorable experiences in Miami.