New York City Allocates $3 Million for Queens Holocaust Memorial

New York City has announced plans to construct a new Queens Holocaust Memorial, dedicating $3 million to honor the victims of the Holocaust and educate the public amid rising antisemitism. Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards unveiled the initiative, which will be situated on the grounds of Queens Borough Hall. The memorial aims to commemorate the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and recognize the survivors who found refuge in Queens.

Commemorating the Past and Educating the Future

According to the NYC Mayor’s Office, the project will be managed by various city departments and will include a formal design process for a commemorative garden and public artwork. The creation of the memorial comes as New York City grapples with an increase in hate crimes and anti-Jewish sentiment. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of action in combating hatred, stating, “It is not enough to say ‘never again’ — we have to live it with our actions too.”

Richards echoed this sentiment, highlighting the memorial’s role as a continual source of inspiration. He believes it will help foster a future free from antisemitism. The initiative originally stemmed from a proposal by the Queens Jewish Community Council and has garnered support from civic and faith leaders.

The City will formalize the memorial’s designation through the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and will engage in additional fundraising efforts to enhance the design and construction of the site. Planned activities at the memorial will include Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, educational programs for students, and community events aimed at promoting understanding and solidarity across generations.

Support from Educational Leaders and Community Voices

Support for the memorial extends beyond city officials. New York State Senator Toby Stavisky emphasized its significance as a living classroom, stating, “This memorial garden will give students and families a place to learn, reflect, and confront the realities of antisemitism and other forms of hate crimes.” Similarly, Sam Berger, a New York State assemblymember, reflected on the Holocaust’s impact on families like his own, underscoring the memorial’s dual purpose as a reminder of the past and a testament to resilience.

With New York City housing the largest population of Holocaust survivors globally, this memorial not only acknowledges the city’s historical narrative but also preserves the stories of those who experienced the atrocities. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz noted that the memorial is crucial to “ensure that history never repeats itself.”

Executive Director of The Blue Card, Masha Pearl, commended the efforts of Mayor Adams and Borough President Richards, describing the memorial as a “beautiful creation” that will serve as a lasting tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. The initiative reflects a collective commitment to remembrance and education, aiming to confront the realities of hatred and promote a more inclusive future.