Students, parents and teachers of Beth Rivkah of Melbourne, Australia were joined by members of the community on Thursday, August 9th, for the unveiling of a striking new Holocaust Memorial mural.
This replaces a memorial mosaic that was initiated by Mrs. Helen Gelber (a former teacher and parent at Beth Rivkah) approximately ten years ago, but through time it had become damaged and needed to be re-created.
The new mosaic, overseen by Merryl from Merryl’s Mosaics and created by Beth Rivkah students in Years 3 – 6, was created to adorn the wall adjacent to the Beth Rivkah Primary playground. It depicts an image of a tree with leaves – some leaves have been inscribed with the name and age of a child who perished during the Holocaust.
The mosaic is infused with imagery with the initial dark colors of the tree that symbolize Winter and despair brightening to symbolize Spring and hope. This has been an incredibly meaningful project for students to participate in and students were involved in all aspects of the project, from the creation of the mural to the unveiling ceremony.
The unveiling of the new wall consisted of a beautiful ceremony, including a moving rendition of Shalom Aleichem by the Beth Rivkah Primary Ensemble, Tehillim recited by students, unveiling of a plaque dedicating the mural and lighting of candles in memory of the victims of the Holocaust by honored guest and Holocaust survivor, Mrs. Schon. Mrs. Schon, who has been a supporter of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah from its inception, spoke briefly and movingly of her own personal experiences as a survivor.
Mrs. Ella Blesofsky, Head of Beth Rivkah Primary, reminded the students that “their study of Torah and performance of mitzvot is the most genuine and lasting memorial for those who perished. Our students living as proud Jews eternally perpetuates the memory of those who were lost.”
