I deeply appreciate this Holocaust Memorial for Murdered Jews, but I have a bone to pick.

Before I get into it, I want to let you know upfront, that its an incredibly well-made memorial. Visually, it’s incredible. It’s also an interactive memorial. You can walk into it.

The Holocaust Memorial for Murdered Jews of Europe consists of about 2700 concrete slaps that range from a couple of feet to slightly above 15 feet tall.

The pillars get higher and higher as you get closer to the center. It makes you feel like you’re walking into a cold and desolate tomb. I think the message of isolation you get from it is intentional and you understand what this memorial is trying to convey.

It’s a large memorial consisting of a 19,000 square meter area. You’ll find many people here, taking pictures.

Considering its only one block away from Brandenburg Gate, lots of tourists flock to this area.

From the outside, it doesn’t look like the pillars are tall but as you walk, the floor sinks deeper into the earth. While you walk in you realize the noise from the street seems to dim. Even though there are others around you, you can’t help but feel alone.

People are very touchy about this memorial. Considering its the Memorial for the murdered Jews many people think it’s disrespectful to take pictures or take selfies, or even go to see it.

The issue I have is not with this Holocaust Memorial Itself

The Holocaust Memorial for Murdered Jews of Europe opened to the public in 2004. I first saw it in 2007 while it was still relatively new. Back then, the locals had an entirely different perspective on this Holocaust Memorial.

Recently, people have become so sensitive to this memorial but only recently. But, back in 2007, the locals loathed it. They thought it was ugly. They thought it was not well made. The thought it was an eyesore.

Not only was it an eyesore but they had to protect it day and night because more flat walls meant graffiti artists would use each pillar to create a mural.

In order to solve their graffiti issue, they decided they were going to paint a layer of chemicals that made spray paint hard to stick.

This thin layer of non-stick protectant just happened to have the chemicals that were used in the gas chambers of the concentration camps. Needless to say, the locals went ape-shit!

But now, everyone is so sensitive about taking a picture or putting a picture on social media, they will bully you into taking it down or they will tell you what a “piece of s**t” you are for posting a picture or a selfie on the internet.

Let’s stop the hate and appreciate what the memorial is trying to do. An extremely terrible thing happened and although we don’t want to forget what happened, we want to make sure we pay our respects.

And just for the record, a picture is not a sign of disrespect. Allow others to show gratitude in the ways they may only know. If there is something this memorial is trying to convey is RESPECT.

Everyone Must Visit This Memorial

I’ve always liked it. I’ve always thought it was great. It’s also very artistically made. The fact that its interactive gives it an extra dimension, unlike other memorials. It’s worth checking out. I recommend it.

However, there are several rules that are posted there, that I believe should be respected. They are no dogs, no bikes, no running, and no jumping on the pillars allowed. I think that’s reasonable.

This memorial is also free to view and enter.

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