Wall Of Tears
By: Larry Gordon
It’s probably the greatest truism of our lives.
And that is, there’s no denying that our great and illustrious Jewish future can only be found by finding hope and spiritual renewal—even in the wake of tragic events in our past.
Our long and sometimes bitter history can become obscured, especially when it’s eclipsed by hostility directed at us in places like Gaza, on occasion in the halls of Congress, and of course, the United Nations.
But then someone like Norm Kaish of West Hempstead comes along who develops an idea that it is healthier to remember our past and learn from it, and it is downright wrong and unhealthy to forget who we are, where we come from, what we’ve been through, and the nature of our prominence in the world.
A few weeks ago, Norm was in my office to share with me a project of his that he has spent a long time developing, a project that has the potential to change not just our local communities, but the world at large.
The project is called the Wall of Tears, and it’s something he dreamed up, developed, and turned into an important part of our Jewish reality. And for those of us who reside in the Five Towns, the first display will be ready for public viewing at the Andrew J Parise Park in Cedarhurst as a befitting testament to the six million Jewish lives that were lost during the Holocaust. It will also serve as a living reminder of our responsibility to remember and never forget our responsibility to confront hate and antisemitism in our generation.
In terms of the project’s purpose, we have seen an upsurge in antisemitism around the world, some directed at Israel in the wake of October 7, some accusing Jews of age-old antisemitic tropes and blood libels in an effort to isolate and target Israel and Jews, whether on college campuses or walking in the streets of our cities.
The reference to October 7, 2023 as the most violent and murderous attack against Jews by the terrorists of Hamas since the Holocaust, while being accurate, also ties these events to what happened 80 years ago, and likewise, to what our enemies are attempting to do today. So, while the Wall of Tears is a testament and memorial to the Holocaust, it is also very much a reminder of what we are dealing with as a people today.
The Wall of Tears is a multidimensional opportunity to remember what happened during the Holocaust, even for those born long after those infamous events occurred. It features more than 40 plaques that tell the story of the Holocaust with haunting images and survivor testimonies accessible through QR codes. Some plaques go even further, by shedding six million tears into a pool of tears in remembrance of those who perished.
Why build such a memorial in Cedarhurst Park? Unlike museums, this memorial will be placed where people can see it on a daily basis: right in the heart of Cedarhurst. In this manner, the accessibility of the memorial is woven into everyday life, keeping history alive and relevant for young people today.
The Wall of Tears mission is to erect these types of Holocaust memorials on college campuses and in public spaces to educate and inspire people to reflect on the dangers of antisemitism and hopefully foster a deeper understanding of the consequences of prejudice and unchecked hatred.
The Wall of Tears in Cedarhurst should be up and functioning by the end of 2025. Mr. Kaish has many more memorials in the works, but they cannot be built without your assistance. For more information on how to contact Norm at the Wall of Tears Foundation, please see their ad in this issue or send an email to: [email protected] or call 516-993-9727.
Read more of Larry Gordon’s articles at 5TJT.com. Follow 5 Towns Jewish Times on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and live videos. Comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome at 5TJT.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
