The names of 269 Latvians who hid Jews during the Holocaust are inscribed on the Saviors Monument in Riga. Unfortunately, the names of some will never be known. The humanity and courage of each of these heroes must not be forgotten.
A monument to Latvia's residents who sheltered Jews during the Holocaust was unveiled on Gogol Street in Riga on July 4, 2007. The monument shows a falling wall and seven columns that symbolize live people propping the wall up despite deadly danger. The names of 269 persons who harbored Jews have been engraved on the seven columns. My Great Great Aunt Herta Karklins is one of the many heroes !!!
Several years ago my Aunt ( whom has passed many years ago ) was awarded the "Righteous Among The Nations " Medal.
At Yad Vashem, so named from a passage in the book of Isaiah), the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, was established in 1953. Israel's national Holocaust memorial, has close to 15,000 persons have thus far been identified and honored, under a program created by law (1963). These are the "Righteous Among the Nations."
Those so recognized are awarded the Righteous Medal and a certificate of honor (to their next-of-kin in the event of a posthumous recognition) and their names are inscribed on the Wall of Honor in the Garden of the Righteous at Yad Vashem. This is the highest honor bestowed by the Jewish people, through the State of Israel, on non-Jews.
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PROJECT STAR
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Blog Me Til Midnight e-mailed me:
I'm doing a little home school project with my kids. We want to build a small Holocaust memorial in our front yard, so that my kids can remember all the Jews that lost their lives. We are asking people to send us “stars.” Any kind of star, made from anything you wish. These stars will symbolize the lights that went out due to the Holocaust. We said yes of course... and taking a detour on some history to reflect this project as well. We will show you the stars soon !!!
What an amazing legacy your family has with this bit of history.
ReplyDeleteI know my great-grandma was in a camp for a bit, but I'm not sure the details of it all. My grandfather was also arrested for not cooperating. Maybe I'll get my grandma to tell me more of our history so I can record it too.
Thanks too for sharing about the stars being collected. I'd love to make one to send as well. How soon are you sending? Maybe I can hand mine off to you and you can send it with yours?
oh goodness, this is a truly wonderful story and how proud you must be of them now.
ReplyDeletewere you really born in 1936, your blog is of someone much much younger, you go girl!!
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing this story about your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize this Mica.
ReplyDeleteI am sure Alan will love reading this. I will send him your link right now. I will send a star also. Do I send it to you?
You are an amazing MOther and teacher.
Love you
Mom
Nice Mica
ReplyDeleteLove Grapa Rooster
Herta Karklins was my grandmother. She remarried to Burkevics before she passed away.
ReplyDeleteI have been searching for information about her. Anything at all would help. Please email me.
Thank you,
Anita
lostsynn@gmail.com