When I first stepped up to this structure called The Holocaust Memorial , I had no idea. No idea on what lay between the synagogue and the Tree of Life .
We merely followed the community guide's instructions and walked through this pathway where there are pictures on the wall.
And then he told us.
2281 people are buried in this small plot of land containing just 24 graves !!!
I felt faint. Looking at the peaceful leafy space, one would never have guessed !
So, do not even think of stepping on the grass here to snap a picture. Take your photos from the outside perimeter but don't step inside.
Even relatives have to ask permission from the authorities here to enter the cemetery grounds.
All synagogues do not have cemetery grounds attached. That is the rule , but in Budapest , it is made an exception due to the history of this particular location .
There are workmen on the far end and I think they're coming up with more marble name slabs which are placed beside the plots.
Here's the soft spoken community guide I've been following from inside the synagogue . Comes across as a serious chap but I think he's cute. Just a wee bit too serious .
Anyway, here is a wall with names inscribed.
You can get a personal guide like this couple here if you're hard of hearing like me. They're not free. You can arrange for one just after the security checkpoint.
See the stones placed just underneath that ?
Well, he explained that each stone represents a prayer.
Now I know.
Anyway, back to the memorial.
The strongest, single most compelling message to me was delivered by the words...
" 1944 Never Again "
Sculpture is a metal relief set atop black marble.
The stickmen drawings and the overall accordion like look to it shows the cramped and starving conditions , inmates of various labor camps were subjected to.
Facing the cemetery, is this small , simple and minimalist synagogue called The Heroes Temple
Dedicated to Hungarian Jews who gave their lives during WW I, the synagogue is used during weekdays . Come winter too ....seeing how the larger one is harder to heat.
We're not allowed to step inside.
Have to be content with snapping this menorah candle just outside the temple.
Heading towards the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park now where you can find the Tree of Life .
Each silver leaf frond is inscribed with a name
Few of the 400,000 victims to be exact.
Notice the resemblance to the tree featured in the movie Avatar ?
Stained glass panel with licking flames .
Again, I'm distracted and most of what the guide was explaining was lost on me over here.
Before I knew it, he was saying thank you and on his way to another group.
My fault.
Guess you'll have to come here yourself if you wanna hear more huh ?
Next : the museum
Location : Budapest
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