Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro unveiled plans for a new public site dedicated to the Queens Holocaust Memorial on November 25, 2023. This significant initiative aims to honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust while also recognizing the resilience of survivors. The memorial, which will be situated on the south-east lawn in front of Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Blvd, is backed by a funding allocation of $3 million from Richards and Mayor Eric Adams.
The memorial design will serve not only as a tribute to victims but also as an educational resource for the community, emphasizing the dangers of antisemitism and the importance of remembrance. This announcement took place during a ceremonial groundbreaking attended by various elected officials, including Assembly Members David Weprin, Sam Berger, Nily Rozic, Alicia Hyman, and Ed Braunstein. State Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and Leroy Comrie were also present, along with Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and representatives of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Community Involvement and Funding Commitment
The memorial concept originated from Michael Nussbaum, co-publisher of the Queens Daily Eagle and president of the Queens Jewish Community Council. Nussbaum initially approached Richards and the Mayor’s office three years ago with the vision for this significant project. He acknowledged Mastro’s role in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to advance the project, which officially commenced in June.
During the announcement, Adams committed $2 million in funding, while Richards pledged $1 million. Additional funding is being sought to support the initiative, with Stavisky announcing her commitment of $1 million and Berger stating that the Queens Assembly delegation would advocate for an additional $1.5 million.
The city plans to collaborate with community stakeholders and civic leaders to develop the memorial garden, which will incorporate public artwork. The selection of artists will be facilitated through the Department of Cultural Affairs’ “Percent for Art” program in partnership with artists, community members, and Holocaust survivors.
Messages of Remembrance and Vigilance
Richards expressed that the announcement marked an emotional occasion for Jewish families in Queens, underscoring the borough’s commitment to remember the Holocaust. “We will never forget what happened to six million Jewish families during World War II,” he stated. He emphasized the need to confront hatred and evil in all its forms, asserting that the memorial would symbolize Queens’ rejection of antisemitism.
Mastro echoed this sentiment, highlighting the relevance of the phrase “never again” in today’s context. He pointed out that antisemitism accounts for over 50% of hate crimes in the city, affirming the memorial’s role in combating this troubling trend. “We have to remain ever vigilant,” he stated, advocating for a united front against hate in all communities.
Vladimir Epshteyn, a Holocaust survivor who endured persecution in the Soviet Union before immigrating to the U.S., shared his hope that the memorial would convey a powerful message that “nothing is forgotten.” Epshteyn, who has witnessed a global rise in antisemitism, described the memorial as an important sign that hate has no place in the United States.
Rabbi Mayer Waxman, CEO of the Queens Jewish Community Council, emphasized the memorial’s significance in combating rising antisemitism and Holocaust denial. “Many people have forgotten,” he noted, stressing the need for education to ensure that the lessons of history are not lost. He praised the elected officials for their commitment to a united front against antisemitism, reinforcing the message of “never again.”
This initiative represents a critical step in honoring the memory of Holocaust victims and ensuring that the lessons of history guide future generations in addressing hatred and intolerance.
