Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro announced plans for a new Holocaust memorial on November 25, 2023. This site, located on the south-east lawn in front of Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Blvd, aims to honor the six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust, as well as the survivors who rebuilt their lives in the community.
The memorial project has received a total commitment of $3 million from Richards and Mayor Eric Adams. During the announcement, Richards confirmed his allocation of $1 million while Adams pledged $2 million. Additional funding is being sought, with State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky announcing her support for $1 million at the event. Assembly Member Sam Berger stated that the Queens Assembly delegation will advocate for an extra $1.5 million for the site.
The memorial is the vision of Michael Nussbaum, co-publisher of the Queens Daily Eagle and president of the Queens Jewish Community Council. He first approached Richards and the Mayor’s office with the idea three years ago. Nussbaum credited Mastro for facilitating the project’s advancement by navigating bureaucratic challenges and ensuring its initiation.
The site is designed to be a memorial garden featuring public artwork. The selection of artists will be managed by the Department of Cultural Affairs’ “Percent for Art” program, in collaboration with community members and Holocaust survivors. This initiative aims not only to honor those who suffered but also to educate the community about the Holocaust and the persistent threat of antisemitism.
Richards described the announcement as an “emotional day” for Jewish families in Queens, emphasizing that the memorial serves as a testament to the community’s commitment to remembrance. “We will never forget what happened to six million Jewish families during World War II,” he stated, underscoring the importance of memorializing the past to prevent similar atrocities.
Mastro echoed these sentiments, reminding attendees that the phrase “never again” is as relevant today as it has ever been. He noted the alarming statistic that antisemitism accounts for over 50% of hate crimes in New York City. Mastro affirmed that the memorial will play a crucial role in combating this rising tide of antisemitism, advocating for unity among all communities against hatred.
Holocaust survivor Vladimir Epshteyn, who faced persecution in the Soviet Union before immigrating to the U.S., shared his perspective on the significance of the memorial. He emphasized that it sends a vital message that “nothing is forgotten,” reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by antisemitism globally.
Rabbi Mayer Waxman, CEO of the Queens Jewish Community Council, highlighted the memorial’s role in combating Holocaust denial and promoting education about the Holocaust. “Many people have forgotten,” he remarked, stressing the urgent need for educational initiatives to ensure that future generations understand the importance of remembrance.
As Queens prepares to establish this significant memorial, local leaders and community members are poised to work together to create a space that honors the past while fostering a commitment to tolerance and understanding in the future. The memorial is expected to serve not only as a tribute but also as a powerful reminder of the lessons learned from history.
