Two months ago I attended a commemorative event in one of the Martyrs' Forests near Jerusalem. People had gathered there in the early afternoon hours for a ceremony that was planned to start at 16:oo pm. Each participant (there were about two hundred people) was offered a new white cotton cap and a red fresh rose. The white of the caps and of the plastic chairs facing the stage of honor, the red of the roses, the yellow of the scorching sun, and the green of the trees around - that was quite a sight!
surrounding trees
offering flowers to participants
The spot , named the 'Dorohoi woodland' (Dorohoi - a city and former county in north-east Romania) is dominated by a six-column monument - symbol of the six little towns of Dorohoi county whose Jewish population has undergone persecutions during the Holocaust.
the six-column stone monument
young boy at the ceremony
romanian ambassador delivering a speech
Not far from this memorial, there are some long wooden tables and benches - indication that the spot is a popular place for picnics and recreation.
Life with its little pleasures goes on, parallel to what the monument stands for, namely, martyrdom.
long wooden table and benches
That is one thing that is for certain...life and it's little pleasures does go on. Very interesting. Was there a particular significance to the white caps and the red roses?
ReplyDeleteThat monument is stark and beautiful--columns rising from the ashes as the Star of David, shielding it's people.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post and wonderful photos. :)
That was so sad and interesting. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice that the monument was placed in an area where others can sit and reflect the joys of LIFE near those who gave theirs. I like the symbolism of the red roses and white caps. Peace
ReplyDeleteAlicia,
ReplyDeleteThe white caps: 1. protection from the sun 2. as a memento; it had on it in print the name of the event. 3. white color stands for Hope.
The red roses: 1. a way to say : love you, thanks for coming 2. red color stands for the blood shed by the martyrs
Jayne,
The monument is indeed very beautiful. At the entrance to the spot there's a large, monument-like stone plaque with the names of 15 people born in those six towns, that have donated money to set up the Dorohoi forest.
Donnie,
An event such as this one is always ambivalent: it arouses sadness for the past, hope for the future - and that, of course, makes it interesting.
Lady Di Tn,
One couldn't have said it better. I agree with every word.
Symbolism is very obvious at this place.
This monument has many aspects of honor...and fun for families (picnic tables) Love the statue
ReplyDeleteLife does go on, no matter what, and is informed and enriched by remembering what went before. The statue is evocative of standing in the face of evil, and the welcoming smile of the young man with the roses shows warmth and hope. Nice post with good balance!
ReplyDeleteKim@Stuff,
ReplyDeleteThe more one looks at it, the more one likes it. I'm told there are people who come to the annual commemoration (for me it was the first time) just to have a long look at the statue.
Dimple,
Yes, 'balance' is the relevant word. Past and present, Evil and Hope, Statue vs. Picnic Benches
and Rosea
I love that life is not passing you by, Duta. You spoke of "balance," and participation in events such as this, lend a nice balance and perspective to life. Thanks, always, for sharing a part of your life with us.
ReplyDeleteHah! You were in my country at Dorohoi. I must tell you that I have never been to Dorohoi... unfortunately. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right. Events such as this give one a better perspective to life.
ReplyDeleterobert,
I'm from Dorohoi county, not from Dorohoi city.
As far as I know, the young, handsome romanian ambassador in Israel is a Dorohoi native.
Sad and interesting! It would be nice to see a whole world without martyrs...
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know that those bad times are not forgotten, both in your bringing that time to our attention via your blog, and to the memorial service itself.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting and haunting place. I am still clearing my head from all the 9-11
ReplyDeletethat was on TV here. I have lost so many friends this year. Now my Cousin said she has Cancer for the 2nd time. She is 6 years younger than me. There is still HOPE& LOVE.
yvonne
Phivos Nicolaides,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, it would. A world without persecutions, wars and bloodshed would be nice, but it's unfortunately an utopia.
Vera,
Remembrance of events and people of the past is very important for both the present and the future generations.
La Petite Gallerie,
Oh Yvonne, I'm truly sorry to hear about your gone friends, and about your cousin. We must not loose Hope for the better.
I feel like I'm seeing the world when I visit your blog.
ReplyDeleteLife 101,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm flatterd by your kind words.
I like the way you not only describe a specific place but also move the circumference around that specific place to cover the background. You take care of the foregound as well as the background. I can imagine all your posts as a book. Please do attempt that someday, dear DUTA. It would be a wonderful compilation.
ReplyDeleteJoy always,
Susan
Susan Deborah,
ReplyDelete'circumference', 'foreground','background' - I like these terms and what you say about them in relation to my post.
The last part of your comment makes me feel in Heaven. Thanks.
Your post was very informative and I can feel the hope and love in your words. We all must never forget hope and love and keep them in our lives. The monument was simply stunning. Very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet Duta, I have sooo missed your very interesting and rich stories. This sounds like a wonderful event. I can vividly picture the white chairs, white caps adorned by the red flowers framed by the green trees.
ReplyDeleteGod bless ya and have a most beautiful day my friend. :o)
I can't tell you how much I love reading your blog. The photo's, and artistic description of the events you are at always make me feel as though I'm there.
ReplyDeletehttp://lisapetrarca.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-opportunity-knocks.html
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to blogging!
Thanks for your kind words about love and hope, and about the beauty of the monument.
Nezzy,
Good to hear from you again! I've missed you and your stories too. Glad you're back to Bloggiland.
Lisa Petrarca,
Your comment made my day. Thanks a lot for your good opinion on my blog.
On further investigation, the sculpture is larger and more grand than first meets the eye. A fitting tribute.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the statue is " a fitting tribute". It is its modest shape and material that makes it very impressive and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe statue is beautiful. It's good that what happened in the past is not forgotten! A nice gesture to give a white cap and a rose. Thanks for sharing, Duta!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the visit and your nice comment. Hope to see you more often among my readers and commenters.
ReplyDelete