Vad Hashem The Holocaust Museum Israel

After ending our fourth night in Israel at the Ramada in Jerusalem, we began day five at Vad Hashem, The Holocaust Museum.  Unbelievable.  Horrific.  Inspiring.  Those are the words that came to mind directly after leaving The Holocaust Museum in Israel.  I am typically not a lover of museums, but The Holocaust Museum captivated me.  The museum tells the story of the people, those lost, but the focus is on those who overcame. 

We were not allowed to take photos inside the museum.  Throughout was video of Holocaust survivors telling their story.  It was captivating, heartbreaking, and inspiring.  In the midst of such horror the museum honors those who rose up and fought and saved others.  It is beautiful.  I was exhausted and emotionally drained when I had gone through and come out the other side of the museum. 

Walking the grounds outside is equally inspiring.  Everything has significance, even at times the trees.  Called The Avenue of the Righteous in honor of those non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. The above tree is in honor of Oskar and Emilie Schindler of whom the movie Schindler’s List was about. 

The Pillar of Heroism commemorates Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.

The plaque on the concrete block reads: “Now and forever in memory of those who rebelled in the camps and ghettos, fought in the woods, in the underground and with the Allied forces; braved their way to Eretz Israel; and died sanctifying the name of God.”

The museum is not what I expected.  I left feeling very moved and inspired.  I highly recommend you visit!

There is so much to tell about The Holocaust museum in Israel, but I’ve just told you a bit.  If you’d like to explore more, check out their website as it contains extensive details.  If you can’t make it in person, this is the next best thing!