There are few events in modern history that have shaped Paris to the same extent as World War II and the Holocaust. The events of the Holocaust, specifically France’s involvement through the Vichy government, are events that have shamed the French people as a whole. Today, the city populace seeks to take responsibility for their actions and honour the memory of those whose lives were lost during the atrocities of the deportation and concentration camps through education, in hopes of preventing an event of similar magnitude. In 2005, the Shoah (The Hebrew word for Holocaust) Memorial was opened in the Marais.
That the museum was opened in the Marais is of special significance – historically, the Marais was the Jewish quarter of Paris. The Marais was an area that was devastated during the war, and has managed to since revive itself as the primary center for Jewish culture in Paris. If you ever find yourself craving matzah ball soup, this is the place to go. You will also find great kosher delis, bookstores, and a synagogue.
The Shoah Memorial positions itself foremost as an awareness-raising center. Through performances, and a host of cultural activities, the museum offers several special services meant to engage the outer community. Activities are planned as far as six months in advance, so be sure to check the calendar to see what will be happening while you are in Paris. The museum also offers guided walks through the Marais, which shows some of the areas of historical significance, as well as the places where Jewish artists lived and worked.
When you walk into the memorial, the wall of names greets you. The names are carved onto stone from Jerusalem and seek to honour the memory of those who died during the deportation. There are over 76,000 individuals who died without a grave, a number that is all the more staggering when you are can see what it looks like in real numbers. There is also a crypt containing ashes collected from the camps. Before entering, take a moment to light a candle in remembrance.
Inside the memorial, there is a collection of personal letters, interviews, slides and films that document the events of the Holocaust. Many of the images are graphic and not recommended for young children. The museum also has a large section devoted to the history of anti-Semitism, and its effects on the Jewish heritage. This section also focuses on how detrimental hatred and intolerance can be in today’s world.
Although the museum is a sobering experience, it is a must while in Paris. The information presented in the memorial seeks to serve as a reminder of the past, as well as a warning for the future.
Need to know
Getting there: Metro Stop: Saint-Paul or Pont-Marie
Hours: The museum is open Sunday – Friday (closed on Saturday’s for the Sabbath) from 10am – 6pm
Admission: Entrance to the museum is free
Tours: There are guided tours in English given every second Sunday of the month
Image via Flickr/iantmcfarland