Holocaust Museum

Our last stop in Israel was the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.  We were encouraged by our hosts to visit this memorial to the tragedy that occurred in Germany and the countries Germany took over in World War II.  It’s a well done retelling of the story of the rise of Hitler and the tragic consequences of the attempt to create a super race of Aryans.  The museum exhibits are housed in a dark concrete A frame and the story is told with pictures of the people involved both Jews and Germans.  They make the story very personal

As one reads the story on the tablets on the walls, it’s difficult to believe that people could believe what was said about Jews and the willingness of so many to exterminate a race of people.  Difficult to believe until Rwanda, Kosovo, Bosnia, Darfur, and others come to mind.  Such slaughter is not ancient history but continues as current events.

The end of the walk through the museum is a balcony that opens out into a view of Jersualem and the hills of Israel.  One has the sense that for those who survived the holocaust that the land of Israel is their salvation from having to experience such a holocaust again.

We catch a plane early tomorrow to fly back home.  On paper it looks like a short flight–10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Unfoturnately, we also cross 7 time zones so it still is more like 11 hours.  I don’t know what they would say here in Israel, but back home I would say Uff-da!

This has been a good experience for us.  It’s our first foreign travel since 1966 when we toured Northern Europe with a college choir.  Our hosts have been more than gracious.  Our thanks to Oren and Ahna for inviting us to travel with them, and a special thanks to Oren’s family here for their kindnesses, patience, and willingness to share themselves and their country with us.  We often say, with a smile, that where we live is God’s country.  I would guess that many of those we met  would say that about Israel too.

Thanks to those who have been holding down the fort at Our Savior’s.  Thanks also to those of you who have taken the time to follow our journey and to those who have shared their comments.  I hope at some point we can share a little of our experience with you.