Reverberations Through Time

The unspeakable reverberates through time. Almost a century after the Holocaust, we are still at a loss when attempting to grasp the dimensions and impact of the pain and loss. As artists, we are called to find a form—a shape that makes the unspeakable heard, that gives a cry its voice. We seek to create a perspective through which we can see the past and draw lessons for the future. Yet, we are at a loss. The shapes burned into our memories are the mountains of eyeglasses, shoes, clothes, and other personal items. Piled upon each other, these objects form soft, scaleless landscapes—a haunting amalgamation of individuality erased and lives unified under the same terrible destiny.

The 1,500,000 Button Project is a poignant gesture dedicated to the memory of the children who perished in the Shoah. Each button is unique: a different color, size, shape, material, and design, symbolizing that every person was a universe unto themselves, with wishes, hopes and dreams. Rather than attempting to contain the unimaginable by collecting the buttons in glass jars, we propose to spread them across the entire available space. This approach allows each button to be visible simultaneously, celebrating the uniqueness of every soul while evoking the painful memory of their brutal ends.

It is this heartbreaking duality—the mixture of joy and sorrow—that accompanies us as Jewish people through history. It helps us keep their memory alive, while also educating others and ensuring that words like “never again” are not empty promises.

Deliberately, we embrace the balancing act between joy and pain, reflecting the broader goals of Holocaust remembrance and education—to honor those lost while instilling a sense of hope and responsibility in future generations.
At first glance, this field of buttons appears vibrant, colorful, and almost playful—like a playground. The buttons’ myriad colors and reflections create a kaleidoscope of light, evoking wonder and warmth, reminiscent of carefree summer days. However, as one approaches, engraved quotes from Avraham Shlonsky, Janusz Korczak, Elie Wiesel, and others appear on the concrete boundaries. The realization dawns that this vibrant field of millions of buttons commemorates the children who perished in the Holocaust. Each button represents an individual, and yet together, they form an overwhelming collective. The initial sense of joy fades into sorrow, conjuring memories of the mountains of personal remains forever etched in our collective consciousness.

This interplay of emotions—beauty and pain, individual stories and collective destiny, memory and hope—serves as the starting point for reflection. It raises awareness of the dangers of antisemitism, fosters engagement with history, and hopefully encourages prevention.

Through this memorial, we aim to discover and define human values by meeting the past face-to-face, ensuring that the legacy of the children and the lessons of the Shoah endure for generations to come.

We invite all experience this space to reflect on the fragility of human rights and to act as stewards of tolerance, compassion, and justice in their communities.


Building Together: Community and Education

The creation of this memorial is not just a tribute but a collaborative and transformative process. Through a series of community workshops, students will take an active role in bringing this sacred space to life. Tasks like shaping concrete, painting, and applying buttons will provide a tangible connection to history, allowing participants to engage both physically and emotionally with the project. These workshops offer a hands-on experience that transforms abstract remembrance into personal commitment.

Our team, supported by professional contractors, will oversee the technical aspects, while students will be encouraged to contribute wherever possible. Working side by side with Israeli artists, participants will not only learn about the artistic process but also engage in meaningful conversations. The participants and artists will share personal narratives, including reflections on the events of October 7th, fostering a deep exchange of stories and perspectives.

This collaboration bridges cultural and generational divides, linking the Bristol Community College, its Holocaust & Genocide Center, and local students with international voices. Together, we aim to transform memory into action, ensuring that this memorial becomes a living, breathing testament to resilience and unity.

Beyond building a physical structure, these workshops create a space for dialogue, empathy, and education. Participants will confront the lessons of the Holocaust, exploring themes of tolerance, the dangers of hatred, and the resilience of the human spirit. By working together to shape this memorial, students and community members alike will contribute to a project that honors the past while inspiring a more compassionate future.

This hands-on approach ensures that remembrance is not passive but active and participatory. The result is a living memorial that not only commemorates the children lost in the Shoah but also educates and empowers those who engage with it, creating a ripple effect of awareness and responsibility that extends far beyond the memorial itself.