Queens to Construct Holocaust Memorial Garden
The city is set to create a Holocaust Memorial Garden at Queensborough Hall to honor the six million Jews who were tragically killed by the Nazis during World War II.
Out-going Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards have committed $4 million in funding for the project, while local state legislators are aiming to secure an additional $2 million.
“Simply saying ‘never again’ isn’t enough; we need to translate that into action,” Adams remarked. “By preserving both the stories of the victims and survivors, creating a lasting space for remembrance, and fostering understanding across generations, this memorial will truly embody the essence of ‘never again.’”
The completion of the project is anticipated during the term of the incoming mayor, Zoran Mamdani, who starts next year.
Originally proposed three years ago by the Queens Jewish Community Council, a dedication ceremony was recently held with community leaders at Queens Borough Hall.
This memorial will be the first significant tribute to the events of the Holocaust in the borough.
The borough president expressed his enthusiasm for the memorial’s location on the grounds of Queens Borough Hall. “The Holocaust Memorial in Queens will serve as a poignant tribute to the six million innocent Jews murdered by the Nazis and the survivors who made our borough their home, while also inspiring us to continue the fight against anti-Semitism,” Richards stated.
Queens boasts the highest number of Holocaust survivors in the world.
State Senator Toby Stavisky (D-Queens) has promised to allocate $1 million in state funds for the project, and Representative Sam Berger (D-Queens) plans to seek additional funding.
“My grandparents, along with many Holocaust survivors, came to Forest Hills in search of safety, dignity, and a new beginning. They not only rebuilt their lives but contributed significantly to the growth of Queens,” Berger noted.
The city will commence the formal design process for the memorial garden and public art. The selection of artists will be managed by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ Percent for Art program, in collaboration with artists, historians, and Holocaust survivors.
The architectural firm Rafael Viñoly Architects has already drafted conceptual designs for the memorial, which features two cylindrical rings. One of the rings will include a small reflecting pool, surrounded by grass and trees near the eastern entrance of Borough Hall, across from the courthouse.
Michael Nussbaum, Chairman of the Holocaust Memorial Garden and former president of the Queens JCC, mentioned, “This Holocaust Memorial Garden, which we begin today, serves as a reminder of the consequences of forgetting our past. It helps us remain grounded in the present while nurturing hope for the future.” He added, “The memorial garden will be a space where everyone can come for reflection and seek peace.”
