Dear Educator:
We would like to offer you the opportunity to make the Peoria Holocaust Memorial, located at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie in Peoria, part of your students’ learning experience. Everyone who visits this memorial gains a better understanding about the importance of tolerance and respect for all people. They learn about one of the largest persecutions in human history, the Holocaust.
The Holocaust Memorial contains millions of buttons, each one representing a life lost during the Holocaust. Six million represent the Jews who perished and five million represent the “enemies of the state” who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis. The buttons were hand-counted by young people like your students, as well as teachers, Key Club members, Scouts, youth groups and so many others who wanted to help make a difference. The sheer number of buttons shocks visitors.
Buttons were chosen to represent each life because of their circular shape reminding us of the cycle of life. Buttons hold things together like each person who tried to hold together his or her family. When the people arrived at the concentration camps and had to unbutton their clothes, they were left vulnerable. Buttons were a part of the clothes left behind at the gates of the concentration camps.
These millions of buttons are contained in unique glass sculptures. The buttons representing the Jews are in 18 glass columns, two rows of nine. The two rows are symbolic of the selection process. The number 18 translates in Hebrew to the word “Chai” which means life. Each column is in the shape of the Star of David, symbolic for the yellow stars that the Jews were forced to wear.
The five million buttons representing the “enemies of the state” are in five glass triangles. The triangles are symbolic of the badges, different colors for each group, that the “enemies” were forced to wear. Roma gypsies, Catholics, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the handicapped, trade unionists, as well as political and religious leaders, and so many others are being remembered.
Informational kiosks are also at the site, featuring a historical timeline as well as individual testimonials from Holocaust survivors and liberators.
Classes have already begun to visit this unique memorial. We suggest that you consider bringing your students to witness a learning experience unlike any other. The Memorial is part of the outdoor mall and therefore is free of charge to all who visit. The location at Illinois Routes 91 and 6 on Peoria’s northwest corner, off the interstate, makes it easily accessible from every direction. With prior arrangements, trained docents are available to talk to your class and to discuss the history of the Holocaust and the project. We will try to accommodate your request for someone to meet your students. Due to the outdoor location, weather may be a factor when planning a visit.
Please keep in mind that this is an ongoing program and we will be offering our services throughout the year. We suggest that you allow up to 30 minutes for your time at the Memorial, or longer, depending on your students.
Please visit our website at www.buttonproject.com for additional information and to e-mail us. You may also call the Jewish Federation of Peoria at 309/689-0063. To make arrangements for a visit, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and mail it to The Jewish Federation of Peoria, 2000 Pioneer Pkwy. Suite 10B, Peoria, IL 61615. We look forward to meeting you and your students.
Holocaust Memorial
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