What lies just beneath the surface? How many more secrets are buried here?  By Dana Safarek

Today, as we observed the monument being placed into the ground, I couldn’t help but be consumed by these thoughts. 

Throughout our entire journey, a lingering feeling of forgotten stories has followed me. In the bustling city of Warsaw, I wanted to shout, “Wait! What about all the Jews who once thrived here?” And as we arrived at Howard’s hometown, where he stood, fixated on his childhood home, I felt an urgent need to proclaim, “This is HIS home, HIS family’s home! Get out!” 

I understand that life must continue, yet grappling with the weight of the atrocities that transpired here makes that difficult to accept. 

Each site we visit leaves me with a desire to safeguard its legacy. How can life simply proceed? How can we unflinchingly construct upon locations of such profound historical significance? 

Nevertheless, I find solace in the existence of individuals like Howard, who champion the preservation of such places. Sadly, Howard’s generation is quickly fading away, leaving us with the duty to carry the torch and prevent history from slipping into oblivion. The mayor and The Rabbi of Warsaw, both relatively young, have inspired me with their shared passion for conservation.

I refuse to allow these people to be forgotten. Their homes were seized, their lives were unjustly stolen – it is our sacred obligation to safeguard their memory! 

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