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2012-01-04

A neglected monument in the center of Kielce

The white wall has turned gray; Kielce residents do not have any positive feelings about this place anymore. Some people even mistake the obelisk for a public toilet. In reality, however, this site is a monument commemorating the pogrom victims.

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The monument was erected in 2006 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Kielce Jewish pogrom which took place at the intersection of Planty, Piotrkowska, Aleja IX Wieków Kielc Streets. This monument, two meters high and in the shape of number seven, was built of cement blocks which are to symbolize the victims of the pogrom. The investment was financed by Americans. Jack Sal, an American sculptor who created the monument, was of the opinion that both the shape and the building material of the monument have to bear a symbolical meaning. Cement blocks and lime are to allude to the tradition of the industrial city of Kielce.

Unfortunately, the materials used to build the monument have worn out unexpectedly quickly. Presently, the monument is in disrepair. It turns out that there is no one who is responsible for the monument but, at the same time, it is the problem of all the citizens of the town. The monument was built thanks to private donations in the public land of the city. One of the civil servants from the municipal authorities suggested the place, not caring about required documentation afterwards. No one assumes any responsibility for the monument while the dirty memorial model continues to be an eyesore in the town.

Source:

Moje Miasto Kielce Internet portal

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