When visiting Israel, if I could only visit one museum, Yad Vashem would undoubtedly be my top choice! Commemorating the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust, Yad Vashem, where photography is prohibited, allows me to immerse myself in the documentation of historical photos and images, truly feeling the trauma experienced by the Jewish people.
As I step into Yad Vashem, the triangular and narrow space creates a sense of oppression, seamlessly connecting with the first exhibit on the rise of the Nazis. With Hitler's oath, anti-Semitism surged once again, prompting Jewish people to embark on a journey to escape.
According to interviews, some people harbored deep resentment after witnessing the horrors that their parents endured during the atrocities. The photographs depict individuals being pushed into dugouts by soldiers, and disheveled people lying along the sides of roads.
Upon reaching the final area, the "Hall of Names," I am surrounded by millions of records of victims and survivors. At this moment, my heart is broken.
Walking back to the bus station through the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations, a memorial for those who aided Jews, my mood gradually improves. The impact that Israel has had on me is truly profound and continues to affect me every day.
Yad Vashem Opening Hours: Closed on Saturdays. Sunday to Thursday: 0830-1700 Friday: 0830-1400 Location: Yad Vashem, Har Hazikaron Admission: Free, but advance reservation is required. ➤ Book Now