The eternal flame (or the eternal light) embedded in the Monument, resonates deeply in Jewish tradition, and is often associated with God’s eternal presence. In most synagogues, a “Ner Tamid”, Hebrew for eternal light, is kept lit, just as it was in the holy temple in Jerusalem thousands of years ago. “Without remembrance there is no humanity,” said Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
The Flame of Remembrance burns in memory of over 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including the 1.5 million children, murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. It was the largest genocide recorded in the history of the world.
Message from Edward Burtynsky
“I know that the Monument cannot serve as a deterrent for antisemitism. However, I am hopeful that it will, for many future generations, shed some light on the Holocaust and those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis. I believe that [this Monument]...will help ensure that…the terrible dark phrase ‘None is too many’ will never be uttered in Parliament again.”