TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On a historic day in Tallahassee, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled the Florida Holocaust Memorial in Memorial Park, honoring the six million Jews who tragically lost their lives during the Holocaust.
The memorial also pays tribute to the survivors who rebuilt their lives in Florida after escaping the horrors of the war. The Governor was joined by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Holocaust survivor David Schaecter, and Israeli Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky for the emotional event.
The Holocaust Memorial, made from a striking combination of iron and limestone, stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of those who survived the unimaginable. The memorial displays the faces and names of Holocaust survivors who made Florida their home after the war, helping to build the state and enrich its communities. Local Jewish organizations worked closely with the Florida Department of Management Services to compile the names and images of survivors for this monumental project.
Governor DeSantis noted the significance of the memorial and the date it was unveiled. He stated, “First Lady Casey DeSantis and I were deeply honored to unveil the Florida Holocaust Memorial today in the Florida Capitol Complex’s Memorial Park. This memorial is a powerful symbol of our state’s commitment to remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust.
It also recognizes the survivors who found refuge here in Florida, including David Schaecter, whose lifelong dedication to educating Floridians about the Holocaust earned him the Governor’s Medal of Freedom. Florida is a better place because of the Holocaust survivors who have called our state home. We are grateful for their contributions, and we are proud to stand with the Jewish community in remembrance and solidarity.”
The date of the unveiling was not chosen randomly. It marks the anniversary of a pivotal moment in Holocaust history — the day in 1942 when the first group of Jews were deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
This act of remembrance ensures that the Florida Holocaust Memorial will serve as a reminder of the horrors faced by Jews and other persecuted groups during the Nazi regime, while honoring the survivors who found new lives in the United States and particularly in Florida.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony was the presentation of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom to David Schaecter, a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor. Schaecter moved to Miami in 1957 after enduring the traumatic experiences of the Holocaust.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Schaecter and his family were forcibly taken from their home during the war. He was imprisoned in both the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, enduring harsh conditions that claimed the lives of many of his fellow prisoners. Schaecter was one of the lucky ones who survived, managing to escape during the Nazis’ retreat from Allied forces.
Tragically, Schaecter’s family was torn apart by the war. His brother was killed in Buchenwald, and Schaecter was separated from his parents and two sisters. He never saw them again after the war ended. Despite these harrowing losses, Schaecter made it his life’s mission to educate future generations about the horrors of the Holocaust and ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten.
His work in Holocaust education has had a profound impact on the state of Florida. As a passionate advocate, Schaecter dedicated his efforts to speaking in schools, helping students understand the importance of remembrance, tolerance, and human dignity.
He shared his personal experiences with countless students, emphasizing the importance of standing against hatred and injustice in all its forms. In recognition of these tireless efforts, Governor DeSantis awarded him the prestigious Governor’s Medal of Freedom during the unveiling ceremony.
The Governor’s Medal of Freedom is one of Florida’s highest honors, given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state and society. In presenting the medal to Schaecter, Governor DeSantis emphasized the profound impact that survivors like him have had on Florida, saying, “David’s dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations has made Florida a better place. The Holocaust Memorial stands as a testament to his efforts, and we are proud to honor him today.”
In addition to the Governor, several other distinguished speakers shared their thoughts at the unveiling. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner, Senator Tina Polsky, and former Senator Eleanor Sobel all spoke about the importance of the memorial and the need for continued education and remembrance. Each of them underscored the significance of never forgetting the atrocities of the Holocaust, stressing the importance of passing down the stories of survivors to future generations.
The Florida Holocaust Memorial is the first to be placed in Memorial Park, a newly established site dedicated to honoring historical figures and events that have shaped the state. Memorial Park was created through Senate Bill 2506 in 2023, and the Holocaust Memorial marks a significant milestone in the park’s development.
The memorial is not just a tribute to those lost during the Holocaust, but also a celebration of the survivors’ strength and resilience. It stands as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of standing up against injustice.
Governor DeSantis also reflected on the broader impact of Holocaust survivors in Florida, noting that many survivors not only rebuilt their lives but also contributed significantly to the growth and development of the state. “Florida is home to many survivors who have contributed to every aspect of our society, from education and business to healthcare and the arts. They are an integral part of our state’s story,” he said.
The Florida Holocaust Memorial is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the past, but it also serves as an inspiration for the future. It challenges all of us to never forget the lessons of history and to continue working toward a world built on understanding, respect, and compassion.
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