Two Veterans’ vision for a “Todah Menorah Memorial” is realized
Two Florida veterans have joined together to create a Todah Menorah Memorial. Todah means thank you in Hebrew. The memorial is to thank those military forces that in 1944 freed thousands in Nazi death camps. These forces were American, Canadian/British and Russian. The Today Menorah Memorial is according to Phil Berkowitz and Gene Sweeney co-Founders of LiberatorFoundation.org, a simple “thank you” from all of those who were freed to all of those who freed them.
Todah Memorial Sculpture 3D Rendering Video:
The Liberator Foundation website states:
In 2013, Philip Berkowitz commissioned an artist to create a World War II memorial in honor of fallen American, British and Russian soldiers. The public can now visit the Todah Menorah memorial and share in expressing Mr. Berkowitz’s appreciation for those ‘boots on the ground’ who helped to liberate captive Jews.
Everyone has something they need to say before their time on this Earth ends. It can be as simple as an, “I love you,” or “You’ve always been a good son.”
For many of us, we wait too long and chances are missed to pass on our wisdom, wishes or final words.
Philip Berkowitz has chosen to use his time to thank the British, Russian and American soldiers who helped to liberate the Jewish people from the Nazi death camps. Mr. Berkowitz’s statement extends a poignant, Thank You, for the millions of lives lost saving the Jewish people from extinction.The Todah Menorah was sculpted in clay using historical relics as models. It was then cast in the lost wax process. Both sculpting and casting takes mastery and years of training. The artist used the best foundries and the final sculpture weighs approximately 1,300 pounds. The patina is a classic liver and museum brown.
Berkowitz has a vision to place a Todah Menorah Memorial within the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Russia and Israel.
According to Sweeney, “The Todah Menorah Memorial is non-political and non-religious. It is a tribute to those brave soldiers from the Allied nations who came to the aid of those oppressed. The Nazi death camps held men and women of all religious beliefs and different nations. The death camps were the darkest time in 20th century human history. What better way to recognize our military than with this memorial?”
Philip Berkowitz has chosen to use his time to thank the British, Russian and American soldiers who helped to liberate the Jewish people from the Nazi death camps. Mr. Berkowitz’s statement extends a poignant, Thank You, for the millions of lives lost saving the Jewish people from extinction. The Todah Menorah was sculpted in clay using historical relics as models. It was then cast in the lost wax process, Gene Sweeney researched and found the best foundry, the patina is a classic liver and museum brown and the final sculpture weighs approximately 1,300 pounds.
Berkowitz notes that elements of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions were part of the liberation of the survivors of the death camps. The Canadian forces were under the command of the British Army and therefore it is fitting that both nations be recognized along with the Russians.
To view the list of the Allied Liberating Forces of the USA, Great Britain and Russia by clicking here.
Sweeney states he has reached out to various Private Individuals, Jewish/Interfaith Organizations,Philanthropic Foundations, Private/Public Companies, Civic and Military organizations to help with this project and the feedback has been very positive.
There are two Special Viewing Exhibits and Presentations scheduled so far this year the first is on Sunday, March 2nd, 2014 at 4:30pm at the Eisenhower Recreation Center Eisenhower Recreation Center, The Villages FL – Must See Video | in coordination with Lifelong Learning College – The Villages – Lifestyle. A second Special Viewing Exhibit and Presentation, A PUBLIC INTERFAITH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE EVENT, Co-sponsored by Temple Shalom Oxford, FL and Saint Timothy Catholic Church is scheduled for Tuesday, at April 29, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. EST (doors open 3:30 p.m.) at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Spanish Springs, The Villages, Florida.
There is limited seating for the formal presentations, so please RSVP, donations are greatly appreciated.
Both full size and miniature replicas of the Todah Menorah Memorial will be available by special order, for more details please visit the Liberator Foundation website or contact E.F. (Gene) Sweeney, Executive Director Liberator Foundation, Inc. at g.sweeney@
The Todah Menorah Memorial Story on Fox News 35 in Orlando, FL:
To download and print the Todah Menorah Memoria brochure click here.
