Located at the east end of the Palm Desert Civic Park , off San Pablo and Fred Waring Drives, Palm Desert (behind the city office buildings).
Dedicated in 1995, the Desert Holocaust Memorial was the dream of Holocaust survivor Joe Brandt. Sharing his vision was another survivor, Earl Greif, and together they committed years of their lives to bring this remarkable structure to a reality, a site that serves not only to remind but to educate all who visit. In the dedication program, its purpose was articulated: "It is our intent that all visitors to the Memorial will leave not just with knowledge, but with the determination to speak out and act against injustice, racism, bigotry, and the denial of basic human rights -- and to make that commitment a part of their lives."
Click HERE for explanation of Holocaust memorial.
The Memorial, now owned by the City of Palm Desert, was designed and sculpted by Dee Clements. It consists of five larger than life-size figures placed on a Star of David of black granite, each figure representing a different aspect of the Holocaust: Boy from the Ghetto, Mother's Last Plea, The Dying Man, The Grieving Man, and The Defiant Man, with number A-17874 tattooed on his left arm, the number that was tattooed on the left arm of Joe Brandt. On the double-tiered black granite floor is a map illustrating the location of the many concentration camps as well as the number of Jews and non-Jews who perished. Bas relief plaques surround the figures, depicting aspects of the Holocaust.
Through the use of explanatory signs and plagues, the Memorial is designed to allow visitors to understand the many elements of the site. Docents may be able to be provided for groups, if arranged in advance. Contact the Jewish Federation offices at (760) 324-4737.
