"The project we
have begun today
represents an
unprecedented
pioneering vision."
— Rabbi Rosenzveig
MAKING
altruists instead of shirking their social
responsibility, we will show that indi-
vidual actions can change the world.
"In fact," he added, "visitors will
learn an important lesson of democra-
cy and free society."
Lawrence Kraft, HMC board mem-
ber and co-chair of the development
campaign, told the crowd of his father's
commitment to the new HMC.
"What began as a tribute to his wife
will turn into a legacy that will honor
both of our parents, Minion and Eugene
Kraft of blessed memory," said Kraft,
whose father donated $1 million. "Our
father translated his com-
mitment to this pioneering
noble undertaking with his
generous philanthropy.
"There is a necessity to
develop world conscious-
ness among those who pro- Lawrence
Kraft
mote, protect and rescue
life by overpowering the
dark forces of hatred and evil," he said.
Nancy Bates, Farmington Hills
mayor, called the HMC "an outstand-
ing addition to a community that is
dedicated to promoting mutual under-
standing and acceptance."
"Farmington Hills is
rich in cultural diversity,"
said Bates, who cited
more than 90 different
languages spoken in
Farmington Public
Nancy
Schools. "It seems fitting,
Bates
therefore, that the
Holocaust-Memorial
Center, which has educated tens of
thousands of schoolchildren on what
can happen when hate is allowed to
prevail, will have its home in a com-
munity that fosters freedom, dignity
and respect."
*E
❑
IIMC's New Home To Offer More Features
he new 41,000-square-
foot Holocaust Memorial
Center will house two
added exhibit wings: the
Museum of European Jewish
Heritage that will demonstrate
the richness of the Jewish experi-
ence — the people, places and
institutions; and the
International Institute of the
Righteous that will identify those
who assisted the Jews during the
Holocaust, and examine right-
eousness as a broader theme
throughout history.
T
The wings will be organized
along a continuous path to illus-
trate the contrast of life before,
during and after the Holocaust.
A conference center will be
built as a place for eminent
scholars to exchange knowledge
and survivors to tell personally of
their lives to visitors. The greatly
expanded library is expected to
become one of the largest dedi-
cated to the Holocaust period.
The planned two-story lobby
will be a reception area, used for
various events, and to bind the
disparate parts into a whole.
According to architect Ken
Neumann of Neumann/Smith &
Associates in Southfield, the final
design exploits the forms, textures
and colors of the Holocaust expe-
rience — arrival, enclosure and
destruction. It is intended that
the building's brick and concrete
will express the directness and
expediency with which the Nazis
constructed their Final Solution
to the Jewish Problem.
❑
— Harry Kirsbaum
TENDER
271 WEST MAPLE
DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
248.258.0212
Monday-Saturday 10-6
Thursday 10-9
Open a Tender Charge Today
626830
6/28
2002
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