According to the study by the scientific director of the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki Dr. Polyxeni Eleftheriou (2024), the construction of monuments dedicated to the Holocaust in Greece reflects the gradual recognition of the tragedy of Greek Jews and the destruction of the country’s numerous and thriving Jewish community during World War II. These monuments, apart from points of honor and memory, are symbols of historical consciousness and educational tools for new generations.
The first monuments and the initial approach
The memorialization of the Holocaust in Greece began with initiatives of the Jewish Communities themselves, without initially there being active involvement of the Greek state or other institutional bodies. The first monument to the victims of Nazism was erected in 1962 by the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, inside the new Jewish cemetery in Stavropol. It was designed by Italian architect Manfredo D’Urbino, known for his contribution to the construction of Jewish monuments in Milan.
In the following years, monuments were erected in Larissa, Volos and Athens, while squares were named in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. In addition, the renovation of historic synagogues in cities such as Athens, Veria and Chania was associated with highlighting the memory of Jewish communities that suffered persecution and extermination.
Monuments in Thessaloniki: From oblivion to public memory
Thessaloniki, which before the war was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, plays a central role in preserving Holocaust memory. The erection of monuments in the city marked the transition from a period of oblivion to a new phase of public recognition of the city’s Jewish history.
The most famous Holocaust Memorial, the work of the Glid brothers, is located in Eleftherias Square, a historical site that marks the beginning of the persecution of the Jews of Thessaloniki. Although a central point of remembrance, it has often been the target of vandalism, highlighting the ongoing battle against denial and anti-Semitism.
Another monument of particular importance is located at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), in the area where the Jewish cemetery of the city once stood. The monument was erected in 2014 by architect Konstantinos Lentaris and depicts the extent and importance of the Jewish cemetery, which was destroyed in 1942. It presents elements of Jewish religious identity, such as the Star of David and the Menorah, while the inscriptions in five languages (Greek, English, French, Spanish and Hebrew) reflect the multicultural composition of the community.
In 2019, in the Ceremony Hall of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, a new monument was placed dedicated to the Jewish students of the university who perished in the Holocaust. It was designed by artist Xenis Sachinis and includes the names of the students, symbolizing the violent interruption of their studies and lives. The monument incorporates elements of Jewish tradition, such as the placement of stones in memory of the dead, keeping alive the Jewish identity in the campus community.
The protection of monuments on university campuses and in public spaces, such as squares and parks, is a significant challenge due to the increased risks associated with vandalism, hate attacks and acts of sacrilege. Monuments, as symbols of historical memory and collective identity, are often damaged by extremists or groups seeking to distort or challenge their message. Especially on university campuses, where police access is limited due to the university asylum regime, monuments become more vulnerable to attacks that may be related to social or political tensions.