Thursday evening, when it was unveiled and dedicated.
The installation ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ is a 20-foot cast aluminum tree. Its limbs cut near their ends. Large, jagged shards of glass held by those branches. Israeli Artist Ariel Schlesenger tells us the piece represents trauma. The injured tree endures. Nearly 400 people, Holocaust survivors and family, witnessed its unveiling and dedication. ‘Ways to Say Goodbye’ is a major gift commissioned by the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids made possible by the Petska family. The sculpture dedicated in memory of Henry Petska and the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.
Steve Pestka said, “As time goes on and memories of the Holocaust fade, it is important to remember the barbarity human beings are capable of, it is equally important to contemplate the strength of the survivors and their ability to continue and rebuild their lives. It is our hope that this work of art will promote an appreciation of our shared humanity and a reminder that hatred and intolerance continue to this day and the consequences of the ultimate dehumanization of human beings.”
The installation and its surrounding space is a place for contemplation and education.