It is essential to commemorate the moments which have either positively or negatively affected the lives of people. One of them is the suffering of many thousands of Jewish and Roma victims of racial Nazi persecution in 1939 – 1945. The events which far exceed human reason. Although it seems inconceivable, the fact remains that they happened. Time moderates things, making them incredible owing to their absurdity, extent and consistency with which they were made. The memorial which is to document the historical fact thus has to do clearly. It is not merely about symbolism and references, but the overall induction of feelings and images which not only do not let us forget those tragic events, but above all will not allow a reduction in the intensity of memories. As it is the only way the memorial does not become merely one of other lifeless commemorations of the unhappy past but will carry moral values for future residents of the city.

The overall concept of the building works with the theme of the memorial as something that is a carrier of ideas and strong memories, while also referring to life and optimism. It tries to limit the conflict give by the very essence of the memorial by integrating it into the place in a humble and respectful manner, yet with a fixed idea of enlightenment and awareness that life goes on. Not at the expense of the intensity of memories, but rather with the idea of creating the epicentre, concentrating them in one place, rather than diluting them. The cairn is perceived as something which allowed preserving history for future generations. Therefore, it also has the nature of time resistance to external influences. Finally, it is crucial in understanding the matters. After climbing to the memorial area of the wagon, you may perceive the surroundings from above. Where else but above the surrounding dullness, one should bow down and say: WE WILL NOT FORGET!

Brno, Czech Republic