First off we went to the Dohany Street Synagogue. This is the second largest Synagogue in the world, the largest in Europe. It was part of the Jewish Ghetto during 1944. It is huge and absolutely beautiful.
During WWII, the Nazis used this Synagogue as a stable for their horses and offices. Because they used it throughout the war, the Germans did not destroy it, like they did to many other Synagogues across Europe.
It really is an amazing place and it was an honor for me to visit it.
Years ago Tony created a foundation in his father's name to help restore the Synagogue. Tony's Foundation helped to create this incredible monument to the lives lost in the Holocaust. It is a silver tree, the names of those who were lost are engraved on silver leaves. They were refurbashing it at the time of our visit, so the leaves were wrapped up for protection. When they are loose, they make a beautiful twinkling sound in the breeze.
Years ago, Tony had plaques set in the monument in honor of his Father who was born in Hungary. It was so moving to see TC re-reading the plaques. We took rubbings of them to take home in a frame.
This is the Jewish Cemetary on the grounds of the Synagogue. There are over 2,000 people buried here in mass graves. They all died in the Jewish Ghetto. It so peaceful now that it is hard to imagine all of the suffering that went on here.If you are ever in Budapest, please do take some time to check out this beautiful place. I am glad I did.
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