In Minsk, there is one special place - the memorial of "Yama". Having come here for the first time, one can note the majesty and sadness of sculptural compositions. But at the same time, not knowing the history of Belarus, it is difficult to guess the significance of this object on the map of the country. This monument is dedicated to the innocent victims of the Holocaust. Where is the memorial, and what is its true history?
March 2, 1942 in the history of Belarus
During the Second World War, Minsk was occupied by enemy troops from 1941 to 1944. On the third day of the occupation, all Jews residing in the city were ordered to hand over all available money and valuables. The official date of the foundation of the Jewish ghetto in Minsk is 19.07.1941. The main purpose of its creation was initially the systematic destruction of all identified representatives of this nation. At the end of summer, at least 100,000 prisoners belonging to Jewish nationality lived in the ghetto area in Minsk. March 2, 1942 - the day, forever entered into the history of Belarus. At that time, at least 5,000 prisoners were killed on the territory of the Jewish ghetto. The bodies of many victims simply dropped into a deep ravine. It was in his place was created the Minsk memorial "Pit".
Creating an Obelisk
The brutality that flourished in the Minsk ghetto could not be forgotten after the liberation of the city from enemy invaders. In 1947, an obelisk was erected at the burial site of the prisoners who were shot. The inscription on it reads: "A bright memory for eternity to five thousand Jews who died at the hands of the fiercest enemies of mankind - Nazi-German villains on March 2, 1942". What is remarkable, the text is stamped on a granite obelisk not only in Russian, but also in Yiddish. This is the first monument in the USSR to the victims of the Holocaust, on which it was officially allowed to use Yiddish. The author of the lines is the poet H. Maltinsky. What is noteworthy, despite the permission received for the design of the memorial, he was later exiled to the camp of the Gulag. I suffered for my creation and the rocket that worked on the obelisk - Morduh Sprishen. But, despite all this, the memorial of "Pit" exists today. A commemorative obelisk is one of the most important elements of the sculptural composition.
Reconstruction of the pit. Sculptural group "The Last Path"
In 2000, the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust in Minsk was reconstructed. From ethical considerations, all work was done manually, without the use of construction machinery and mechanisms. Archaeological excavations in a memorable place were also not conducted. The "Yama" memorial in Minsk was completed with a sculptural composition. Along the stairs leading to the paved center of the ravine, stretches a string of prisoners descending to certain death. The figures look haggard and maximally impersonal. They are more like sorrowful spirits than people. The monument is officially called The Last Path, its authors are the architect L. Levin, sculptors A. Finsky, E. Polok. It is worth noting that initially it was planned to make the figures of prisoners more expressive. According to the first version of the project, among the doomed were to be: a pregnant woman, a musician, as well as representatives of other creative and socially useful professions. However, the composition, consisting of sad and asexual human figures, was finally approved. It is worth noting that in this style, the sculpture group looks impressive.
Where is the memorial "Pit" in Minsk? Monument photo
Sculptural composition is on the street Melnikayte. Near the memorial is the alley of the Righteous, dedicated to peaceful Belarusians, who sympathized and helped Jews in wartime. To reach this memorable place is easy on public transport. The nearest metro station is Frunzenskaya. It is also possible to get to the ground transport stop "Yubileinaya Hotel" by buses: 1, 1n, 69, 73, 119 and 163. The memorial "Yama" is open 24 hours a day, the entrance is free.
Opinion of city residents and tourists' opinions
Many people who visited the memorial dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims in Minsk note that this place is very special. It is not easy to be found here, but impressionable people should not in principle. And yet, despite its mournful history, this place is a cult place for many residents of Belarus. Jews and representatives of other nationalities come here regularly to honor the memory of the mercilessly murdered prisoners of the Minsk ghetto. In the days of memory, rallies and other social events are held here. What is remarkable, despite its importance for urban history, the "Yama" is very rarely included in tourist guides. But the interest of the city's guests to the monument increases every year. It is quite easy to find the memorial of "Pit" in Minsk, the address of this mournful sight: the street Melnikayte. A few scandalous stories are connected with the monument to the victims of the Holocaust. From time to time, "Yama" suffers from the encroachments of vandals, which causes serious public outcry.