History of the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial

Origins of the Memorial (2000)

The vision for the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial began in 2000 with Rabbi Edward Cohn of Temple Sinai. While visiting Boston, Rabbi Cohn was inspired by the city's Holocaust memorial and envisioned a similar place of remembrance in New Orleans. Upon returning home, he shared this idea with then-Mayor Marc Morial, who enthusiastically supported the concept and suggested Goldring/Woldenberg Park as the memorial's location.

Artistic Vision and Early Leadership

Rabbi Cohn was familiar with the work of internationally recognized artist Yaacov Agam. Through Dr. Neil Baum, a member of Temple Sinai and a close friend of Rabbi Cohn who also had a personal relationship with Agam, the artist was invited to New Orleans to discuss the creation of a Holocaust memorial.

Rabbi Cohn later arranged a dinner with Dr. Baum, Agam, and philanthropist Bill Goldring, president of the Goldring/Woldenberg Foundation. Mr. Goldring strongly supported the project and advocated for placing the memorial in the park adjacent to the Audubon Aquarium, where it would be seen by millions of visitors each year. He committed to funding the sculpture itself, while a committee would raise the remaining funds needed for construction and site development.

Committee Formation and Survivor Engagement

A formal committee was established, and over the next two years it worked to develop the plan and raise funds. Rabbi Cohn and Sandy Levy, executive director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, met extensively with Holocaust survivors to share the vision and incorporate their guidance. Survivors played a central role in shaping the memorial and strongly supported the creation of a permanent place dedicated to honoring those who perished, recognizing those who survived, and expressing hope for a more peaceful future.

Agam was charged with creating a sculpture that would acknowledge the Jewish victims of the Holocaust while also conveying hope. The Jewish star symbolizes the victims, while the menorah and rainbow represent resilience, renewal, and the promise of the future. From its inception, the memorial was intended to confront the horrors of the Holocaust while looking forward to healing and peace.

Leadership, Fundraising, and Design

The members most deeply involved in guiding the project, raising funds, and overseeing its completion included Rabbi Edward Cohn; Bill Goldring; Ron Forman, executive director of the Audubon Institute; Alan Rosenbloom; Max Nathan, who served as president of the committee; architect William Sizeler; and journalist Allan Katz, who secured funding from the State of Louisiana through John Lario, as well as additional funding from Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee. Sandy Levy also played a key role as executive director of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, where all funds raised for the project were held in a dedicated account.

Two Holocaust survivors, Ralph Rosenblat and Shep Zitler, were also actively involved throughout the process and provided invaluable insight and perspective.

The New Orleans Holocaust Memorial was funded through generous contributions from the Jewish community, the broader New Orleans community, and support from state and local government-reflecting a shared commitment to remembrance, education, and hope.

Construction and Dedication (2003)

Agam created the symbolic and colorful sculpture, while Sizeler Architects designed the surrounding park setting. Landis Construction was awarded the contract for the project. Construction and fabrication took nearly one year, and the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial was officially dedicated in 2003.

Restoration (2019)

The memorial withstood the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In 2019, the sculpture underwent a complete restoration after years of sun exposure had faded its colorful panels. The panels were repainted and sealed with epoxy, ensuring the memorial's preservation for future generations.

Meaning and Community Legacy

Throughout the planning process, numerous meetings were held with committee members and Holocaust survivors to ensure the memorial fulfilled its mission. Engraved family name tiles were incorporated to honor those who were lost as well as those who survived and later built new lives in New Orleans.These tiles provide families and visitors with a deeply personal and lasting connection to history.