Tikkun Olam (Repair the World
Stainless steel plate, weathering steel
H 14’ x L 12’ x W 7’
Charlotte, NC
As we walk through Marshall Park toward the Circle of Humanity, our attention is caught by light reflected from the polished silver wings of doves. Approaching the memorial, we see rising aloft six-winged emblems - remembrances of Holocaust’s six million Jewish victims. The doves carry our gaze skyward with hopes of renewal, peace, and freedom. Their flight signifies the end of a catastrophe and the beginning of a new era for humanity.
Drawing Closer we see a woman formed from stainless steel. She stands on her base of stone a symbol of those whose strength, courage and sacrifice brings forth future generations in hope, love, and joy. With one arm she reaches out, beckoning the viewer, as droves rise from her upraised arm.
In juxtaposition, across the divide filled with the flight of doves, stands the form of a flame - symbolic of the past. Outlined in the narrow flame is rusted CORTEN steel, a human form rises upward. The absence and loss created by the negative space serves as a warning to each of us about the danger and consequences of fascism.
The flame’s rough stone block base represents the destruction wrought by the Holocaust. Carved into its surface viewers find expressions of Holocaust remembrance such as: “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness” - Elie Wiesel. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” - Dr. M.L. King
Etched into the sides of the woman’s smooth stone base is text about the Holocaust’s impact on Charlotte area’s families.
Stone fragments imbedding in the grass remind us of pieces of the broken tabernacle, and of the loss and displacement created by the Holocaust and tyranny.
Tikkun Olam is a journey of renewal - from past destruction to today’s commitment to create a future filled with equality, hope and promise. As we look from destruction to strength our vision is carried aloft on silver wings of freedom, hope and peace.
