The only memorial to the victims of Kristallnacht in the United States stood on the beautiful grounds of the Magnes Museum for over 20 years. It was in danger of deteriorating so it was removed and a mold was made, thanks to donations totaling $5,000 that were received from people around the country. Unless an additional $20,000 is raised, to permanently cast this important memorial in solid bronze, this important Holocaust monument will be lost to future generations.

During the Holocaust, young Marika Somogyi was hidden by nuns in her native Hungary. Now a native of Berkeley, she created "Night of Broken Glass" in 1975 and donated it to the Magnes Museum. The 7 foot sculpture was too large to be housed inside the museum, and so it was installed outdoors. However, the acrylic-painted plaster memorial absorbed moisture and deteriorated over the years.

Here is how this sculpture is described by Sybil Milton in "In Fitting Memory: The Art and Politics of Holocaust Memorials":

"The sculpture - made from cast stone, stainless steel and glass - consists of three linked figures, enveloped in a black shroud-like shape; at the bottom is a hollow area containing fragments of broken glass. The figures represent broken lives and physical pain, but this work also contains an element of hope since the figures rise above the glass shards. It is the only sculpture in the United States commemorating the November 1938 pogrom, known as Kristallnacht (Crystal Night)."

In the past few years, we have contacted Jewish organizations, individual philanthropists, rabbis, etc. ... and haven't been able to raise another cent. Twenty thousand dollars seems like such an insignificant amount to save a unique memorial to those who were among the first victims of the Holocaust. We would welcome any suggestions as how to accomplish this important mission. Please write to Save the Kristallnacht Memorial Committee, c/o Mel Wacks, 5189 Jeffdale Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 or send e-mail to numismel@aol.com.