An audio bench, bearing the testimony of Holocaust survivor Chaim Ferster, has been smashed and dumped in a lake at Salford’s Clowes Park.
Several members of Chaim’s family were murdered in the Holocaust and he survived numerous concentration camps. The bench allowed people to hear Chaim’s experiences, keeping his story alive. The bench was placed in Clowes Park as he would walk there daily with his dog. He died in 2017 at the age of 94.
Appallingly, it appears as though the bench’s audio box was ripped out. The memories of Holocaust survivors must be preserved. Instead, they are being destroyed.
A resident has reported this to their local councillor, believing it to be an act of antisemitism. The councillor has since reported this to the police as a hate crime.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “We are deeply saddened and appalled by the mindless vandalism and destruction of the Holocaust Memorial bench in Clowes Park. The bench was a memorial to Holocaust survivor Mr Chaim Ferster and the work he has done over many years sharing his story and experiences, while also teaching & reminding us all about the horrors of the Holocaust.
“I have personally been in contact with Mr Chaim Ferster’s youngest son and community representatives to offer our sincerest condolences and full support at this time.
