Memorial «Yama», Holocaust memorial obelisk in Minsk, Belarus
Memorial "Yama" is a Holocaust memorial in Minsk featuring a black granite obelisk positioned at the bottom of a recessed pit. Sculptural figures of different people stand along the descending steps that lead down to the monument.
Nazi forces executed over 5,000 Jewish residents from the Minsk Ghetto at this location in March 1942. The memorial was established in 1947 to commemorate these victims.
The name refers to the pit where victims were buried after the tragic events. The sculptures depict people in different moments and emotional states, inviting visitors to reflect on individual stories rather than seeing a distant historical event.
The memorial is located at the intersection of Zaslavskaya and Melnikaite streets and can be visited throughout the year. A series of steps descends into the recessed pit, so visitors should be prepared for climbing.
Nearby, a pathway features lime trees planted to honor people who risked their lives protecting Jews during the war. These trees create a separate space dedicated to those who showed courage during dark times.
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