The Memorial

The Memorial site is located at the easterly end of the
Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery on the north side of Troy Schenectady Road (S.R. Rt.7). This location is important to
the promotion of a regional religious educational facility as
it is easily accessible from a major state highway.










Preview the proposed memorial, estimated to be completed in 2023.

The Memorial will consist of walls arranged in the shape of the Star of David. Visitors will be guided around the six-sided structure where they will be connected to significant events that occurred during the Holocaust. At the opposite end of the entrance, they will be guided into the interior space that is enclosed by six leaning towers centered on a pedestal containing representations of the personal objects that remained after the millions were killed. This is the core of the Memorial that is intended for contemplation and reverence for the victims of the Holocaust. Finally, visitors will leave this area through a gate containing the powerful message, “Never Again.”

Design & Education

The design of the memorial was developed by Dembling and Dembling Architects P.C. and Adirondack Studios, whose leaders engaged in a collaborative effort with both the CDJHM and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York. The educational component is being developed by the CDJHM in partnership with the Jewish Federation, the Anti-Defamation League, and local educational institutions.

The Memorial will be augmented with an ongoing educational program intended to be presented in local schools, and at community programs and events. Upon completion of educational programs and visits to the memorial, students and participants will be able to:

  • Identify the historical, political, economic, social, and cultural events and issues that led to the Holocaust, and explain how the events are related.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the personal suffering and courage experienced during the Holocaust.
  • Foster empathy and teach the human stories.
  • Review and analyze Holocaust survivor narratives and make connections between the narratives and participants’ (student) life experiences.
  • Identify and describe examples of injustice and brutality of the Holocaust, and identify contemporary manifestations of hate toward groups or individuals as experienced through the Holocaust, such as genocide, forced migration or marginalization, limiting speech, local experiences of violence, among others.
  • Identify and make connections to relevant educational concepts and ideas, resources, and life experiences beyond the program and memorial.

History

The concept of a regional Holocaust Memorial was created by Dr. Michael Lozman, and is supported by the Catholic Diocese, and the Albany Diocesan Cemeteries, the owner of the Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. The Cemetery donated a 2-acre parcel of land for the development of the Holocaust Memorial.

Although there are other Holocaust memorials and educational programs in the Capital District , this Memorial will be the only substantial facility that combines a memorial with an educational component. The Memorial also reinforces the Anti-Defamation League’s campaign, “Imagine a World without Hate” that is actively promoted in the Capital District.

  • November 2017

    Dr. Michael Lozman, a Latham orthodontist, proposes idea for a Holocaust Memorial in Niskayuna, NY. The project is submitted to the Town of Niskayuna Planning Department for review and approval.

  • March 2018

    Holocaust Memorial project is approved by Niskayuna Planning Board. Original design plans are presented to the community.

  • Fall 2018 - Spring 2019

    Based on community feedback, the Holocaust Memorial project undergoes changes as the design is reassessed.

  • May 2019

    The new design of the Memorial is presented to the public at a series of Niskayuna public forums.

  • June 2019

    The Special Use Permit is unanimously approved by the Niskayuna Town Board, allowing the Holocaust Memorial to move forward.

  • February 2020

    Niskayuna Planning Board unanimously grants final site plan approval for the construction of the Capital District Jerish Holocaust Memorial.

  • August 2020

    Albany Catholic Diocese Bishop Edward Sharfenberger signs over the deed on a two-acre property in Niskayuna to the CDJHM for the future Holocaust Memorial.

  • 2023

    Projected completion date for the Capital District Jewish Holocaust Memorial