Controversial Holocaust Memorial in Westminster Approved

A major Holocaust memorial, set to be built in London’s Victoria Tower Gardens, has been approved after many years of debate.

The memorial, to be built next to the Houses of Parliament, will feature an underground study center, and 23 bronze fins will be erected to represent the number of countries whose Jewish populations were persecuted during the Holocaust.

First proposed by prime minister David Cameron in 2016, the plans were rejected by the Westminster City Council’s planning committee amid opposition from local residents and several peers. The proposals were finally put through a public inquiry, which took place online last year, and the divisive project was finally green-lighted.

Backers of the £100 million project include London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Labour leader Keir Starmer, the Association of Jewish Refugees, the Holocaust Educational Trust, and the Jewish Board of Deputies.

Objectors argued that a Jewish memorial being granted such a coveted London spot falls into antisemites’ depiction of Jews as a privileged group receiving “special treatment.” They also expressed concern over the central location being the target of terrorist attacks.

Another aspect to draw criticism is the architectural design, described by free-speech activist Carl Benjamin as “hideous.” Others referred to the monument’s scale as being out of character for the famously tranquil oasis, frequented by over 3 million visitors a year. (JPost / VFI News)

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” - 1 Peter 4:19