Metal Art from the Łódź Ghetto

This metal piece was found at the Łódź Ghetto. It is a medallion of hope. The picture of an animal and three Hebrew abbreviations would be meaningless if viewed by the Nazis but were very meaningful and comforting for Jews. The Hebrew abbreviation stands for a saying in the Jewish text, Pirkei Avot. 

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Translation: Be strong as a leopard, and light as an eagle, and run like a deer, and heroic as a lion to do the will of your

father that is in heaven.

 

In the context of being stuck in the ghetto, it is clear the meaning is to be strong and persevere and think of God instead of the daily struggles of life.