Introduction

Providence Memorial Park lies nestled amidst the larger Waterplace Park, a series of green areas, scenic paths, and walkways along and across the Providence River. On a sunny day, Memorial Park comes alive. You are sure to see couples meandering, people running, students studying, and other members of the community converging together to enjoy the space. The Holocaust Memorial was dedicated on August 26th, 2015 (Cicchitelli Honoring Survivors at the RI Holocaust Memorial). It was created in collaboration with the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, with oversight from the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Committee (Sandra Bornstein... Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial). It was designed by RISD-based sculptor Jonathan Bonner in collaboration with landscape architect Will Green (University of Rhode Island Uri Landscape Architecture Professor...). Rhode Island Holocaust survivors were also very active in the conception, creation, and dedication of the monument (University of Rhode Island Uri Landscape Architecture Professor...). In this paper, I will focus on the Holocaust Memorial and how its meaning may have shifted since its dedication in 2015. I will use the social fabric of 2015, marred by Trumpism and the subsequent rise of antisemitism, as the framework through which I discuss the Memorial’s shifting meaning.