The Žanis Lipke Memorial – Riga, Latvia - Atlas Obscura
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The Žanis Lipke Memorial

Riga, Latvia

A Latvian rescuer who saved countless lives during World War II.  

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The Memorial to Zanis Lipke and all Latvian saviours of the Jews katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
The Memorial to Zanis Lipke and all Latvian saviours of the Jews katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
Detail on the memorial katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
A side view of the memorial katielou106 (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Zanis Lipke Memorial sits next to the original site of Lipke’s home, it was from this residence that he arranged shelter for rescued Jews. 

In 2007, a monument to Lipke and all the Latvian saviors of Jews was built next to a memorial previously constructed on the site of the Great Synagogue.

The monument is composed of a tilting white wall 39 feet (12 meters) long and 19 feet high (6 meters), which looks like it’s falling. The memorial’s columns are inscribed with the names of 20 people who are considered the saviors of Jews

Lipke personally managed to save more than 50 Jews and is portrayed in pride of place on the central column of the memorial.

A quote from the Book of Isaiah is visible on the left part of the monument. A student at the Art Academy of Latvia, Elīna Lazdiņa, designed the monument.

The monument was unveiled by Latvia’s president Vaira Vike-Freiberga. 

Know Before You Go

The 2018 Latvian film The Mover portrays the efforts of Lipke and his wife to rescue Jews.

world war ii monuments history & culture
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Published
April 5, 2023
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