News Summary
Beverly Hills is set to create a memorial for the 1,200 victims of the Hamas-led attacks in Israel, with a budget of $1.5 million. The project features a 23-foot sculpture symbolizing the Jewish people’s relationship with ascent. The memorial aims to be a thoughtful tribute outside the Beverly Hills Public Library, promoting reflection and remembrance while acknowledging mixed public feedback regarding its intent.
Beverly Hills is planning a memorial to honor approximately 1,200 victims of the Hamas-led attacks in Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. The estimated cost for the memorial is about $1.5 million, with the city allocating $500,000 from its own funds. The city is also seeking to raise an additional $1 million through a fundraising campaign to fulfill the budget for the project.
The memorial will feature a striking 23-foot tall sculpture, named “Forty Steps to the Sky: A Memorial of Light and Memory,” which is designed to symbolize the profound relationship the Jewish people have with ascent, both physically and spiritually. The centerpiece will be adorned with a small pavilion that encircles the staircase design, which will be illuminated at night, creating a poignant display.
The memorial will be located on the northeast corner of Burton Way and Rexford Drive, directly across from the existing 9/11 Memorial Garden situated at the northwest corner of South Santa Monica Boulevard and Rexford Drive. This strategic location aims to create a cohesive area of remembrance for both tragedies.
The design for the memorial was developed by Archillusion Design and consists of a circular basin arranged as a calendar with twelve smooth steel plates. Each plate represents one month of the year, tying into the theme of time’s passage. Notably, the height of the structure at 23 feet signifies the year in which the tragic events took place, with the first 40 flawless steps leading up to October symbolizing a moment of peace which is then disrupted by the chaos that ensued following the attacks.
The city council discussed the details of the fundraising initiative in a study session on September 9, highlighting the need for community support to cover the remaining costs. Donors contributing to the campaign will have their names recognized at the memorial, engraved on the back wall with font sizes varying according to the amount donated.
While plans for the memorial gain traction, public feedback has been mixed. Some residents have expressed concern that the memorial could be interpreted as a celebration of genocide, urging that it should also acknowledge the approximately 64,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the outbreak of the conflict. This sentiment reflects a broader conversation about how to honor victims of violence while fostering an inclusive dialogue about ongoing suffering on all sides.
Ultimately, this permanent memorial outside the Beverly Hills Public Library aims to serve as a site of reflection and remembrance. The city is committed to creating a thoughtful tribute that respects the complexities of the current situation and honors the memories of those lost during the tragic events of October 7.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Seeks More Funds for Oct 7 Memorial
- Times of Israel: Beverly Hills School Board Votes to Fly Israeli Flags
- Little Guide Detroit: Memorial Day Parades in Metro Detroit 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial
- Google Search: Beverly Hills memorial
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
