Honoring History, Inspiring Hope: Supporting Alabama’s First Public Holocaust Memorial
A Community United to Remember the Past and Inspire the Future
Recently, Recently, we took great pride to be part of an initiative that reflects those very values: the creation of Alabama’s first public Holocaust Memorial, now open to all at Birmingham’s historic Elmwood Cemetery.
This powerful new monument was spearheaded by Barbara Bonfield, a visionary leader whose dedication and persistence brought the project to life (Barbara’s moving interview can be seen in the dedication video) . Funded by members of Birmingham’s Temple Beth El, including Vikki and Ken Grodner and others in the greater Birmingham community, the memorial stands as a tribute not only to the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but also to the survivors who found the strength to rebuild their lives and legacies in new places—including right here in Alabama.
When Terry Holzman, a friend and client, approached Ken and Vikki to support this effort, they immediately felt called to contribute. Ken joined the initiative with gratitude and purpose—helping lead outreach efforts and encourage others to support this historic moment.
The result is an 8-foot-tall, 700-pound steel sculpture in the form of a dead tree, resting on rusted railroad tracks. The tracks—originally used during the era of slavery in Alabama—evoke a chilling duality: a local legacy of oppression and the haunting memory of the trains that carried millions to Nazi extermination camps. In its starkness, the sculpture demands reflection. Yet, in its permanence, it offers a call to remember, learn, and ensure “never again” truly means never again.
The memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is also a place of resilience and renewal. It honors those who survived the Holocaust, rebuilt their lives, started families, and continued their traditions in the face of unimaginable loss.
For Ken, Vikki, and all of us at Hospitality Network Group, this project exemplifies our mission to uplift and support causes that enrich the communities we serve. We’re proud to stand behind efforts like this that preserve history, promote understanding, and inspire future generations to act with compassion and courage.
We invite you to visit the memorial at Elmwood Cemetery and to learn more by reading the Alabama News Center’s coverage.
Thank you to Barbara Bonfield, Terry Holzman, and all those who contributed to making this vision a reality. Together, we’re not only remembering the past—we’re building a stronger future that safeguards pride, protects honor, and upholds the integrity of all people.
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The Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams is honored to be part of a company that fosters a culture of excellence, empowering its agents to deliver unmatched service and expertise. This commitment to excellence is why Keller Williams agents consistently achieve results that set the standard in the industry. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, our team is here to ensure your goals are not only met but exceeded. Trust the Hospitality Network Group at Keller Williams to guide you through every step of your real estate journey.
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Humbled and Proud to be Featured in Real Producers We're honored to share that Ken and Vikki Grodner were recently featured in Real Producers magazine. The article shares more than their real estate journey. It tells the story of a lifelong commitment to service, community involvement, and the values that continue to shape Hospitality Network Group today. Thank you to our friends, families and clients who continue to trust and support us. We couldn't do this without you. Enjoy the article. – Ken & Vikki Click image to make larger
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