Rabat – PixelHelper, the German NGO, posted on its official Facebook page, on August 27, a number of photos and live videos of the demolition of its Holocaust memorial.
The authorities of El Haouz region (Ait Faska, Marrakech) carried out the demolition process starting yesterday, August 27. The demolition came in response to the NGO beginning construction work without the required authorization.
The NGO, created by the owner of the memorial project Oliver Bienkowski, expressed its disappointment and disagreement with the demolition. PixelHelper also demanded compensation from the Moroccan State for the “substantial” material losses caused by the operation.
“If you consider that we have worked here over 365 days with 10 employees we have incurred damages of about €100,000,” said the NGO.
PixelHelper “protests against the disproportionate destruction of the memorial dedicated to the murdered Jews in Europe and standing against the persecution of minorities such as the Sinti and Romani (Eastern Europe), Muslim Uigurs (China), and Gays,” says the NGO’s Facebook post.
PixelHelper also denounced how Moroccan authorities destroyed “all works of art, including the rainbow at the entrance.”
“Expensive equipment such as a 15-meter camera pole was destroyed by bulldozers, water and power lines were cut, and the European canned bread emergency aid destroyed,” added the NGO.
The NGO had a small bakery within its facilities and used to bake bread and distribute it as humanitarian aid for crisis zones in Africa.
PixelHelper also reaffirmed that the “Moroccan authorities and embassies were always informed about our plans.” “Unfortunately, from the start, all cooperation was denied by the authorities and in the first year, all appointments were rejected by the Kaid.”
In a more recent post, PixelHelper exclaimed that “art is not a crime!” The organization hopes that King Mohammed VI will intervene to stop the demolition process before the memorial’s tower goes down.
“We appreciate the endless kindness of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and hope that the demolition of the Holocaust Memorial Tower in Marrakech, expected to be demolished by August 29, will be prevented.”
PixelHelper further expressed its appreciation of Moroccan society saying, “we have been active in Morocco since 2014; we love the warmth of people and the endless possibilities of ideas and projects.”
