Unearthing Memories: "Shema Yisrael" Pendants Discovered at Sobibor

Three pendants have been uncovered at the Sobibor extermination camp in Poland during archaeological excavations. Engraved on the pendants are the words: "Mighty and Faithful King, Hear O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One. Blessed be His glorious name forever and ever."

One pendant was found near the barracks where women were prepared before entering the gas chambers. From the floor of the barrack, dozens of women's jewelry and hairpins were retrieved, among which was the pendant. Another pendant, showing Latin numeral inscriptions on the Tablets of the Covenant, was found in the undressing area of the camp. The third pendant, which preserved only the side with the "Shema" prayer, was uncovered near one of the mass graves.

Pendant found in a mass grave. ''Mighty and Faithful King, Hear O Israel, Hashem is our God, Hashem is One. Blessed be His glorious name forever and ever.'' (Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority)

The pendants are made of metal and each has a unique appearance, suggesting they were crafted by hand.

Research conducted over the past year indicates these pendants originated from Eastern Europe — specifically from Lviv in Ukraine, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

The archaeological digs have been ongoing for the past decade at the Sobibor extermination camp in Poland. The excavation is led by a team of archaeologists including Witek Mazurek from Poland, Yoram Haimi from the Israel Antiquities Authority, and Ivar Schute from the Netherlands, with support from local residents.

Throughout generations, Jews have laid down their lives during times of persecution, uttering "Shema Yisrael" in their final moments. This act reaffirmed their belief in life beyond our current existence, assuring them that the Creator, beyond time and place, would continue to shelter them, never forsaking them.

This battle cry against the world, which rose to annihilate us, signaled to the world that any victory against us is temporary and limited. Even if materially successful, the ultimate victory will always belong to the Jewish people. Ultimately, justice and truth will become the legacy of all mankind, and the world is moving towards redemption. The journey can be long, sometimes unbearably so, but the people of Israel remain steadfast in their faith, awaiting a brighter future.

Shema pendant recovered from the women's undressing barrack before entering the gas chambers (Photo: Yoram Haimi, Israel Antiquities Authority)

Yoram Haimi, the excavation director from the Israel Antiquities Authority, described the found pendants: "In this heart-wrenching story of the pendants, much remains unknown. We identify a certain pattern, perhaps a trend among the Jewish community in Eastern Europe — pendants with the 'Shema' on one side and Moses with the Tablets on the other. However, we do not yet understand the specific reason for this combination. Were these pendants distributed in synagogues by the Jewish community? Were they custom-made by jewelers? Research continues, and we invite the public to share any knowledge they may have."

Eli Eskosido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, commented: "These chilling, yet deeply personal discoveries reveal the strong thread of prayer and faith that has connected Jews through the ages. This emotional uncovering reminds us of the importance of residing in our own land and the duty to uncover, acknowledge, and learn from our past. I commend Archaeologist Yoram Haimi for his initiative to conduct archaeological excavations at the extermination camp, bringing the Holocaust to tangible reality against waves of denial and hatred."