Metal Art from The Lodz Ghetto

This metal piece was found at the Lodz Ghetto. It is a medallion of hope. The picture of an animal and three Hebrew abbreviations would be meaningless if viewed by the Nazis but were very meaningful and comforting for Jews. The Hebrew abbreviation stands for a saying in the Jewish text, Pirkei Avot. In the context of being stuck in the Ghetto, it is clear the meaning is to be strong and persevere and think of God instead of the daily struggles of life.

Hebrew Text:
הֱוֵי עַז כַּנָּמֵר, וְקַל כַּנֶּשֶׁר, וְרָץ כַּצְּבִי, וְגִבּוֹר כָּאֲרִי לַעֲשׂוֹת רְצוֹן אָבִיךָ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמָיִם