Leipzig commemorates: 25 new stumbling blocks for the victims of National Socialism

Leipzig commemorates: 25 new stumbling blocks for the victims of National Socialism

In Leipzig, the commemoration of persecuted and murdered people from the National Socialist era will continue on October 2, 2024 with the laying of 25 new stumbling blocks in eight different locations. This initiative brings the total number of Stolpersteine ​​in the city to an impressive 793, now installed in 274 locations. Stolpersteine ​​are small stones with brass plates that commemorate the former homes of victims of National Socialism and thus make an important contribution to coming to terms with the past.

The project is the result of a committed collaboration between many citizens who actively participate in researching biographies or support the financing of the new stumbling blocks. Thanks to this commitment, the melancholic and at the same time meaningful light is shed on the history of the victims who lived in Leipzig. These memorial stones not only create awareness of the past, but also promote dialogue about human dignity.

Special guests from all over the world

The laying of the stumbling blocks also attracts numerous guests from abroad. The situation in the Middle East in particular influences the arrival of Israeli family members who still want to take part in the event. A video link will be set up at Antonienstrasse 14 to enable anyone interested to participate.

Wilhelmine Bohmann is one of the personalities whose life stories are honored by the new stumbling blocks. She was killed at Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 79 as part of the horrific “euthanasia” murders. The granddaughter of the Jewish Beer family, who lived at Ernst Pinkert Strasse 15, will be traveling from the USA. Her father, Joachim Beer, escaped to Germany shortly before World War II, while the rest of his family was murdered in occupied Poland. These emotional connections illustrate how the past continues to resonate in the present.

The granddaughter of the Altmann family, who lived at Funkenburgstrasse 11, will be traveling from Australia. The Katzenellenbogen family, who used to live in the “Mückenschlösschen” (then Waldstrasse 84), is also represented by a grandson from Vienna. What is particularly remarkable is the decades of oblivion in which many of the fates of people from the Jehovah's Witnesses community were lost. Relatives from southern Germany are also expected to commemorate the Malkomes family, who lived at Gutsparkstrasse 20.

Commitment and support

In order to successfully anchor the Stolpersteine ​​in public space, the Stolpersteine ​​Working Group was founded in Leipzig. This group consists of various organizations, including the Leipzig Citizens' Movement Archive and the Ephraim Carlebach Foundation. Their tasks include organizing and financing the Stolpersteine, which are supported by donations from the community. The organizers and sponsors are grateful for the support of many Leipzig residents who are committed to this important remembrance project. Every donation makes it possible to keep the memory of the victims alive.

The laying of the Stolpersteine ​​is not only an act of remembrance, but also a step into the future for the city of Leipzig in order to uphold the values ​​of humanity and respect. The ongoing engagement with history and the commemoration of the victims of National Socialism are of central importance for the identity of this city and its population.

For more information about the stumbling blocks and the fallen personalities, those interested can read a detailed report here.