Additional impediments in Pforzheim relocated
Community Gathers for Unveiling of Additional Stolpersteine in Pforzheim
In the city of Pforzheim, an additional 22 Stolpersteine have been installed, bringing the total number to 422. These memorialized stones are a testament to individuals who fell victim to the National Socialist regime. The distinct markers serve as a constant reminder against forgetting.
Mayor Frank Fillbrunn extended an invitation to a reception at the New Town Hall to mark the occasion. Attendees included relatives of the victims, representatives from the Stolpersteine initiative, and members of the Jewish Community of Pforzheim.
During his speech, Mayor Fillbrunn underscored the significance of the Stolpersteine project, stressing the responsibility to preserve the memory of a dark past. He remarked, "The Stolpersteine restore these people's names, their life stories, and their dignity, removing them from the faceless, bureaucratic numbers of the Nazi era. They serve as a daily reminder of their fate." He also commended the dedication of the Stolpersteine initiative and the Choral Society of 1501 Pforzheim for their tireless efforts in implementing the project within the city.
The Stolpersteine project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, honors those who were persecuted and murdered under the National Socialist regime across Europe. The small brass plaques, set into the ground, bear the victims' names and stories. With over 73,000 Stolpersteine installed in more than 1,000 locations across Germany and 18 other countries, it is the largest decentralized work of art in Europe.
The Stolpersteine project is more than just a memorial; it is an educational tool aimed at younger generations. It brings history to life by marking the last chosen place of residence or workplace of victims, creating a tangible connection to the past.
At the reception, Mayor Fillbrunn expressed gratitude for the attendees' presence and their commitment to keeping the victims' memories alive. He quoted the Talmud, saying, "A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten." The Stolpersteine serve as a means of fulfilling this duty and ensuring the stories and names of the victims will not be forgotten.
Other attendees at the reception included representatives from the general-news sector, eager to learn about the ongoing Stolpersteine project and its impact on the community. The significance of this project extends beyond Pforzheim, as other cities are encouraged to install these Stolpersteine, fostering a wider understanding of politics during the National Socialist era.
