Munich recognizes Fritz Neuland, the late father of Knoblock, by naming streets after him
In the heart of Munich, a new street bears the name of a remarkable man, Fritz Neuland. The city council, in recognition of his tireless efforts to rebuild Jewish life in Munich after the horrors of World War II, has bestowed this honour upon him posthumously.
Born in 1889, Fritz Neuland was a man of great resilience and determination. He was the founder of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, and his work was instrumental in its re-establishment on July 15, 1945.
Neuland's life was not an easy one. He was forced to perform forced labour in an armaments factory during the war, a cruel fate that many endured. Tragically, his mother, Albertine, perished in the Theresienstadt concentration camp.
Despite the hardships he faced, Neuland remained steadfast in his commitment to his community. He did not abandon his home during this difficult time, choosing instead to stand strong amidst murderers and accomplices.
Neuland's daughter, Charlotte, was another victim of the Holocaust. However, she was saved from its grasp thanks to a remarkable act of kindness. The former housekeeper of Neuland's brother claimed Charlotte as her illegitimate child, an act that likely saved her life.
Neuland's own life was spared thanks to the help of friends who hid him during the war's final days. This act of human decency allowed him to survive and continue his work for the betterment of his community.
The SPD faction in Munich has emphasised that Neuland deserves the highest honour that the state capital can posthumously bestow. Green city councillor Gudrun Lux praised Neuland, stating that he remained in Munich despite the atrocities that were committed there.
Neuland's work did not go unnoticed. In 1951, he was appointed as the chairman of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, a position he held for 18 years. His tireless efforts earned him the Bavarian Order of Merit, a testament to his exceptional service to the community.
Today, as we walk down the newly named Fritz Neuland Strasse, we are reminded of a man who faced adversity with courage and determination, and who dedicated his life to rebuilding and strengthening his community. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the spirit of the city he loved so dearly.
