Eternal memory: stumbling blocks to commemorate courageous resistance fighters in Berlin-Mahlsdorf and Kaulsdorf

Eternal memory: stumbling blocks to commemorate courageous resistance fighters in Berlin-Mahlsdorf and Kaulsdorf

On Monday, September 23, 2024, the renowned artist Gunter Demnig in the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf will move two stumbling blocks for Arthur and Frida Weisbrodt. At the same time, a third stumbling block is placed for Karl Vesper nearby. These symbolic stones serve as memorials and are reminiscent of the fate of people who have been persecuted and killed during the darkest period of German history.

The stumbling blocks were launched as part of a project by Gunter Demnig to remind you of the victims of National Socialism. They are placed at the last place of residence of the persecuted to remind the public that such atrocities can never happen again. In Marzahn-Hellersdorf there are already 37 of these special memorial stones that are reminiscent of the tragic fates of people who were followed during the Nazi regime.

The people concerned, Arthur and Frida Weisbrodt as well as Karl Vesper, were German communists and resistance fighters. They fought against the National Socialists' injustice system and campaigned for democracy and freedom. The initiative to relocate the stumbling blocks was supported by various local organizations such as the Mahlsdorf/Kaulsdorf local association of the Left, Volkssolidarität and the DGB district association East.

Arthur Weisbrodt was an optician and active communist who made illegal resistance to the regime. Frida Weisbrodt was a committed activist who hidden people searched for by Gestapo before and after her son's arrest. Karl Vesper was involved in the "International Association of War" and was murdered because of his resistance to the Nazis.

The laying of these stumbling blocks is of great importance because they are reminiscent of the darkest chapters in German history and at the same time calls up to work for democracy, freedom and human rights. Mahlsdorf and Kaulsdorf honor brave people with these memorial stones who have sacrificed their lives for a better future.

The laying of the stumbling blocks is an important gesture to ensure that the memory of the victims of National Socialism remains alive and is never forgotten. It is a memory that we have to pull the teachings from history and actively campaign against any form of oppression and injustice.