Remembrance of the arson attack: memories of Gleis 17 renewed

Remembrance of the arson attack: memories of Gleis 17 renewed

A commemoration of the memory of the victims

The arson attack on the book box at the Holocaust Memorial “Gleis 17” in Berlin-Grunewald caused great dismay last year. A year later there is now a commemoration that not only serves to remember, but also sends an important message of solidarity and dealing with the past.

events in retrospect

in the night to 12. August 2023 the book box housed in an old phone booth, which contained numerous publications about the time of National Socialism, was set fire. The perpetrator, a 63-year-old man at the time, left an anti-Semitic letter of confession that indicates his motives. On this tragic basis there was a process in the course of the year in which the man gave his deeds. Although he also planned further arson attacks, he was not convicted of his mental constitution and after a short time it was released from the enforcement of measures.

The memory and the importance of the memorial

This day, at 4:00 p.m. , numerous guests gather, including the Federal Government's anti -Semitism representative, Felix Klein, to remember the events. This commemorative event is intended to underline the importance of the memorial "Gleis 17", which is reminiscent of the approximately 10,000 Jewish people who were deported from this place during the Nazi dictatorship. In addition, the memorial is a symbol of dealing with history and for the ongoing use of anti -Semitism.

A new chapter: The book box and your teachings

Am 23. February 2024 a new book box was set up near the memorial, making a connection between the past and the present. The burned -out predecessor is exhibited in the Haus der History Foundation in Bonn and part of the exhibition «to Hitler. The German examination of National Socialism », on 18. September 2024 . This initiative shows how important it is to actively preserve the memories of the atrocities of the past and to fight against anti -Semitic attitudes.

effects on the community

The arson attack not only affected the participants at the memorial event, but also the entire society in Berlin and beyond. He stands for the growing anti -Semitism and calls for a more critical examination of this topic in public. Remembrance like today's should stimulate to conduct dialogue about our responsibility in society and to promote awareness of historical injustice in order to prevent repeated tragedies.

Overall, the process of memory and dealing with past crimes illustrates how current issues such as anti -Semitism and racism remain. The memorial event at “Gleis 17” is a step towards a collective memory that must not be forgotten.

- Nag