Treitschkestrasse becomes Betty-Katz-Strasse: A sign of remembrance!

Treitschkestrasse becomes Betty-Katz-Strasse: A sign of remembrance!

On October 1, 2025, Treitschkestrasse in Berlin-Steglitz was renamed Betty-Katz-Strasse. The residents of the area and interested citizens came to the ceremonial unveiling of the new street sign, which took place at 2:30 p.m. on the corner of Betty-Katz-Straße and Harry-Bresslau-Park. This renaming is part of a larger trend that promotes discussion of the history of anti-Semitism in Germany. District councilor Urban Aykal noted that the district council had already made the decision to do so at the beginning of the year.

The decision to rename is based on the anti-Semitic views of the historian Heinrich von Treitschke, who actively contributed to the spread of these ideologies in the 19th century. Treitschke is best known for the infamous quote “The Jews are our misfortune” and is seen as a pioneer of political and cultural anti-Semitism. In contrast, Betty Katz, born in 1872, was a respected director of the Jewish home for the blind in Steglitz, where she gave a voice to those in need during a dark time in history. She was deported to Theresienstadt in 1942 and died there on June 6, 1944.

Culture of remembrance and public response

The renaming of Treitschkestrasse to Betty-Katz-Strasse reflects the increasing focus on the culture of remembrance in Germany. District Mayor Maren Schellenberg (Greens) highlighted the importance of this step and underlined the need to aggressively counter anti-Semitism and discrimination. “In our district and beyond, remembering the victims of the Holocaust and dealing with history is of central importance,” said Schellenberg.

For a period of six months, the new name will also be given the old name “Treitschkestrasse”, which will be crossed out in red. After this period, the double signage will be removed to send a clear message that the memory of Betty Katz goes beyond Treitschke's negative legacy. Residents have the opportunity to make changes to their personal documents and vehicle registration documents free of charge at the district's citizens' offices.

A look at the national culture of remembrance

The renaming is part of a broader discussion about the German culture of remembrance, which is characterized by a continuous dialogue about the crimes of National Socialism. Germany is home to over 300 memorial sites and Nazi documentation centers that commemorate the victims of National Socialist rule. On January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp is commemorated, which underlines society's responsibility to come to terms with the past. But the challenge remains, as anti-Semitic attacks continue to increase and the confrontation with this dark period of history is met with hostility from various social groups.

Commemorating the victims of National Socialism, including the many lessons that must be learned from this time, therefore remains of the utmost importance in Berlin-Steglitz. The renaming process and the associated public discussion are only a small but important step towards a more comprehensive examination of one's own history.