Aggression against memory work: Woman attacked while cleaning stumbling blocks

Aggression against memory work: Woman attacked while cleaning stumbling blocks

On November 9th, Iris took part in a special day of remembrance by cleaning stumbling blocks and lighting candles to remember the victims of Nazism. This tradition, which goes back to the artist Gunter Demnig's initiative in 1992, is a valuable way to keep the memory of those persecuted alive. Stolpersteine ​​are small concrete cubes with brass plates that bear the names and dates of life of victims and are embedded in the sidewalk to anchor the memory in everyday life. By June 2023, over 100,000 stumbling blocks had already been laid in Europe, with the majority dedicated to Jewish Holocaust victims, but other groups such as Sinti, Roma and homosexuals also being taken into account.

But the commemoration took a tragic turn. On November 10th, Iris was attacked by a 71-year-old man during her action in Eidelstedt. The attacker first insulted her, blew out a candle and then went so far as to beat and choke her. In a moment of desperation, Iris filmed the incident on her cell phone to preserve evidence and protect herself.

Bold intervention

Thanks to the quick reaction of a driver who happened to be driving by and police officers present, Iris received support. The officers intervened and ensured that the attacker was released on site. Iris was then taken to hospital where she was treated for her injuries. The shock waves of the attack are still deep in her mind even after the treatment.

However, the misfortune did not deprive Iris of her courage or her will. Despite the brutal encounter, she plans to return to the Stolpersteine ​​and continue to be active in remembering those who were persecuted. “It is important to me to continue this campaign and keep the memory alive,” she explained. This determination reflects her resilient spirit and deep belief that remembering the past is an essential duty.

Make a mark

Iris' commitment is not only courageous, but also a sign of resistance against the hatred that is still widespread in society. The stumbling blocks themselves are not just concrete cubes, but also a call to all of us to reflect on the past and fight for a peaceful future. In times like these, it is important to uphold common values ​​and speak out clearly against any form of discrimination.

Overall, this incident shows how important it is to face the challenges of commemoration work, and at the same time how necessary it is to protect active citizens who stand up for the values ​​of humanity and respect.