“Himmel herzgrau muss nah sein” These words etched into the wood resonate. They are from Paul Celan’s poem Sprachgitter. They perfectly capture the atmosphere of this Mahnmal für die jüdischen Opfer der Deportation aus dem Steubenweg 36. This memorial stands as a poignant reminder. It remembers the Jewish residents of Steubenweg 36 now Grotiusweg 36. The Nazis used this house as a Judenhaus a forced residence for Jews before their deportation.
The Mahnmal itself is a striking hexagonal wooden pavilion. It was designed by Hamburg artist Volker Lang. It’s 4.8 meters wide and high with an open roof. The names and dates of 17 people are engraved into the larch wood. These were the individuals deported from the Hannover train station. Their journeys led to Litzmannstadt Lodz Minsk Riga and Auschwitz. They were murdered there. Two residents took their own lives before the final transport on July 19 1942.
Before its tragic use as a Judenhaus this building had a different history. Emmy Lokay a Hamburg resident bought it in 1930. Young Jews known as Chaluzim used it to prepare for emigration to Palestine. It also served as a day camp for Jewish children. The contrast between these peaceful uses and its later role is heartbreaking. This memorial highlights this dark chapter.
The initiative for this Mahnmal came from two sources. The Verein zur Erforschung der Geschichte der Juden in Blankenese was instrumental. The property owners Irene and Gerd Schulte-Hille also played a key role. They funded it. The memorial is a testament to their dedication.
The Mahnmal is more than just a list of names. It’s a place for reflection. It’s a place for remembering the victims. It speaks volumes about the horrors of the Holocaust. It stands in a quiet urban green space. The memorial offers a space for contemplation and understanding. It’s a stark reminder of the past.
This Mahnmal is a crucial part of Hamburg’s history. It is a place of remembrance and learning. It ensures that the victims of Steubenweg 36 are not forgotten. Take a moment here to reflect on their stories. Let their memory guide us towards a more peaceful future.