Born in Chrzanów, Galicia (now Poland), Mascha Kaléko’s life intertwines deeply with the Gedenktafel Mascha Kaléko Plaque here in Berlin. This porcelain plaque, nestled on Bleibtreustraße 11, commemorates her time in this very city. The Gedenktafel Mascha Kaléko Plaque isn’t just a piece of porcelain. It’s a testament to a life disrupted, a voice silenced by the rising tide of Nazism. From 1936 to 1938, Kaléko called this place home. Imagine her walking these streets, composing poems in her mind, observing the city’s vibrant pulse. But this vibrant city soon turned hostile. The Germany she knew forced her into exile in 1938, banning her books and erasing her presence. She sought refuge in New York, a world away from the familiar streets of Berlin. Later, in 1966, she moved to Jerusalem, carrying the weight of displacement. The Gedenktafel Mascha Kaléko Plaque, unveiled on January 21, 1990, marks the 15th anniversary of her death. It serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences of intolerance and persecution. This plaque, slightly obscured by a tree in the front garden, is more than just a memorial. It’s a call to remember, a plea to never forget the voices silenced by hatred. The Gedenktafel Mascha Kaléko Plaque stands as a symbol of resilience and a tribute to a poet whose words continue to resonate despite the efforts to erase them.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in