What if a single stone could whisper tales of courage? Here at the Werner Sylten Stone, it does just that. This unassuming memorial speaks volumes about a man who defied the darkness of Nazi Germany. Werner Sylten, a Swiss-born theologian, dedicated his life to helping others. The Werner Sylten Stone stands as a testament to his bravery. It commemorates his unwavering commitment to justice and compassion.
Werner Sylten began his career running a girls’ home in Thuringia in 1925. He was a member of the Confessional Church and aligned with the Religious Socialists. His life took a drastic turn with the rise of the Nazi regime. Labeled a “Mischling” (half-breed) under the Nuremberg race laws, he faced discrimination and attacks. He was dismissed from his position in 1936. Undeterred, Sylten continued his work, leading the Thuringian office of the Confessional Church. This office was shut down by the Gestapo in 1938. Sylten was forced to flee Thuringia.
He found refuge in Berlin, working at the Church Aid Office for Protestant Non-Aryans. He provided pastoral care and helped those persecuted for their race to emigrate. After the office’s director, Pastor Heinrich Grüber, was arrested, Sylten took charge. He continued this vital work until the office was ultimately closed. In February 1941, Sylten himself was arrested. He was imprisoned in the Alexanderplatz police prison. Three months later, he was sent to Dachau concentration camp. His health deteriorated severely in the brutal conditions of the camp. In August 1942, he was transferred to the Schloss Hartheim “euthanasia” institution near Linz, Austria, where he was murdered. The Werner Sylten Stone serves as a powerful reminder of his sacrifice. It honors his life and the countless lives he touched.
The inscription on the Werner Sylten Stone reads: “Evangelical Pastor; Savior of racially persecuted victims of fascism.” A Stolperstein, a stumbling block, is also placed nearby. These small brass plaques are set into the pavement. They mark the last known residences of victims of the Nazis. They provide a poignant and personal reminder of the individuals lost to the horrors of the Holocaust. The Werner Sylten Stone and the Stolperstein together tell a story of courage and compassion amidst unimaginable cruelty. They are a call to remember and to never forget the sacrifices made by individuals like Werner Sylten. His legacy lives on in this quiet corner of Berlin, whispering tales of hope and resistance to all who listen.