A plaque. A simple plaque. But this Siegfried Hirschmann Plaque tells a story. A powerful story. It stands here a testament to a life of innovation and tragedy.
This isn’t just a commemoration. It’s a portal to the past. A glimpse into the life of Siegfried Hirschmann. A pioneering industrialist. Born in Ansbach in 1863. He became a giant in Berlin’s booming industrial scene. He built an empire. Deutsche Kabelwerke. This company made cables rubber products even tires. Imagine a Berlin on the cusp of the 20th century. Hirschmann’s factories were humming. Hundreds of workers were employed. He created one of Germany’s first large tire manufacturers Deka-Reifen. Even more remarkably he established Cyklon Maschinenfabrik. They produced the popular Cyklonette. Affordable motorized three-wheelers.
His success extended beyond Berlin. He had factories in Fürstenwalde and even near London. Siegfried Hirschmann wasn’t just a businessman. He was a leader. He shaped the electrical engineering industry. He championed progress. His family his legacy seemed unshakeable. But then came the shadow of the Nazi regime.
The Hirschmann family were Jewish. Their success became a target. They were forced out of their own company. Their assets were seized. Family members perished in Theresienstadt. Siegfried and his wife fled. They escaped to Guatemala. He died in exile in 1942. His story a heartbreaking echo of a world consumed by hatred.
The plaque’s images capture this. On one side you see Hirschmann’s portrait. On the other the sprawling factory complex. Below are pictures. One shows his company’s stationery. Another displays a Cyklonette. A third reveals the tire shipments. The final image is the factory gate. It appears deceptively normal. Yet it masked the terrible events that followed.
The plaque wasn’t erected until 2018. It’s located in Siegfried Hirschmann Park. A fitting tribute. It’s more than just a memorial. It serves as a reminder. A reminder of the Hirschmanns’ contributions. It’s a stark warning of the devastating impact of intolerance. Look at this plaque. Remember Siegfried Hirschmann. Remember his story. Let it resonate.