A chilling echo of the past resonates here at the Stolperschwelle. This Stolperschwelle isn’t just a marker. It’s a stark reminder of a dark chapter in Lübeck’s history. It commemorates the victims of Nazi persecution. Specifically, it honors patients deported from the Heil- und Pflegeanstalt Strecknitz.
The Stolperschwelle is located on the campus of the University of Lübeck and UKSH. This location is significant. The Heilanstalt Strecknitz once stood here. In September 1940 and 1941, hundreds of patients were deported from this very site.
Imagine the scene eighty years ago. 625 patients were forcibly removed from the Heilanstalt Strecknitz. They were sent to “intermediate camps” in Hesse. Most perished due to systematic neglect. Some died of starvation. Others were killed by disease or lethal injection.
The Stolperschwelle serves as a memorial. It’s also a decentralized work of art. It’s designed to combat forgetting. The Stolperschwelle ensures these individual fates are never forgotten.
This Stolperschwelle was initiated by students of the University of Lübeck. They sought to raise awareness. They organized an exhibition. They planned a series of events called “plötzlich weg” or “suddenly gone”. They wanted to reflect on the events. They wanted to explore the significance of the deportations for today.
Prior to the Stolperschwelle, only a memorial stone marked the deportations. This stone was erected in the late 1980s. It faced resistance from the university and hospital. The Stolperschwelle makes the events more visible. New memorial plaques add context. They list the names of those murdered.
The Stolperschwelle project was funded by donations. The Rose Foundation and the von Keller Foundation contributed. University staff, UKSH staff, and Lübeck citizens donated. Over 10,000 euros were raised.
University President Gabriele Gillessen-Kaesbach emphasized the importance of remembering. The Stolperschwelle places the focus on the people. These people suffered immensely. She stated nothing can undo what happened. She said the Stolperschwelle stands as a reminder and obligation on campus.
Prof. Dr. Jens Scholz, Chairman of the Board of UKSH, spoke about medical conscience. He said it failed miserably 80 years ago. He stated the responsibility does not pass. It tests everyone.
The Stolperschwelle stands as a powerful symbol. It stands for remembrance. It challenges us to confront the past. It reminds us to prevent such atrocities from happening again. The Stolperschwelle memorializes victims. It promotes reflection. It encourages responsibility. This Stolperschwelle ensures the past is never truly forgotten.