Listen closely to the echoes of the past right here. This is the Gedenkstätte Zeichen der Erinnerung. It stands as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in Stuttgart’s history.
The Zeichen der Erinnerung memorial commemorates the deportation of over 2,500 Jewish people. They came from Württemberg, Hohenzollern, and Baden. Around 250 Sinti and Roma were also deported from here. Between 1941 and 1944, this site was the inner north station. It became the departure point for trains. These trains carried human cargo to concentration camps in Eastern Europe. Almost all of them were murdered.
Imagine standing here decades ago. Fear and uncertainty filled the air. Families were torn apart. People were forced onto trains. Their destination was unknown, but their fate was sealed.
The Zeichen der Erinnerung memorial preserves the original tracks. They serve as a haunting reminder of the deportations. A long wall surrounds the tracks. The names of the victims are inscribed on it. Each name represents a life stolen. Dates and destinations of the deportations are displayed in the entrance area.
The memorial’s creation was a community effort. The association Zeichen der Erinnerung e.V. was founded in 2004. Its purpose was to plan, realize, and maintain this place. The memorial was inaugurated in 2006.
The founding of the association was initiated by the Stiftung Geißstraße Sieben. Sixty years after the deportations, the foundation published a commemorative leaflet. The foundation initiated an international student competition for a memorial. Architects Anne-Christine and Ole Saß won the competition in May 2002. The Stuttgart City Council approved the realization of the memorial.
Beate Müller, from the Bürgerprojekt Die AnStifter, collected over 2,000 names. These names were of Jewish people deported from Stuttgart. They did not survive the deportations. These names are now on the memorial wall. Later, about 300 more names of deportees were found. The names of Inge Auerbacher and her parents are also on the wall. They survived deportation to Theresienstadt.
The Zeichen der Erinnerung project cost 500,000 euros. Half of the money came from the city of Stuttgart. The other half came from donors.
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of this place. The Zeichen der Erinnerung memorial serves as a symbol. It stands for remembrance. It is a warning against hatred and intolerance. May we never forget the lessons of the past.