Lost in thought, I wonder how many people pass by this Abel steh auf Plaque each day. Perhaps they pause for a moment, or maybe they hurry on by. Today, we’re stopping to reflect on its meaning. The Abel steh auf Plaque stands as a solemn reminder. It commemorates 31 murdered Jewish citizens.
Its inscription echoes a profound plea. “Abel steh auf, damit es anders anfängt zwischen uns allen.” This translates to “Abel, stand up, so that it starts differently between us all.” These words are a verse from a poem by Hilde Domin. Domin was a renowned German lyricist of Jewish heritage.
Why this poem? Why these words on this plaque? To understand, we must delve into the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother Abel. Domin’s poem challenges this narrative of violence. It urges a fresh start. It asks for brotherhood where there was fratricide.
Hilde Domin’s life experiences shaped her powerful words. She lived 22 years in exile. She sought refuge in Italy, England, and the Dominican Republic. Exile gave her a unique perspective. It fueled her commitment to themes of hope and resilience.
The poem “Abel steh auf” appears in her collection “Ich will dich.” Domin considered it her most important work. It embodies her call for change. It asks for a world where Cain protects Abel. A world without hatred.
The Abel steh auf Plaque urges us. It urges us to not become weary. It suggests beginning anew again and again. It reminds us that whoever kills, kills their brother or sister. It challenges us to break the cycle of violence.
Domin’s poem underscores the importance of faith in humanity. It beckons us to be our brother’s keeper not his killer. Only then can we hope for a different beginning. Only then can we expect change among us all.
The message of the Abel steh auf Plaque is clear. Never lose faith in your fellow human. Do not be a perpetrator. Promote brotherly and sisterly unity instead of violence.
Every day must the poem be played anew. Every day must there be a push to seek an answer that brings us to brotherly and sisterly unity. Daily stand up, so that it starts differently between us all.