Remember Anton Saefkow’s name. This park carries his legacy. Anton-Saefkow-Park stands as a testament to a man of courage. He fought against the Nazi regime. Who was Anton Saefkow?
Anton Saefkow was a German Communist. He was a resistance fighter. Born in 1903, he died in 1944. The Nazis executed him.
Saefkow’s early life was rooted in Berlin’s working class. In 1920, he joined the Young Communist League. By 1922, he rose to its Berlin leadership. He became a secretary of the Communist Party. He led the Revolutionary Trade Union Opposition.
From 1933 to 1934, Saefkow was imprisoned in a concentration camp. He faced hard labor. He organized a remembrance service for Edgar André. This act resulted in more imprisonment.
Released in 1939, Saefkow returned to political work. In Berlin, he built the “Operative Leadership of the KPD”. The Saefkow-Jacob-Bästlein Organization agitated against the war. They urged sabotage in munitions plants.
In 1944, Adolf Reichwein sought Saefkow’s involvement in the 20 July Plot. This plot aimed to overthrow Adolf Hitler. The bomb attack failed and Saefkow was arrested.
The “People’s Court” sentenced Saefkow to death. He was executed by guillotine in Brandenburg-Görden Prison.
Before his death, Saefkow wrote a letter to his wife Änne. He expressed gratitude for their life together. He affirmed his bravery and desire to do good.
In 1955, this park was first opened as “Park Gumbinner Grund”. Later it was renamed to honor Anton Saefkow. A bust of Saefkow stands here. Hans Kies created it from Swedish granite.
The Anton-Saefkow-Park underwent renovations from 2017 to 2020. The park’s paths were repaired. Ramps were added to the stairways. Play areas were added for children. Fitness equipment was installed. A dog run was created. Over 50 trees were planted.
Today, the Anton-Saefkow-Park provides green space for everyone. Remember Anton Saefkow. Consider his bravery.