Wondering who Dr. Arno Philippsthal was? This plaque commemorates a remarkable man. It stands as a reminder of a dark chapter in Berlin’s history.
The Dr. Arno Philippsthal Plaque marks the former practice of a dedicated physician. He lived from September 13, 1887, to April 3, 1933. Arno Philippsthal was a German-Jewish doctor. He became one of the first victims of Nazi terror in Berlin.
Philippsthal’s story is one of service and sacrifice. He studied medicine in Munich and Berlin. In 1913, he earned his medical license. He then practiced in Rogasen. During World War I, he served as a military doctor.
After the war, Dr. Arno Philippsthal settled in Biesdorf. This was then a suburb of Berlin. His practice was at Oberfeldstrasse 10. He showed great social commitment. He adjusted his fees based on what patients could afford.
In the early 1930s, Philippsthal planned to open his own clinic. He even bought land for it. But on March 21, 1933, SA men arrested him at his practice. There was no warrant or explanation.
He was taken to the SA prison on Papestrasse. There, he suffered brutal mistreatment. On April 3, 1933, Dr. Arno Philippsthal died. His death resulted from severe infections. These infections were caused by injuries inflicted during his imprisonment.
His grave is an honorary one. It lies in the Jewish cemetery in Weissensee.
After the war, investigations began. But in 1933, the Prussian Justice Minister stopped them. Investigations were reopened in 1948. They were closed again due to lack of evidence.
Since 1979, a nursing home in Biesdorf has borne his name. It is called Dr. Arno Philippsthal Haus. A memorial stone stands in its courtyard. In 2002, a nearby street was renamed Arno-Philippsthal-Strasse.
This Dr. Arno Philippsthal Plaque serves as a potent symbol. It honors a man who cared deeply for his community. He paid the ultimate price for his beliefs and heritage. The plaque reminds us to remember the victims of Nazi persecution. It also calls us to stand against injustice.