This unassuming copper plaque tells a powerful story. It’s the Gebrüder Weinberger Plaque. It commemorates a once prominent Berlin business. The Gebrüder Weinberger company was Berlin’s largest food wholesaler. In the 1920s the brothers Adolf Israel Salomon and Hermann Weinberger ran it. They had 125 stores and 200 employees. A vast wholesale market supplied 10000 retailers. This success was brutally shattered.
The rise of the Nazis brought an abrupt end. In 1936 the National Socialists destroyed the company. They forced the Jewish owners from Germany. Three of the Weinberger brothers faced imprisonment in a concentration camp. They were later released. Miraculously all escaped Germany.
This Gebrüder Weinberger Plaque stands as a testament. It’s a somber reminder of a family’s loss. It also highlights the pervasive impact of Nazi persecution. The plaque is a symbol of resilience. It signifies the enduring legacy of a family business. It reminds us of the devastating effects of antisemitism.
The plaque itself is simple. Yet its message is profound. It’s a poignant tribute. It speaks volumes about a family’s struggle. It speaks volumes about the broader historical context. Siegbert J Weinberger donated this plaque. He’s the son of Adolf Weinberger. He is based in New York. The plaque was unveiled on June 7 1995. Kultursenator Ulrich Roloff-Momin unveiled it. It was part of an initiative to remember lost businesses and families.
Another informative panel was added later. This was in 2010. It’s located in the building’s foyer. This panel expands on the company’s story. It was created for the Active Museum’s exhibition “Betrayed and Sold”. The Gebrüder Weinberger Plaque and the additional information panel serve as vital reminders. They preserve a vital piece of Berlin’s history. They honor the legacy of the Weinberger family. The plaque encourages reflection on the past and a commitment to justice. Don’t forget this compelling story when you leave this place. Remember the Gebrüder Weinberger. Remember their resilience. Remember their loss.