Gedenkstein Georg Engel Stone

Why is this unassuming stone, the Gedenkstein Georg Engel Stone, so significant in the bustling city of Greifswald? This simple memorial speaks volumes about a forgotten author, Georg Engel, and the turbulent times he lived through. Georg Engel, born right here in Greifswald in 1866, became a prolific writer. His novels, like “Hann Klüth, der Philosoph,” set in Greifswald, captured the spirit of Northern Germany. He was a prominent figure in German literature, even serving as President of the Imperial Union of German Literature. The Gedenkstein Georg Engel Stone marks his birthplace. It’s a testament to his literary contributions. However, this stone has a darker story to tell. With the rise of the Nazis, Engel’s Jewish heritage led to his condemnation. His works, once celebrated, were deemed undesirable. This very stone was removed, his books burned, and his gravestone desecrated in the Elisenhain forest. The Gedenkstein Georg Engel Stone thus stands not only as a memorial to a writer, but also as a stark reminder of the destructive power of intolerance. After the war, Engel’s grave was restored, and the Gedenkstein Georg Engel Stone was eventually returned to its rightful place. It now serves as a symbol of resilience and remembrance, ensuring that Georg Engel, and the lessons learned from his story, are never forgotten.