Engraved in stainless steel, the Paul Arnsberg Plaque commemorates a life dedicated to Frankfurt. It honors a man who tirelessly worked to bridge divides between Germans and Jews. Here, we delve into the story behind this memorial.
The Paul Arnsberg Plaque stands as a tribute to Paul Arnsberg. He was a Frankfurt native. Born in 1899, he became a prominent attorney and historian. Arnsberg dedicated much of his life to documenting Jewish history in Frankfurt and the state of Hessen.
This memorial isn’t just a marker. It represents a significant chapter in Frankfurt’s history. The East End became a haven for Jews. They were expelled from Eastern Europe. They established prayer rooms and social services there. Paul Arnsberg Square was dedicated in 2010 to honor this history.
One year later, sculptor Clemens M. Strugalla created the Paul Arnsberg Plaque. This triangular stele is made of stainless steel. The column features Arnsberg’s portrait. It includes an informative text. Stylized motifs symbolize Jewish holidays. These motifs represent Jewish life in Frankfurt’s East End.
Paul Arnsberg’s life was marked by both success and displacement. He had to flee to Palestine in 1933. This was after the National Socialists seized power. Before his escape, he worked as a lawyer and publicist.
In 1958, Arnsberg returned to Frankfurt. He supported the rebuilding of the Jewish community. He devoted himself to researching the history of Judaism in Hessen and Frankfurt. He explored a world destroyed by the National Socialists.
The text on the Paul Arnsberg Plaque tells a concise story. It says that Paul Arnsberg grew up in the East End. The plaque mentions his flight in 1933. It also speaks of his return. It highlights his dedication to historical research.
Rosl Arnsberg, Paul’s wife, continued his work after his death in 1978. She preserved the memory of Jewish life in Frankfurt am Main. Rosl ensured that his documentary work lived on. She died in 2010.
The Paul Arnsberg Plaque project received support from various organizations. The Henry and Emma Budge Foundation contributed. The Jewish Community of Frankfurt aided the cause. The Jewish Museum Frankfurt am Main also helped. The Institute for City History and the city’s cultural office played a role.
You can find this memorial stele on Paul Arnsberg Square. It is in the Ostend district. The district was significantly shaped by Jewish life until the Holocaust. The motifs on the stele serve as a reminder of that vibrant past.
The Paul Arnsberg Plaque is more than a monument. It’s a symbol of remembrance. It stands for understanding. It also honors a man who dedicated his life to preserving history. Take a moment to reflect on his legacy. Remember the vibrant Jewish life that once thrived in Frankfurt’s East End.