Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore

Have you ever wondered what stories lie hidden beneath the modern facade of a city? Here at the Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore, a simple yet powerful memorial in Hamburg-Billstedt, a chilling tale of forced labor unfolds. The Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore consists of an original mine cart, or Lore, displayed on a short section of tracks, filled with concrete. A plaque is set within the concrete. It’s a stark reminder of the suffering endured by forced laborers during World War II. The memorial stands opposite the entrance to the An der Glinder Au school in the Sonnenland housing development. This location was once a gravel pit, a site of exploitation for those imprisoned in the forced labor camp of the Joh. Thießen KG sand-lime brick factory between 1942 and 1945. The Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore is more than just a physical object. It’s a voice for the voiceless. The plaque bears an inscription, a powerful quote often attributed to George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This inscription continues with a dedication “In memory of the forced laborers who were exploited at this location from 1942 to 1945”. The Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore was dedicated in 2003, a testament to the commitment of nine young people who conceived and realized this project. Their efforts were recognized with the Bertini Prize in the same year. Their vision allows us to reflect on the harsh realities of the past and acknowledge the suffering of those who were forced to work in the gravel pit that once existed here. Now a modern housing development stands on the site, a stark contrast to the grim history beneath. The Zwangsarbeitsmahnmal/Die Lore serves as a poignant reminder. It urges us to remember and learn from the past, ensuring that such injustices are never repeated.