Theft of Holocaust Memorial Plaque in Göttingen Condemned as ‘Disgraceful’
In a brazen act of disregard for history and the memory of victims, unidentified individuals have stolen a commemorative plaque in Göttingen, Germany, which honored scientists persecuted during the Nazi era. The theft, which occurred overnight on Monday, has sparked outrage and concern.
Plaque Stolen from Prestigious Academy
The plaque was installed in November 2023 outside the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities. It bore the names of 28 male and one female former academy members who were "expelled or forced to resign during the Nazi dictatorship for racist and political reasons," according to the institution.
Among the names inscribed on the plaque was that of renowned physicist Albert Einstein. The majority of the targeted scientists were Jewish. Additionally, the plaque listed the names of four members who had left the academy in protest.
Multidisciplinary Research and Remembrance
The installation of the plaque was the culmination of a multi-year research project by the academy into its history during the Nazi era. Historian Désirée Schauz published the findings in her book "Contested Identities."
The project aimed to shed light on the academy’s past involvement with the Nazi regime and to offer a comprehensive account of the persecution faced by its Jewish and politically dissenting members.
Stolen Plaque Leaves Void in Historical Record
The theft of the plaque has not only deprived the academy of a tangible reminder of its dark past but also has created a gap in the public record of those who suffered under the Nazis.
Academy President Daniel Göske expressed his dismay and condemnation of the theft, calling it "a disgrace." He emphasized the importance of remembering and confronting the academy’s history during the Nazi era, noting that the plaque served as a "visible sign of our responsibility to learn from the past."
Investigation Ongoing, No Leads Yet
The Göttingen police have launched an investigation into the theft, which is being handled by their State Security Division. However, as of now, no leads have been uncovered.
The motive behind the theft remains unclear, although it is speculated that it may have been driven by anti-Semitic or neo-Nazi sentiments.
Outpouring of Support and Condemnation
The theft of the plaque has generated a chorus of condemnation from across the scientific community, political leaders, and members of the public.
The Central Council of Jews in Germany described the act as "an attack on our collective memory" and called for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators.
The President of the German Research Foundation expressed solidarity with the academy and vowed to support efforts to restore the plaque.
Importance of Preserving Historical Remembrance
The theft of the Holocaust memorial plaque serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of historical remembrance and the ongoing need to confront the legacy of Nazi persecution.
The plaque was not merely a symbol of the past but a vital tool for education and reconciliation. It provided a physical connection to the victims and ensured that their stories would not be forgotten.
Its theft represents a willful attempt to erase a part of history and to prevent future generations from learning from the mistakes of the past.
Determined to Recover Stolen Plaque
The Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities has vowed to do everything in its power to recover the stolen plaque and restore it to its rightful place.
The academy is also considering installing a new plaque that would include the names of victims who may have been overlooked in the original research project.
The theft may have been an attempt to silence the academy’s reckoning with its past, but it has only served to strengthen the determination to preserve the memory of those who suffered under Nazism.
