Erased Histories, Reclaimed Spaces

As we explore the complex web of our collective past, it’s easy to get lost in grand narratives found in history books and museums. But what about the intimate stories hidden within the walls of our homes? In Berlin’s Rosenheimer Straße 40, a fourth-floor apartment has witnessed the lives of Jewish families torn apart by Nazi rule. Today, this space is being reclaimed as a site of memory and remembrance.

The initiative Denk Mal Am Ort (Think about it at the Site) was founded in 2016 with the goal of bringing people back to the original sites where their ancestors once lived. By inviting individuals to these locations, they create a tangible connection to the past that’s both emotional and deeply personal. “You feel a strong connection to these individuals through the actual site,” says Marie Rolshoven, one of the founders.

Jewish families were forcibly displaced, their homes taken away from them, and their lives reduced to mere statistics. The National Socialists’ propaganda machine churned out dehumanizing rhetoric, making it acceptable to treat Jews as second-class citizens. The 1939 law that allowed landlords to terminate leases without notice was a stark reminder of the erosion of civil rights.

In the fall of 1941, Nazi authorities began deporting Jews to ghettos and camps in Eastern Europe. The residents of Rosenheimer Straße 40 were among those deported. Today, as we grapple with the resurgence of antisemitism, these stories serve as a stark reminder of what can happen when hatred is allowed to flourish.

Denk Mal Am Ort’s work is more than just an exercise in intergenerational remembrance; it’s also a beacon of hope. By sharing these stories, they create a sense of connection among people who might otherwise feel disconnected from their heritage. For 92-year-old Joel Ludwig Katzenellenbogen, returning to the apartment where he and his family once lived was a powerful experience. His grandson has since visited, standing in the same stairwell where his ancestors had walked.

As eyewitnesses like Katzenellenbogen pass away, it’s essential that we continue this work of remembrance. Claudia Samter’s visit to Rolshoven’s apartment was a poignant example of how these stories can be passed down through generations. Her aunt had been housed in the same apartment, and by visiting the site, Samter felt a sense of connection to her family’s past.

Denk Mal Am Ort’s work is not limited to Berlin. In eight cities this year, they’ve organized 90 commemorative events, attracting many young descendants who are eager to learn about their ancestors’ histories. For Adam Ethan Klein from Switzerland, uncovering the story of his great-grandfather’s removal from the list of licensed attorneys was a turning point. It made him realize that his family’s struggles were not just about escaping Nazi Germany but also about being defined by their Jewish identity.

In an era where antisemitism is on the rise, these stories serve as a warning. As Klein notes: “They’d say, ‘Yes, your great-grandparents left Germany in 1938, just in time. Luckily, otherwise you wouldn’t be here today.’” But for him, that was never enough; he wanted to dig deeper and understand the complexities of his family’s past.

The apartment at Rosenheimer Straße 40 is more than just a space; it’s a reminder of what can happen when we allow hatred to flourish. By reclaiming these spaces and sharing these stories, Denk Mal Am Ort creates a sense of connection to our collective past. As we move forward in this uncertain world, it’s essential that we remember the past and learn from its mistakes.