Leipzig. Two damaged Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) were reported by an observant jogger on the morning of November 9th in Leipzig-Wahren. According to the police, the brass stones in the street “Am Hirtenhaus” were deformed beyond recognition, presumably with the use of a tool. They had already been damaged previously.
The extent of the damage has not yet been fully determined. Police have launched an investigation into the act of vandalism. The Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) are dedicated to the Jewish businessman Max Lesser and his wife Mary. The stones have been attacked in the past.
“For me, that’s a clear-cut case.”
Is it a coincidence that Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) were destroyed on November 9th, the anniversary of Kristallnacht? No, says Henry Lewkowitz, director of the Erich Zeigner House. Unfortunately, it’s not the first such incident. On November 9th, there’s a public call to clean the Stolpersteine, which could tempt perpetrators to commit such acts. “It would be quite a coincidence if the person hadn’t known about this,” he says.
Lewkowitz also points to Max Lesser’s involvement in the political resistance. He sees this as another possible motive. The stone had already been scratched previously.
What happens to the broken stones?
The next steps have already been decided. They are in contact with the person responsible for cleaning the stones, says Lewkowitz. The damaged Stolpersteine will be replaced. “We will replace the stones to send a clear message against historical amnesia,” he says.
