Inauguration of the 2nd part of the „Path of Remembrance through the Leopoldstadt“

On the 11th of November the 2nd part of the Path of Remembrance was solemnly inaugurated at the former location of the Leopoldstadt Temple. Despite the heavy snowfall participation by the Viennese population was great.

Members of the families Erreich and Nigal came from Israel especially to attend this event. Their murdered relatives are memorialised on a stone of Remembrance (Erreich) and on a plaque (Nigal) in Große Stadtgutgasse 34.

Chief Rabbi Paul Chaim Eisenberg, municipal councillor Sonja Kato, head of the district Gerhard Kubik and head of the ESRA(consulting and treatment centre for survivors of the holocaust) Peter Schwarz attended the event and valued it highly. Irma Schwager and Erich Beyer, affiliated participants, presented very touching speeches. Irma Schwager closed with the words: “May the Stones of Remembrance contribute to increase the respect of human dignity and peaceful coexistence of humankind.”

Download Speech Irma Schwager [pdf | 35 KB | german]

Elisabeth Ben David-Hindler highlighted in her speech the great support of local citizens, who make contributions by volunteering for the project, financing stones and providing helpful suggestions. Several of the Stations of Remembrance were initiated by tenants. She also mentioned that numerous stations of the 2nd part of the Path of Remembrance were set due to requests by family members. They were placed in front of the former houses of their parents, grandparents and siblings.

Download Speech Elisabeth Ben David-Hindler [pdf | 29KB | german]

Numerous people attended the walk along the Path of Remembrance following the speeches. In Große Stadtgutgasse a plaque was inaugurated that had been commissioned by tenants. Zwi Nigal, a former occupant gave a moving speech there.

---