I am grateful for this somber (as it should be) post - and the thoughtful comments. As I read headlines about what the new administration is planning, especially the mass deportation of immigrants, I am wondering about what I might be called upon to do, and whether I'll be brave enough to do it.
I saw similar stones when my daughter and I were in the Jewish Ghetto section of Rome in 2022. Very sobering reminder of some of the people who were sacrificed during the Nazi invasion. Scary times ahead I’m afraid, with Trump at the helm.
I found this blog entry to be quite thought-provoking since I have taken a strong personal interest in those who risked their lives to save their Jewish brothers and sisters. Thousands of brave souls who displayed such bravery that I don't think I could ever have showed. One of the most noteworthy was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, who was executed for his participation in a plot to kill Hitler. The British and American spies' sagas have also been very interesting. Considered perhaps the most daring was Virginia Hall, an American who wanted to serve in the U.S. Foreign Service when women were rarely accepted. But she persisted and finally did coordinate all the spy efforts in France. She was known as the "Limping Lady" since she had a prosthetic device on one leg. The metal plates you show are a small but significant way of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Were it possible to create about 6 million with one for each and every victim.
In a similar fashion, we should never stop recognizing those who resisted and often died advocating for civil rights during the Jim Crow era. Recently visited Little Rock, AR and learned the story of the Little Rock Nine and those who supported them attempting to integrate the public schools in the late 50s. There have been thousands of brave souls who dared. MLK, Jr., when asked about the white supremacists, Christian Nationalists, and racists, answered that he was more concerned about the comfortable, safe white folks who stood by and watched rather than taking the more dangerous route to step forward on behalf of those who were being persecuted.
I, too, fear for the immediate future of our own country when you hear about these possible "roundups". The myopia of those who are more concerned about the costs of milk or gas than about those who may lose their fundamental freedoms over the next several months is beyond belief.
I have been to Germany and parts of Europe but have never seen these brass plates that recognize those who were taken. A little research indicates this practice started in 1992. Like others who post here, I am worried about our future.
In Nuremberg, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, features a Fascination and Terror exhibition examing the cause, context and consequences of Nazi activity. Film and print showed how Hitler was viewed as a popular figure, almost like a rock star, with girls following him and comparing the number of times they had been at a gathering of him. The propaganda set the stage for Hitler's actions. The same type of propaganda tha we see in use today to set us against one another. Frightening.
This is such a powerful posting. We are facing it up close in Texas. Governor Abbott just said he would help round up undocumented people. We (and I) too are stumbling over how we will respond.
Thought-provoking and frightening. I have always wondered what non-Japanese Americans did and thought when they watched Japanese-Americans get rounded up into camps during WWII. Who benefited from their closed businesses and homes. Not even close in terms of horror compared to the Holocaust, but it happened in our backyard. Wrong is wrong. Thanks for writing this. I have always also wondered if I would have had enough courage to "do" something if I had been a non-Jewish German during the Holocaust.
Candie, such a good question. The plight of Japanese-American citizens also feels extra poignant because so many of their sons were in the US Army, fighting on the side of the US.
What will it take to stand in the face of National Guard, ICE, Border Patrol, & especially voluntary militias? What courage to face them on behalf of people who have been successfully othered? Lord, help us.
Have you ever wondered if you thought about such things when you were going to college & studying for the ministry? It seems to me that there is a time for each. Person to reach beyond themselves & see how they fit into the world & identify evil. Indeed this the time when one can understand evil & the fact that it has been thriving as each person was learning to do good & fit into a good part of existence.
I am grateful for this somber (as it should be) post - and the thoughtful comments. As I read headlines about what the new administration is planning, especially the mass deportation of immigrants, I am wondering about what I might be called upon to do, and whether I'll be brave enough to do it.
Yes. I’m trying not to go crazy with what might happen…and also to be as prepared as possible.
I saw similar stones when my daughter and I were in the Jewish Ghetto section of Rome in 2022. Very sobering reminder of some of the people who were sacrificed during the Nazi invasion. Scary times ahead I’m afraid, with Trump at the helm.
Indeed. I hope we’re ready.
I found this blog entry to be quite thought-provoking since I have taken a strong personal interest in those who risked their lives to save their Jewish brothers and sisters. Thousands of brave souls who displayed such bravery that I don't think I could ever have showed. One of the most noteworthy was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor, who was executed for his participation in a plot to kill Hitler. The British and American spies' sagas have also been very interesting. Considered perhaps the most daring was Virginia Hall, an American who wanted to serve in the U.S. Foreign Service when women were rarely accepted. But she persisted and finally did coordinate all the spy efforts in France. She was known as the "Limping Lady" since she had a prosthetic device on one leg. The metal plates you show are a small but significant way of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Were it possible to create about 6 million with one for each and every victim.
In a similar fashion, we should never stop recognizing those who resisted and often died advocating for civil rights during the Jim Crow era. Recently visited Little Rock, AR and learned the story of the Little Rock Nine and those who supported them attempting to integrate the public schools in the late 50s. There have been thousands of brave souls who dared. MLK, Jr., when asked about the white supremacists, Christian Nationalists, and racists, answered that he was more concerned about the comfortable, safe white folks who stood by and watched rather than taking the more dangerous route to step forward on behalf of those who were being persecuted.
I, too, fear for the immediate future of our own country when you hear about these possible "roundups". The myopia of those who are more concerned about the costs of milk or gas than about those who may lose their fundamental freedoms over the next several months is beyond belief.
Jim, yes, those are such inspiring stories. It helps me to remember how many people did do courageous things to counteract evil.
It is said that history repeats itself.
I have been to Germany and parts of Europe but have never seen these brass plates that recognize those who were taken. A little research indicates this practice started in 1992. Like others who post here, I am worried about our future.
In Nuremberg, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, features a Fascination and Terror exhibition examing the cause, context and consequences of Nazi activity. Film and print showed how Hitler was viewed as a popular figure, almost like a rock star, with girls following him and comparing the number of times they had been at a gathering of him. The propaganda set the stage for Hitler's actions. The same type of propaganda tha we see in use today to set us against one another. Frightening.
Melanie, that does sound eerily similar!
Almost identical, I’d say. Just change the idol’s name & expand the groups to be rounded up to include POC & Muslims.
Robin, sigh. Truth.
This is such a powerful posting. We are facing it up close in Texas. Governor Abbott just said he would help round up undocumented people. We (and I) too are stumbling over how we will respond.
I wish we responded by voting him out when we had the chance. He's evil personified.
Carol, ooof, that’s tough.
The first time I saw these reminders was in Bordeaux, France. Really moving to consider.
Jean, yes. Lots to think about as we look to America’s next few years.
Thought-provoking and frightening. I have always wondered what non-Japanese Americans did and thought when they watched Japanese-Americans get rounded up into camps during WWII. Who benefited from their closed businesses and homes. Not even close in terms of horror compared to the Holocaust, but it happened in our backyard. Wrong is wrong. Thanks for writing this. I have always also wondered if I would have had enough courage to "do" something if I had been a non-Jewish German during the Holocaust.
Candie, such a good question. The plight of Japanese-American citizens also feels extra poignant because so many of their sons were in the US Army, fighting on the side of the US.
I fear the test is coming very soon. Another great piece, Mary.
Thanks, Jacq. I fear so, too. Are you adding some Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum to the seminary?
Thank you for writing about the Stolpersteine!
Doug, they’re so riveting, as you know! I keep wondering what America would be like, if we had something similar.
I hope Americans don't stand by and watch 10 million people get rounded up and deported.
What will it take to stand in the face of National Guard, ICE, Border Patrol, & especially voluntary militias? What courage to face them on behalf of people who have been successfully othered? Lord, help us.
Doug, I hope…
I question what I would (will) do as well, Mary. It's a hard question to face.
Linda, right?
Have you ever wondered if you thought about such things when you were going to college & studying for the ministry? It seems to me that there is a time for each. Person to reach beyond themselves & see how they fit into the world & identify evil. Indeed this the time when one can understand evil & the fact that it has been thriving as each person was learning to do good & fit into a good part of existence.
Anne, I was so much more innocent then, and evil seemed far away and rare. Now I know better.
That's so sad. And who thought it could be so singular and powerful-almost...dare I say Biblical?