Recall and Materialize Memorable Events
In a heartfelt ceremony attended by a large crowd, the Fachschule Fachrichtung Sozialpädagogik in Lensahn (FSP2-23) placed four new Stolpersteine in Oldenburg, Germany. The stones, which remember the fate of individuals who were persecuted during the Holocaust, were placed in front of the former villa of the Rosenblum family at Hoheluftstraße 22.
Historian Dietrich Mau read a moving greeting from Michael Small, the eldest grandson of Felix Rosenblum, who expressed a strong desire to visit Oldenburg. Michael, who was unable to meet his grandfather, was deeply moved that a place where his family once lived is now being remembered.
The newly placed stones commemorate the fate of Charlotte Spitzkopf, née Rosenblum, who was born on May 4, 1915 in Oldenburg. Charlotte was deported to Minsk on November 8, 1941 and was murdered there. Her story, along with those of her family members, serves as a poignant reminder of the dark chapters in Oldenburg's history.
Seven Stolpersteine were previously placed in 2010 by an earlier class of the Fachschule. With the addition of these four new stones, a total of 11 Stolpersteine now remember the fate of the Rosenblum family.
The ceremony was attended by Oldenburg's Mayor, Jörg Saba, and Director Ilona Hartmann, who were visibly moved by Michael Small's words. Lina Brede, a trainee at the Fachschule, delivered a commemorative speech, deeply moved by an excursion to Neuengamme the week before.
The Rosenblum family's story is a testament to the devastating impact of the Holocaust. Gerhard Rosenblum, born in 1923 in Oldenburg, came to England with his brother Felix via a Kindertransport and survived. Gerhard was initially sent to Australia from England, returned in 1946, and died in Hammersmith in 1985. Rolf Rosenblum, born on August 21, 1920 in Oldenburg, fled to Lebanon and survived the war. Felix Rosenblum, born on October 21, 1924 in Oldenburg, came to England in 1938 with a Kindertransport and survived. After the war, Rolf returned to Hamburg and died in 1992. Felix changed his last name to Rose and died in Brighton in 1994.
The ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of remembrance and the need to remain vigilant against hatred and prejudice. As Director Ilona Hartmann reminded everyone, we were only able to celebrate 80 years of peace in Germany recently, which is why it's important to remain vigilant. The history of tomorrow is happening today, and that's why it's important not to stay silent or turn a blind eye.
In researching the Rosenblum family's story, one can look to historical records at local archives or historical societies, Holocaust databases like the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center or the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, local Jewish communities or historical museums, genealogical research websites, and literature and testimonies from survivors. While specific details about the Rosenblum family members and their fates during the Holocaust in Oldenburg, Germany, may not be readily available, these methods can help guide one's research.
- Michael Small, the eldest grandson of Felix Rosenblum, expressed a strong desire for education and self-development, as he expressed a deep longing to visit Oldenburg, the place where his family once lived.
- In remembering the fate of the Rosenblum family, it serves as a vital lesson for current and future generations, instilling the importance of continuing education and self-development in the fight against hatred and prejudice.
