Berlin, February 11, 2026 – More than eight decades after the end of the Nazi dictatorship, a memorial dedicated to the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses is set to be unveiled in Berlin by the end of June. During the National Socialist regime, starting in 1933, nearly 14,000 members of the Christian faith community were incarcerated. In concentration camps, they were stigmatized with a “purple triangle.” At least 1,700 Jehovah’s Witnesses tragically lost their lives.
Festive Inauguration Planned for the Memorial
The memorial, a bronze sculpture by artist Matthias Leeck, will be erected starting in March at the Goldfischteich in the Tiergarten district of Mitte, not far from the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. This location holds particular significance, as the Gestapo arrested Jehovah’s Witnesses at this very pond on August 22, 1936. The monument’s construction follows a Bundestag resolution passed almost three years ago.
A festive inauguration ceremony is scheduled for June 24. High-ranking officials are expected to attend, including Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer, and Berlin’s Senator for Culture Sarah Wedl-Wilson. The event will officially mark the dedication of this important site for remembrance and mourning.
The Plight of Jehovah’s Witnesses Under Nazi Rule
The persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses by the Nazi regime was systematic and brutal. Their refusal to conform to Nazi ideology, including their refusal to perform the Hitler salute, participate in military service, or swear allegiance to the state, led to severe repression. They were among the first groups to be sent to concentration camps, where they faced unimaginable suffering and death. The “purple triangle” was used by the Nazis to identify them, distinguishing them from other prisoner groups.
This new memorial aims to ensure that the suffering and sacrifice of Jehovah’s Witnesses are not forgotten. It will serve as a permanent reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. The location in Tiergarten, a central and historically significant part of Berlin, will ensure high visibility and accessibility for visitors wishing to reflect on this dark chapter of history.
The memorial project has been a long time in the making, and its realization underscores Germany’s ongoing commitment to confronting its past and honoring all victims of Nazi tyranny. It also highlights the recognition of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a distinct victim group whose experiences warrant specific commemoration.
The bronze sculpture by Matthias Leeck is expected to be a poignant and powerful artistic representation of the persecution. While specific details of the sculpture’s design have not yet been widely released, it is anticipated to evoke a sense of solemnity and reflection, encouraging visitors to contemplate the historical events it represents.
The upcoming inauguration ceremony will not only be a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity to educate the public about the lesser-known aspects of Nazi persecution. Educational programs and informational materials are likely to accompany the memorial, providing context and deepening understanding of the experiences of Jehovah’s Witnesses during this period.
The establishment of this memorial is a crucial step in ensuring that the lessons of history are learned and that future generations remain vigilant against all forms of intolerance and oppression. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity and a beacon for human rights and dignity.
