Berlin, April 3rd – A powerful new memorial, designed by Wuppertal artist Matthias Leeck, is set to be unveiled in Berlin’s Tiergarten on June 24th. The sculpture will honor the Jehovah’s Witnesses who were persecuted by the Nazi regime, marking a significant step in acknowledging this often-overlooked victim group.
Artist Matthias Leeck: A Deep Sense of Responsibility
Matthias Leeck, a Wuppertal native who studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy and collaborated with renowned sculptor Tony Cragg, expressed a profound sense of responsibility in undertaking this project. “This is a great responsibility that I feel – towards the victim group,” Leeck stated, emphasizing the emotional weight of his task.
The memorial’s design, resembling a tree and crafted from solid bronze, is intended to symbolize steadfastness. Leeck explained that it represents the unwavering faith and resistance of Jehovah’s Witnesses who refused to compromise their beliefs under immense pressure from the National Socialists.
Historic Location in Berlin’s Tiergarten
The choice of location for the memorial is deeply symbolic. It will be erected in the Berlin Tiergarten, precisely where the Gestapo carried out an arrest operation against Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1936. This historical context underscores the significance of the memorial as a tangible link to the past.
Fifteen Years of Advocacy for a Place of Remembrance
Uwe Langhals from Remscheid, a board member of the Arnold Liebster Foundation, has been instrumental in advocating for such a memorial for the past fifteen years. His foundation is dedicated to promoting peace and remembrance, and the upcoming inauguration represents the culmination of years of effort.
Craftsmanship in Wermelskirchen: A Unique Project
The fifteen individual parts of the approximately twelve-ton bronze sculpture are being meticulously milled in a metal processing company on the outskirts of Wermelskirchen-Dabringhausen. Axel Selbach, the managing director, and his team are also responsible for the assembly of the massive sculpture in the capital. This commission represents an unusual and challenging undertaking for the company.
Bundestag President Expected at Inauguration
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner is expected to attend the official inauguration of the memorial on June 24th, highlighting the national importance of this new monument. The completion of the memorial by June is a critical deadline for all involved in the project.
The Significance of Remembering Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses faced severe persecution under the Nazi regime due to their refusal to conform to Nazi ideology, participate in military service, or swear allegiance to Hitler. Thousands were imprisoned in concentration camps, and many were executed. This memorial serves as a vital reminder of their suffering and their courageous resistance.
The Arnold Liebster Foundation, which has championed this project, works to ensure that the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses under Nazism is not forgotten. Their efforts contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse groups targeted by the Nazi regime.
Impact on Public Awareness and Education
The installation of this memorial in a prominent location like the Berlin Tiergarten is expected to significantly raise public awareness about the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It will serve as an educational tool, encouraging visitors to learn more about this dark chapter of history and the importance of religious freedom and steadfastness in the face of tyranny.
The memorial’s artistic design, with its tree-like form, offers a powerful visual metaphor for resilience and growth, even in the aftermath of immense suffering. It stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of remembering all victims of injustice.
The project underscores the ongoing commitment to remembrance and reconciliation in Germany, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not lost on future generations. The collaboration between the artist, the foundation, and the manufacturing company exemplifies a collective effort to honor memory and promote understanding.
