New Stolpersteine Laid in Memory of the Herz Family

On December 5th, three new Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) were laid opposite our school at the corner of Rückerstrasse 1 and Mulackstrasse 6, in memory of Nachman (Norbert), Miriam, and Chaskel Herz, who once lived in a building on this corner until 1938. Chaskel had fled Germany in 1934, and in a remarkable act of courage and resilience, Miriam and Norbert, then only seven years old, fled on November 11, 1938, just one day after the Nazis’ November Pogrom.

Despite enduring extraordinary hardship, all three members of the Herz family survived and were later reunited in Palestine. Norbert’s widow, Helen, and his children and grandchildren had travelled from England and were in attendance yesterday as the Stolperstein were installed in the pavement. Mr. Holmes’ 6a history class also attended. During the ceremony, Toam Bukelman from 6a read a statement that his classmates had prepared in their history lesson, reflecting their thoughts on the significance of the Stolpersteine in our neighborhood and the need to care for them.

“It matters to know the neighborhood because there are a lot of stones, and there will be more. We need to know the history of these stones to understand the lives of those they represent. This helps us learn more about our neighborhood.
I never step on Stolpersteine, and I’m always careful not to scooter over them. Sometimes, I even lay flowers.
As neighbors of those mistreated by the Nazis, our role is to respect and understand the history of the Stolpersteine right around the corner. We must honor what happened to our former neighbors.
Our role in taking care of them is to respect the stones, not step on them, pay attention to them, and keep them clean. These stones are a special kind of memorial – not one you visit, but one that’s part of your everyday life. The point is to notice them every day.
As Berliners and students of BCS, we pledge to care for these stones and respect their dignity. They are our neighbors, and they have a place in our hearts.”

Helen Herz also shared a powerful message with the students, emphasizing the importance of compassion and respect in a world increasingly afflicted by divisive and reactionary politics.

The Herz family expressed their gratitude to our students for pledging to care for and watch over the Stolpersteine, ensuring that the memory of the Herz family and others like them is never forgotten. I would like to commend the 6a students for their positive involvement in this ceremony. Their participation was a testament to the values of empathy and remembrance that are at the heart of our school community.
Special thanks go to the Herz family, Dr. Shana Minkin-Reinhard for her invaluable assistance in organizing the ceremony and for her dedicated work in local history, as well as to Chris Carter for his support as class teacher. This event was a moving reminder of the importance of keeping history alive and honoring the memory of those who lived through some of its darkest chapters.