On a site in Brandenburg historians suspect a mass grave from the Nazi era. The owner for years prevented the exploration. Been successful.
(Jewish General, February 21, 2008)
: André glassmakers
The Red Trabi, which is rotten to the neighboring site behind chain-link fence, Bernd Boschan long been a thorn in the side. "This is hardly the dignity of the site appropriate," says the 50-year-old can roam and disapproving views of the East German gammlige vehicle. Bosch
with graying hair and a manicured mustache and is the official director of the 611 community Jamlitz in the Upper Spreewald. More trouble than the red Trabbi makes him for many years a neglected plot of land on which it now stands. Here are historians According to the remains of 750 Jewish concentration camp prisoners are - the biggest yet undiscovered mass grave from the Nazi era.
Boschan tried for years to clarify the suspicion, the owner of the land successfully thwarting all attempts education. Back in April 2007, the district court turned to Boschan Guben to obtain interim excavation disposal - the Judge refused.
contrast Boschan filed a complaint with the court in Cottbus - which has now pointed back. The court stressed that there was a "high moral and sentimental value" to rescue the victims, but made it clear that no legal Give a basis to have to dig on the property against the will of the owner. Boschan will appeal the verdict, which is not yet final, "probably begin" at the Brandenburg Higher Regional Court.
Why is the owner defends against awareness of mass murder can Boschan not say it. "Sometimes he referred to the fact that excavations would be mitigated by the recovery value of his property. Then he wanted a commitment that will be established in any case, no memorial, "said the official director and shakes his head helplessly.
Hans Hirtinger is even on this spring day not to be found on his property. No chance - The 50-year-old has been living for years in Bavaria. In the building materials Jamlitz representative is seen only rarely. His house, which stands out as a dark spot against the dark sky is uninhabited. From the window frame of the paint flakes off, the glass sheets are dirty, missing bell and name tag.
Jamlitz The mass grave also involved the Central Council of Jews. "It is certain that there are Jamlitz in a mass grave. But the research is prevented. It's incredible, "says Peter Fisher, in charge of memorials and remembrance. Fischer surprised the vehemence with which the property owner off against digs: "It is really just anti-Semitism . Suspect "
Whether Hans Hirtinger is an anti-Semite, it will not speculate Boschan. "For this I know the man enough." He once phoned him and describes him as "cautious." Telling neighbors that Hirtinger "strange" was. Otherwise, a lot of rumors: As Hirtinger-senior in the 50's built the house, he had encountered when creating the foundations on the ruins of the concentration camp prisoners and had the whole thing hushed up. Such rumors will not comment Boschan.
That actually could find a mass grave on the property is at least plausible. Hirtingers house, as well as the entire settlement stand on a former satellite camp of Sachsenhausen. Between 1943 and 1945, about 8,000 prisoners were interned. Where today are well-maintained bungalows and rose bushes, where paths wind around themselves neatly raked garden gnomes, once stood the wooden barracks of the concentration camp prisoners.
In the spring of 1945, the camp was closed. Prisoners capable of marching, about 1,600 men, had to go on a 100-kilometer-long death march towards Sachsenhausen. Weakened and sick were left behind in the camp. Immediately after leaving the column of prisoners SS troops began their murder.
massacre and history of the satellite camp today on information boards documented since 2003 in Jamlitz educate about what is happening. To date, in the village remembered nothing of the concentration camp, the camp's history was ousted in GDR times. After 1945, namely, used the Soviet occupation, the former concentration camp for the internment of Nazi criminals and alleged "spies." Thousands perished in the camp.
A proper search for the SS victims begins in November 1970. Former prisoners of concentration camps to go to Jamlitz to explore whether we could set up a memorial here. They come across a rumor in the area, perhaps even on the grounds of the satellite camp, there was a mass grave.
is now a major Search. In an old gravel pit where in 1959 some skeletons were found, dug again. Soon be exposed hundreds of skeletons - 577th overall Bullet holes in the back of their heads and remains of striped concentration camp clothes show that it is the murdered prisoners.
A report by Gunter Morsch, director of the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation, comes to the conclusion that in February 1945 a total of 1342 prisoners were murdered. So far, 589 bodies were found. The remaining 758 presumed dead in Hirtingers Morsch Mark Brandenburg grass steppe. Where Boschan not be dug.
If, after Heinz stamp (name changed) would, it could be dug today. "Then would 'the last clear," he calls over the fence. The 70-year-old retiree with a gray work jacket and working in his garden. His house is at the point where there were once the barracks of the SS block leader.
actually speaks of retired not with journalists who have already interviewed many of the settlement. "Recently an American was there. He wanted to know if we are all anti-Semites! "Outraged stamp. Heinz stamp itself would not mind if the remains of concentration camp prisoners were dug up, he says again and again. "Then would 'put to rest here."
If he is not even as deceptive: Official Director Boschan wants to a find a memorial tombs Create Hirtingers property. "We want to honor the victims by a visible sign." If he would dig for.
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