Stumbling block smashed in Haugesund

Haugesund - In 2013, two stumbling blocks were laid in Haugesund in memory of two Jews from the city who were sent to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The most famous was the merchant Moritz Rabinowitz, who, according to a fellow prisoner, was kicked and beaten to death in Sachsenhausen on February 27, 1942.

The lesser known was Georg Rechenberg, who survived the Auschwitz and Dachau extermination camps. In recent days, however, his memorial in Haugesund has been smashed. 

Vandals have destroyed an important memorial in the center of Haugesund, The Haugesunds Avis reports . 

It looks like someone has used a Metal bar or other tool and cut away the brass fitting that is on top of the stone, Olaisen says. Olaisen is the initiator of the stumbling blocks in the city and former editor of Haugesunds Avis.

The private photos MIFF has been given access to show the stumbling block before and after the vandalism. The first photo was taken on November 27, 2020, when memorial candles were put out on the spot. The second photo was taken today, January 4.

Source: miff

Photo: The Haugesunds Avis