Stolperstein Dedicated to Alice Anna Perlhefter

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Anna Perlhefter in Brno, Czechia, provides a unique opportunity to engage with the living memory of the Holocaust and the once-vibrant Jewish community in Moravia's capital. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques set into sidewalks across Europe, each honoring an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. This guide offers historical context, practical details, accessibility information, and tips to ensure your visit is meaningful and respectful. Whether you are a resident, tourist, or student of history, exploring Stolpersteine in Brno fosters remembrance and understanding.

Understanding Stolpersteine: History and Significance

The Stolpersteine Project

Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of the Nazi regime. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 centimeter brass-capped cobblestone engraved with the victim’s name and fate, installed at their last self-chosen address. The project’s guiding philosophy is rooted in the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten,” making each stone an act of personal remembrance (stolpersteine.eu; pragueviews.com).

Unlike traditional memorials, Stolpersteine are integrated into daily urban life, prompting spontaneous reflection from passersby. The act of “stumbling” upon a stone—physically or metaphorically—invites people to pause, read, and remember (pragueviews.com).

Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic and Brno

Stolpersteine are called “Kameny zmizelých” (stones of the disappeared) in Czech. The project began in the Czech Republic in 2008, spearheaded by the Czech Union of Jewish Youth, and has since expanded to cities such as Prague, Ostrava, Olomouc, and Brno. Brno, the country’s second-largest city, has become a focal point for Stolpersteine installations, marking the presence and tragic fate of its Jewish residents (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Brno; View from Prague; de.wikipedia).

The Stolperstein for Alice Anna Perlhefter

Location and Description

Alice Anna Perlhefter’s Stolperstein is located at Lidická 16, Brno (GPS: 49.201477, 16.607678), in the historic Veveří district (Traces of War; Mapcarta). The plaque is set into the pavement directly in front of the building where Alice last lived by her own choice before her deportation. Next to her stone is one for Doris Julia Rauch, another Holocaust victim from the same address.

Historical Context

While detailed biographical information about Alice Anna Perlhefter is limited, the Stolperstein restores her dignity and individuality, publicly acknowledging her persecution and likely deportation or murder during the Holocaust. The stone was installed on September 17, 2014, as part of a citywide event introducing new Stolpersteine at multiple locations in Brno (Encyklopedie dějin města Brna).

Practical Visiting Information

Access and Opening Hours

• No Tickets or Restricted Hours: Stolpersteine are public memorials on sidewalks, accessible 24/7 without any entrance fees.
• Getting There: Lidická Street is centrally located and served by tram and bus lines, including lines 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11. The site is within walking distance from Janáček Theatre and Villa Tugendhat (Go To Brno).
• Accessibility: The memorial is wheelchair accessible, but some areas may have uneven pavement. Exercise caution in winter when surfaces may be icy.
• Guided Tours: Local organizations and tour operators offer guided walks focused on Brno’s Jewish heritage and Stolpersteine (EuroJewCong).

What to Expect

The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and may be easy to miss. Its subtle presence is intentional, integrating remembrance into everyday life. The stone is generally well maintained, with local volunteers cleaning plaques, especially around commemorative dates.

Visitor Etiquette

• Pause and read the inscription, reflecting quietly.
• You may leave a small stone or flower as a sign of respect, following Jewish tradition.
• Be discreet with photography and avoid blocking pedestrian traffic.
• Maintain respectful silence, especially in groups or during ceremonies.

Enhancing Your Visit: Nearby Attractions and Context

Visiting the Stolperstein for Alice Anna Perlhefter can be combined with other significant Jewish heritage and historical sites in Brno:

• Villa Tugendhat: UNESCO-listed modernist villa, once home to a Jewish family persecuted by the Nazis (Everybody Hates a Tourist).
• Löw-Beer Villa: Historic residence tied to Brno’s Jewish history.
• Brno Jewish Quarter: Explore the city’s rich Jewish legacy.
• Old Town Hall & St. James Ossuary: Key landmarks reflecting Brno’s layered past (Discovering Prague).

Guided tours offered by the Jewish Community of Brno and local tourism boards often include these sites.

Community Engagement and Preservation

Stolperstein installations in Brno are community-driven, with ceremonies attended by survivors, descendants, and city officials. Local volunteers maintain the stones, and ceremonies mark new installations and remembrance days (Expats.cz). Visitors are encouraged to treat the memorials with care, avoid stepping directly on the plaques, and report any damage. Supporting local organizations or participating in cleaning events helps preserve these vital memorials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Alice Anna Perlhefter’s Stolperstein?
Lidická 16, Brno. GPS: 49.201477, 16.607678.

When can I visit?
Anytime. Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7.

Is there an entrance fee?
No. Stolpersteine are public and free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Check with the Jewish Community of Brno or local tourism offices (Go To Brno).

Is the memorial accessible for wheelchair users?
Generally yes, but some pavements may be uneven.

How can I find other Stolpersteine in Brno?
Use online maps, apps, or inquire at the local tourism office for routes and resources.

Summary and Final Tips

The Stolperstein for Alice Anna Perlhefter in Brno is a humble yet powerful memorial, inviting visitors to reflect on the city’s Jewish history and the enduring importance of individual remembrance. No tickets or special arrangements are needed—just a willingness to pause and honor a life lost. Combine your visit with nearby cultural sites for a richer experience, respect the solemnity of the memorial, and consider joining a guided tour for deeper context. Together, these acts help preserve memory and foster tolerance for future generations (Stolpersteine.ch; Encyklopedie dějin města Brna; EuroJewCong; pragueviews.com).