Stolperstein Dedicated to Pavel Sonnenschein

Introduction

Stolpersteine, or "stumbling stones," are a unique and deeply moving form of Holocaust remembrance interwoven into the streets of European cities. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, each Stolperstein is a small brass plaque embedded in the pavement at the last freely chosen residence of a victim of the Nazi regime. In Brno, Czech Republic, the Stolperstein dedicated to Pavel Sonnenschein stands as a personal and collective tribute, honoring a young Jewish boy whose life—along with those of his family and neighbors—was tragically destroyed during the Holocaust.

Located at Malinovského náměstí 5, the Stolperstein for Pavel Sonnenschein is both a touchstone for personal reflection and an entry point for exploring Brno's rich, yet often painful, Jewish heritage. This visitor's guide provides historical context, practical travel advice, and insights into the cultural significance of the site, helping you plan a respectful and meaningful visit.

For further information, you can consult the Stolpersteine Official Website, Encyklopedie dějin města Brna, Brno Daily, and Stolpersteine Czech Republic Official Site.

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine initiative began in Germany as a decentralized memorial for all those persecuted by the Nazi regime—Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, and others. Gunter Demnig's project was first realized in Berlin-Kreuzberg in 1996, and has since expanded to more than 1,800 cities across Europe, with over 107,000 stones installed by 2024 (Stolpersteine Official Website).

Stolpersteine are designed to integrate remembrance into daily life. Their placement at ground level ensures that memory is encountered unexpectedly—one quite literally "stumbles" upon history. Each stone is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and (when known) their date and place of death.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Stolpersteine are the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Their street-level placement has both practical and symbolic meaning: it recalls how Jewish gravestones were desecrated and used for paving during the Nazi era, and emphasizes that remembrance requires active, ongoing care.

Inscriptions typically begin with "Here lived…," restoring individuality to people whose identities were erased by the Holocaust. The small scale and vulnerability of each stone invite personal reflection, while the collective network of Stolpersteine forms a powerful, city-spanning testimony against forgetting (Folklife Magazine).

The Stolperstein for Pavel Sonnenschein: Location and Description

Exact Location

• Address: Malinovského náměstí 5, Brno-Center District
• GPS Coordinates: 49.195404, 16.613135 (Traces of War)

Malinovského náměstí is a prominent city square, easily reached by tram, bus, or a short walk from Brno Main Railway Station and the Mahen Theatre.

Physical Description

The Stolperstein at this address is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, part of a group of four stones commemorating the Sonnenschein family and others. The Czech inscription reads:

Zde žil
Pavel Sonnenschein
nar. 1931
deportován 1942
do Terezína
zavražděn 1944
v Osvětimi

Translation: "Here lived Pavel Sonnenschein, born 1931, deported 1942 to Theresienstadt, murdered 1944 in Auschwitz."

The stone is set flush with the sidewalk, in keeping with the Stolpersteine tradition (Encyklopedie dějin města Brna).

Historical Context: The Jewish Community of Brno and the Holocaust

Before World War II, Brno's Jewish community was vibrant, numbering over 10,000 by 1930. The Nazi occupation in 1939 brought systematic persecution, deportation, and the near-eradication of this community. Today, about 300 Jewish residents in Brno maintain traditions and work to preserve local Jewish heritage (JGuide Europe).

Pavel Sonnenschein was born in 1931 and lived at Malinovského náměstí 5 with his family. In 1942, at age 11, he was deported to the Terezín (Theresienstadt) ghetto, then transported to Auschwitz in 1944 and murdered at age 13. His Stolperstein stands as a personal and symbolic reminder of the destruction wrought by the Holocaust.

Visitor Information: Hours, Access, and Guided Tours

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

• Open Access: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and accessible 24 hours a day, every day. No ticket or reservation is required.
• Accessibility: The location is wheelchair accessible and suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
• Safety: Daylight visits are recommended for optimal visibility and safety.

Guided Tours

Several local organizations and festivals, including the Stetl Festival of Jewish Culture, offer guided walks that feature Stolpersteine and other Holocaust-related sites in Brno (Brno Daily). Check with the Brno Tourism Office or the Jewish Community of Brno for current tour offerings.

Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips

• Pause and Reflect: Read the inscription and take a moment for silent reflection.
• Memorial Stones or Flowers: It is customary to leave a small stone or flower on the plaque as a sign of remembrance.
• Photography: Allowed, but please be respectful of residents and the memory of the victims.
• Walking Tour Preparation: Wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
• Combine Visits: Plan to visit nearby Jewish heritage sites, such as the Brno Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter.

Nearby Attractions and Memorial Sites

• Brno Jewish Community Center and Synagogue: Offers cultural programming and exhibitions (JGuide Europe).
• Museum of Romani Culture: Documents the persecution of Roma and Sinti (Museum of Romani Culture).
• Mahen Theatre: Historic landmark near the Stolperstein.
• Brno Main Railway Station: Convenient for travelers.
• Špilberk Castle: Offers panoramic views and historical exhibitions.

Interactive maps with Stolpersteine locations are available online (Mapcarta).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Stolperstein?
A: A small brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk, commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last chosen residence.

Q: Is there a ticket or entrance fee?
A: No. The memorial is publicly accessible at all times.

Q: Where is Pavel Sonnenschein’s Stolperstein?
A: At Malinovského náměstí 5, Brno. Use GPS 49.195404, 16.613135.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially during cultural events or by arrangement with local organizations.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Daytime, for safety and visibility.

Q: Can I participate in commemorative events?
A: Yes, local communities often hold remembrance days, cleanings, and ceremonies.