Stolperstein Dedicated to Adele Rieser.

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Adele Rieser in Karlsruhe, Germany, offers a deeply meaningful opportunity to engage with the city’s history and the enduring culture of remembrance. Stolpersteine—German for "stumbling stones"—are part of an internationally recognized memorial project initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s to honor victims of Nazi persecution. These small brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted, serving as tangible reminders of individual lives within everyday urban spaces (Stolpersteine.eu, ka.stadtwiki.net). The Stolperstein for Adele Rieser, at Kriegsstraße 192, commemorates her life and the fate she and her family suffered during the Holocaust, reflecting the broader history of Karlsruhe’s once-thriving Jewish community.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of visiting the Adele Rieser Stolperstein, including its historical background, practical visitor information, nearby attractions, and recommendations for respectful engagement. Whether you are a local resident, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this article will help you appreciate the significance of the Stolperstein for Adele Rieser and the ongoing legacy of remembrance in Karlsruhe (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Directory, Germany.info).

Historical Background and Significance

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy

The Stolpersteine project is a decentralized memorial initiative founded by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. Its aim is to commemorate individuals persecuted and murdered by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945, including Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with disabilities, and others (Stolpersteine.eu). Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated concrete block installed in the pavement in front of the victim’s last freely chosen residence.

The project’s guiding principle is rooted in the Talmud: “A person is only forgotten when their name is no longer remembered.” By restoring names and stories to public memory, Stolpersteine transform the urban landscape into a living memorial, inviting passersby to reflect upon history in the places where it unfolded (Germany.info).

With over 100,000 stones installed in more than 26 countries, Stolpersteine form the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (pragueviews.com).

Adele Rieser: Her Life and Fate

Adele Rieser (née Behr), born in 1883 in Karlsruhe, was an active member of the Jewish community. She and her husband, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Rieser, faced escalating persecution under the Nazi regime. Deported to the Gurs internment camp in France in 1940, Adele died there in 1944. Her son Eugen, who was disabled, was murdered in the Grafeneck euthanasia center, while her daughter Eva survived by fleeing to Israel (ka-news.de). The Stolperstein for Adele is inscribed with her name, birth date, deportation date, and fate, restoring her personal story to the city’s collective memory.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Adele Rieser

Location

• Address: Kriegsstraße 192, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany (ka.stadtwiki.net)
• The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at Adele Rieser’s last voluntary residence.

Visiting Hours and Admission

• Open Access: 24 hours a day, year-round.
• Admission: Free. No tickets or reservations are required.

Accessibility

• The memorial is at ground level and generally accessible to wheelchair users, though some pavements may be uneven. Ramps and clear signage are present in many areas of central Karlsruhe.

Getting There

• Public Transit: Karlsruhe Stadtbahn lines S2 and S4 stop at “Friedenstraße,” a short walk from Kriegsstraße 192.
• By Foot or Bike: The city’s compact layout makes it easy to incorporate the Stolperstein into a walking or cycling tour.

Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes; the site is part of a broader historical walking route.
• Combine your visit with other Jewish heritage sites or museums for a more comprehensive understanding.

Guided Tours and Special Events

• Guided Tours: Offered periodically by the Karlsruhe City Museum and local history organizations. These tours provide context about the Stolpersteine project and the stories behind individual stones (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Directory).
• Special Events: On Holocaust Remembrance Day and other commemorative dates, community members and descendants participate in cleaning ceremonies and remembrance gatherings (pragueviews.com).

Visiting Etiquette and Recommendations

• Pause and Reflect: Stand quietly and read the inscription; bowing while reading is a meaningful gesture.
• Cleaning the Stone: Gently polishing the brass plaque with a soft cloth is a traditional sign of respect.
• Leave a Stone or Flower: Placing a pebble or a flower is a Jewish custom of remembrance.
• Photography: Discreet photos are permitted; be mindful of residents’ privacy.
• Group Visits: Maintain a respectful atmosphere, especially in residential areas.

Nearby Attractions and Related Memorials

• Adele Rieser Memorial: Situated nearby, this plaque provides further context about her life and the broader Jewish heritage in Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe Tourism Official Website).
• Badische Landesbibliothek (Baden State Library): Former workplace of Ferdinand Rieser.
• Karlsruhe Synagogue: Offers additional insight into the city’s Jewish religious life.
• ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe: Explore modern art and culture.
• Karlsruhe Palace and Museums: Delve into regional history and culture.

Community Involvement and Remembrance

The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe is maintained through active community engagement. Local citizens, schools, and organizations sponsor stones, research biographies, and participate in installation and maintenance. The Koordinationsgruppe Stolpersteine oversees coordination and outreach, ensuring these living memorials remain present and meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is Adele Rieser’s Stolperstein located?
A: Kriegsstraße 192, Karlsruhe, Germany (ka.stadtwiki.net).

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible at all times?
A: Yes, it is publicly accessible 24/7 without restrictions or fees.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, tours are periodically organized by local institutions. Check the Karlsruhe Tourism Office or the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website for current offerings.

Q: Can I participate in memorial events?
A: Yes, especially during annual remembrance days and cleaning ceremonies.

Q: How can I find more information about Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe?
A: Consult the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Directory or download the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe app.