The Stolperstein for Drezel Stieber
At Adlerstraße 15 in Karlsruhe, a Stolperstein commemorates Drezel Stieber, who was expelled during the Nazi regime and disappeared. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to remember victims of Nazi persecution at the location of their last freely chosen residence. The stone for Drezel is beside one commemorating her husband, Israel.
History
German artist Gunter Demnig initiated the Stolpersteine project in 1992. The first stones were installed in Cologne and initially referenced the deportation of Sinti and Roma. The project expanded to commemorate individuals, including Jews, political dissidents and others targeted by the Nazis. By June 2023, more than 100,000 stones had been installed in over 1,800 cities, making it the world’s largest decentralized memorial (Wikipedia; IamExpat).
Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate. The inscription gives the person’s name, birth date and fate, and, if known, the date and place of death. The stones are set into the pavement at the person’s last freely chosen address, bringing remembrance into everyday life. “Stumbling” is both literal and metaphorical: the stones invite passersby to pause, bow and reflect. A Talmudic teaching central to the project’s ethos says, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten” (Wikipedia; Traces of War).
Stolpersteine now commemorate Jewish victims as well as Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, people with disabilities and others (Wikipedia).
Karlsruhe has participated in the project since the early 2000s. The stones at Adlerstraße 15 commemorate the married couple Israel and Drezel Stieber. Israel was born in 1872, expelled to Poland in October 1938 and subsequently disappeared. Drezel was born in 1882, expelled in July 1939 and also disappeared. Their stones were installed on August 20, 2007 (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe; Traces of War).
In Karlsruhe, local residents, historians and organizations research the stories of former inhabitants, consulting families where possible. Local donations fund the stones’ production and installation, often with small public ceremonies (IamExpat).
What to See
The Stolpersteine for Drezel and Israel Stieber are at Adlerstraße 15, Karlsruhe (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). Their placement marks the address where the couple once lived.
Near Adlerstraße 15, the Drezel Stieber Memorial has educational exhibits and personal artifacts that provide context about Karlsruhe’s Jewish community and the impact of Nazi persecution. It is also a place for reflection, learning and annual commemorative events (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).
Practical Visiting Information
Location and access
- Address Adlerstraße 15, Karlsruhe, Germany (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).
- The location is centrally situated and accessible on foot, by tram or by bus. Karlsruhe’s public transport network is reliable and wheelchair-friendly.
- Stolpersteine are generally accessible to wheelchair users and people using mobility aids, though sidewalk conditions may vary.
Hours, admission and amenities
- Stolpersteine Accessible 24/7 as public memorials embedded in sidewalks.
- Tickets No tickets or fees are required to visit the stones.
- Drezel Stieber Memorial Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.
- Admission to the memorial Free; donations are encouraged.
- Guided tours at the memorial Weekends at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM; advance booking is recommended.
- Amenities at the memorial Wheelchair accessible, with ramps and an elevator; onsite café and gift shop.
Local organizations and historians offer guided walks focused on Holocaust remembrance and Stolpersteine sites. Self-guided tours using digital maps and apps are also available (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website; rk-karlsruhe.de).
Visitor Tips
- Pause to read the inscriptions and reflect quietly.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
- Apps and online maps can help locate Stolpersteine throughout Karlsruhe. The Stolpersteine Guide app provides information on locations and stories (IamExpat).
- Local volunteers often clean the stones on significant remembrance dates. Visitors may leave flowers or candles beside them (Wikipedia; Folklife Magazine).
- Cleaning is encouraged and may be organized by local volunteers. Joining a guided tour or cleaning event can provide further insight.
- Photography without flash is generally permitted.
- Donations to local remembrance organizations and volunteering are ways to support their work. Local organizations can provide updates on events and volunteer opportunities.
Nearby Places
- Karlsruhe Synagogue A symbol of the city’s enduring Jewish presence.
- Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism Honors all victims of Nazi persecution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Stolpersteine accessible at all times?
Yes. As public memorials embedded in sidewalks, they can be visited anytime.
Do I need a ticket to visit a Stolperstein or the Drezel Stieber Memorial?
No ticket is required for the Stolpersteine. The memorial is free, and donations are welcome.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations offer guided tours for Stolpersteine, and tours of the memorial are available on weekends at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Advance booking is recommended for the memorial.
Can I participate in cleaning Stolpersteine?
Yes. Cleaning is encouraged and often organized by local volunteers.
Is photography allowed?
Yes. Photography without flash is generally permitted.
