Stolperstein Dedicated To Ida Schiffmann

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Ida Schiffmann in Karlsruhe, Germany: A Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Ida Schiffmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, offers a profound encounter with history. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences. This unique form of decentralized memorialization, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, transforms everyday city spaces into living sites of remembrance and reflection (stolpersteine.eu).

Ida Schiffmann’s Stolperstein, located at Werderstraße 59, not only marks her fate as a victim of Nazi deportations but also embodies the broader experiences of Karlsruhe’s Jewish community. This guide provides historical context, practical visitor information, and cultural insights to help you engage meaningfully with this powerful memorial.

Historical Background: Ida Schiffmann and Her Family
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Significance
Visiting Ida Schiffmann’s Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Access
Practical Tips for Visitors
Educational and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

Historical Background: Ida Schiffmann and Her Family

Early Life and Family Origins

Ida Schiffmann was born in Karlsruhe in the late 19th century, a city whose Jewish community dates back to the 18th century. The Schiffmann family, like many Jewish families in Karlsruhe, was engaged in local commerce, education, and civic life, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural fabric (stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com).

The Rise of Anti-Semitism and Nazi Persecution

With the ascent of the Nazi regime in 1933, anti-Semitic laws and policies escalated dramatically. The Nuremberg Laws of 1935 stripped Jews of citizenship and rights, and “Aryanization” led to the loss of businesses and livelihoods for families like the Schiffmanns (stadtgeschichte.karlsruhe.de).

Deportation and Fate

Ida Schiffmann, along with many Jews from Baden, was likely deported during the mass roundups of October 22, 1940, when thousands were sent to Gurs concentration camp in France. Her Stolperstein, embedded at Werderstraße 59, serves as a tangible reminder of her life and the tragic fate she shared with countless others.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Significance

Conceived by Gunter Demnig in 1992/93, the Stolpersteine project places small, hand-engraved brass plaques at the last freely chosen residences of Nazi victims across Europe. Each Stolperstein measures 96 x 96 mm and is set into a concrete block, inscribed with the phrase “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by the individual’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (stolpersteine.eu).

This decentralized approach brings remembrance into daily life, prompting spontaneous reflection from passersby. As of August 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 locations across Europe, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (germany.info). In Karlsruhe, the project began in 2005 and has since grown through the efforts of local organizations, schools, and citizens.

Key features of the Stolpersteine project:

Personalization: Each stone honors an individual, restoring names and stories erased by Nazi persecution.
Community Involvement: Research, funding, and installation often involve families, local historians, and students, fostering an ongoing culture of remembrance.
Educational Value: Stones prompt questions and learning, both in formal educational settings and through public engagement.

Visiting Ida Schiffmann’s Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Access

Location

Address: Werderstraße 59, Karlsruhe
How to Find: The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk outside this address, close to the city center and easily accessible by foot or public transport (tracesofwar.com).

Visiting Hours

Open Access: As part of the public streetscape, Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7, year-round, free of charge.

Accessibility

Mobility: Most Stolpersteine, including Ida Schiffmann’s, are located on public sidewalks and are generally wheelchair accessible. Be mindful of uneven pavement in older areas.
Public Transport: Karlsruhe’s tram and bus network connects all major districts, with stops near Werderstraße (culturetourist.com).

Practical Tips for Visitors

Combine Your Visit: Include the Stolperstein as part of a walking tour that may also feature the Karlsruhe Palace, Badisches Landesmuseum, and the Jewish Museum.
Best Times: Visit during daylight for best visibility and safety. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter moments for reflection.
Guided Tours: Local organizations periodically offer guided Stolpersteine walks; check stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com for schedules.
Digital Resources: The Stolpersteine Guide app provides interactive maps, biographies, and suggested walking routes.
Etiquette: Approach with respect—pause, read the inscription, and reflect. Carrying a soft cloth to gently polish the brass is a symbolic act of remembrance.
Photography: Discreet, respectful photography is permitted.

Educational and Community Engagement

The Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe are maintained through the efforts of local volunteers, schools, and civic organizations (stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com). Educational programs often involve students in researching victim biographies and participating in the maintenance of stones. Community members regularly clean and care for the Stolpersteine, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of the Baden deportations (October 22), reinforcing the city’s commitment to ongoing remembrance.

Visitors are encouraged to learn more through the Memorial Book for Karlsruhe’s Jews, which provides in-depth biographies and historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there visiting hours or tickets required?
A: No. Stolpersteine are accessible at all times, free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Local organizations and the city occasionally offer guided walks. Check stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com for updates.

Q: How can I find the exact location of a Stolperstein?
A: Use the Stolpersteine Guide app or the city remembrance map.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for those with mobility impairments?
A: Most Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe are at street level and accessible, though some older sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning or sponsoring a Stolperstein?
A: Yes. Community members can sponsor Stolpersteine or join annual cleaning events. Learn more at stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com.

Conclusion and Further Resources

The Stolperstein for Ida Schiffmann exemplifies how personal memory and public history intersect, transforming ordinary city streets into spaces of reflection, empathy, and historical awareness. By visiting these memorials, participating in guided tours, or engaging with educational content, you contribute to the ongoing culture of remembrance in Karlsruhe.

Plan your visit:

Use digital tools like the Stolpersteine Guide app and city remembrance map.
Explore related sites such as Karlsruhe Palace and the Jewish Museum.
Join commemorative events or educational programs for a deeper experience.

Stay informed:
Follow local heritage organizations and download the Audiala app for immersive audio guides of Karlsruhe’s historical sites.

Sources and Further Reading

This article is intended as a respectful, informative resource for visitors and community members. By remembering individuals like Ida Schiffmann, we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, remembrance, and tolerance.