Stolperstein memorial stone for Isak Schiffmann in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Isak Schiffmann

Stolperstein Isak Schiffmann Karlsruhe: Visiting Guide, Hours, Tickets, and Historical Context

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Isak Schiffmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, stands as a powerful and personal memorial to Holocaust victims and their families. Embedded in the pavement at Werderstraße 59 in the Südstadt district, this small brass plaque marks the last freely chosen residence of Isak Schiffmann, offering passersby a tangible point of remembrance amid the city’s daily life. This guide provides a detailed overview of the historical background of the Schiffmann family, the Stolpersteine project, practical visitor information, and resources for further exploration of Karlsruhe’s Jewish heritage.

For up-to-date details and additional research, visit the Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe and the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe project website.

Historical Background: Isak Schiffmann and Family
The Stolpersteine Project in Karlsruhe
Visiting the Isak Schiffmann Stolperstein
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Guided Tours and Resources
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Further Reading and Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action

Historical Background: The Life of Isak Schiffmann

Early Life and Migration

Isak Schiffmann was born in 1883 in Galicia, a region affected by shifting borders and rising antisemitism. He married Ida Weiss, whose family moved from Galicia to Karlsruhe in 1919 following the region’s transfer from Austria to Poland after World War I (gedenkbuch.karlsruhe.de). The Schiffmann and Weiss families, along with other relatives, became part of Karlsruhe’s Jewish community, seeking stability and opportunity.

Family and Community Life

Settling at Werderstraße 59, Isak and Ida established both their home and business—a textile shop—within the building, which they co-owned with relatives. The family was deeply involved in religious and community life, transitioning from the liberal Israelitische Religionsgemeinschaft to the orthodox Israelitische Religionsgesellschaft in the early 1930s, reflecting their commitment to Jewish tradition (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe).

Persecution Under the Nazis

With the rise of National Socialism in 1933, the Schiffmann family faced increasing persecution. The forced sale of their property in 1938 and subsequent economic disenfranchisement exemplified the systematic targeting of Jewish families. Seeking safety, Isak and Ida fled to Belgium, but were arrested and deported to Auschwitz in 1944, where they perished (gedenkbuch.karlsruhe.de). Their story is emblematic of the fate of Karlsruhe’s Jewish community during the Holocaust.

The Stolpersteine Project in Karlsruhe

Overview and Significance

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, places small brass plaques in front of the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims throughout Europe. Each stone bears the name, birth year, fate, and, where known, the place of death of the individual it commemorates (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Karlsruhe has installed hundreds of Stolpersteine since 2005, creating a decentralized, city-wide memorial that brings history into everyday experience.

The Isak Schiffmann Stolperstein

Isak Schiffmann’s Stolperstein, installed at Werderstraße 59 on March 18, 2005, is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated concrete block engraved with his name, birth year, deportation date, and fate:

Hier wohnte
Isak Schiffmann
Jg. 1883
Deportiert 1944
Auschwitz
Ermordet

The Stolperstein is set flush with the pavement, inviting passersby to “stumble” upon its memory as they go about their day (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

Visiting the Isak Schiffmann Stolperstein

Location and Accessibility

Address: Werderstraße 59, 76137 Karlsruhe, Germany (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe)
District: Südstadt, a residential area near Karlsruhe city center
Access: The stone is embedded in the public sidewalk, directly in front of the building entrance. Sidewalks are level and suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Open Access: The Stolperstein is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, with no entrance fee or ticket required (ka.stadtwiki.net).
Best Time: Daylight hours are recommended for better visibility and safety.

Visitor Etiquette and Tips

Approach with Respect: Pause, read the inscription, and consider placing a small stone on the plaque—a traditional Jewish gesture of remembrance.
Photography: Allowed, but please be discreet and respectful.
Cleaning Tradition: Visitors may gently polish the brass plate with a soft cloth.
Safety: Sidewalks are well-maintained; watch for passing pedestrians and cyclists.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided Walks: Karlsruhe’s tourism office and local historical societies occasionally offer walking tours that include Stolpersteine and other sites of Jewish heritage (Culture Tourist Karlsruhe Guide).
Mobile Apps: The Audiala app and Stolpersteine Guide app provide self-guided audio tours and biographies.
Maps: Interactive maps available online help plan routes covering multiple Stolpersteine and related sites.

Nearby Attractions

Other Stolpersteine: The Südstadt district contains several Stolpersteine dedicated to other victims, offering an opportunity for a broader remembrance walk.
Historical Sites: Karlsruhe Palace, the Jewish Museum, and the Monument to the Victims of Fascism are all within walking distance.
Amenities: Nearby cafés, shops, and public restrooms in the city center make visits convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket or reservation to visit the Isak Schiffmann Stolperstein?
A: No, the memorial is in a public space and is always open, free of charge.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
A: Yes, the sidewalk is level and generally accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, periodic tours are available through the Karlsruhe tourism office and local organizations. Self-guided options are also plentiful.

Q: May I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully.

Q: How do I find other Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe?
A: Use online maps, the Stolpersteine Guide app, or resources from the tourism office.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein for Isak Schiffmann is more than a historical excursion—it is a solemn act of remembrance and a personal connection to the stories of those lost in the Holocaust. Open to all and accessible at any time, the memorial invites quiet reflection, learning, and respect. Enhance your experience by exploring other Stolpersteine, joining a guided tour, or using digital resources to delve deeper into Karlsruhe’s Jewish heritage.

Plan your visit today, honor the memory of Isak Schiffmann and countless others, and help ensure their stories endure for future generations.

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