Vandalism in Echelmeyer Park: Memorial for Sinti and Roma damaged again!

Vandalism in Echelmeyer Park: Memorial for Sinti and Roma damaged again!

In Echelmeyer Park in Saarbrücken, the “Nachhall” memorial, which commemorates the Sinti and Roma in the Saar region who were persecuted and murdered during National Socialism, was once again the victim of vandalism. Unknown people damaged it with graffiti. This is not the first incident: as early as March 2024, the monument was contaminated with paint smears, overturned grave lights and urine. The state security agency has initiated investigations in this context. Mayor Uwe Conradt condemns the current vandalism as a “cowardly attack” and emphasizes the importance of the memorial for the culture of remembrance and democratic values.

The city of Saarbrücken plans to repair the damaged work of art as quickly as possible. At the same time, the city is calling on the population to report suspicious observations in Echelmeyer Park to the police. The memorial's ceremonial opening took place on November 24, 2024 and was intended to provide a place of remembrance and reflection.

The work of remembrance in Saarbrücken

The memorial site in Echelmeyer Park is an artistically designed area that includes various elements and media. Central to this room is a sculptural and interactive memorial with three radially shaped bronze segments. This artistic creation symbolizes the losses of loved ones and cultural identity that the Sinti and Roma suffered during the Holocaust. Sound fragments of Sinti and Roma culture are also part of the concept and can be accessed via audio QR codes, creating a unique atmospheric sound space.

The design also includes three stone segmental arches and a half-height green hedge that mark a meeting place. Ornamental grasses, seasonally blooming flowers and paving strips fit harmoniously into the overall appearance of the park and reinforce the commemorative function of the place.

The influence of Pastor Arnold Fortuin

A significant part of the culture of remembrance in Saarbrücken is the commitment of Pastor Arnold Fortuin, who supported Sinti and Roma families during the Nazi era. In 1932 he founded a secret school for their children in the rectory and helped numerous persecuted Sinti and Roma escape abroad. After the Second World War, he actively campaigned for compensation for the Sinti and Roma and was national director of the “Catholic Pastoral Care for Roma, Sinti and Related Groups” from 1965 to 1970. His work is closely linked to the culture of remembrance in Saarbrücken and is reflected in the memorial site in Echelmeyer Park.

The recent incidents underline the need not only to create such places of remembrance, but also to actively protect and maintain them. The rapid repair of the “Nachhall” memorial and the support of the population are intended to send a strong signal against vandalism and for the memory of the persecuted Sinti and Roma.

Further information about the memorial can be found on the city of Saarbrücken's website: remember.saarbruecken.de. For more details about the current vandalism and the response to it, see sol.de.