Frieda Rosenthal

This memorial commemorates Frieda Rosenthal, a Berlin local politician who was born as Frieda Schrinner on June 9, 1891. After 1933, she became involved in resistance against the Nazi regime. Her memorial highlights her arrest and the tragic circumstances of her death. During her imprisonment, she took her own life on October 15, 1936, by hanging herself with a radiator in her cell. This act was reportedly driven by her concern that she might have unintentionally implicated a fellow activist during interrogation, underscoring the severe pressures faced by those resisting the regime.

The memorial to Frieda Rosenthal is a Stolperstein, part of a widespread German project to commemorate victims of Nazism. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, these small, brass plaques are embedded in the pavement in front of the last voluntarily chosen residences of victims. They serve as a constant, subtle reminder of the individuals who suffered under the Third Reich, ensuring that their names and fates are not forgotten. The project began in the mid-1990s and has since expanded across Germany and other European countries, creating a decentralised, street-level monument to the countless lives affected by Nazi persecution.

The Stolperstein for Frieda Rosenthal is located in Berlin, embedded in the pavement at the address where she last resided. As a 'stumbling stone' memorial, it is intentionally placed at ground level, inviting passers-by to pause and reflect. These memorials are accessible at all times and can be found by looking down as you walk through the city's streets. Visitors are encouraged to observe the memorial respectfully, recognising its significance as a poignant reminder of an individual's life and the history of the neighbourhood.