Alexander und Edmund Sohr

This memorial commemorates Alexander and Edmund Sohr, proprietors of a women's coat business that once held the distinction of being a purveyor to the imperial court. The business was forcibly taken over by the Nazis, a process known as "Aryanization." The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate fate of the owners, who were murdered. It stands as a testament to their lives and the profound injustices they suffered, highlighting a dark period in history where businesses and lives were systematically destroyed under a regime of oppression. The plaque ensures their story is not forgotten.

The memorial is associated with a historical period that saw widespread persecution and confiscation of Jewish-owned businesses and assets. The concept of "Aryanization" was a key component of Nazi policy, aimed at removing Jewish people from economic life and transferring their property to non-Jewish ownership, often for little or no compensation. This process was a precursor to and intertwined with the broader programme of extermination. Memorials such as this serve to acknowledge the individual victims of these policies and to preserve the memory of the businesses and livelihoods that were systematically dismantled, offering insights into the economic and social impact of these historical events.

This memorial is situated in Vienna, Austria, marking the location of the former women's coat business. Visitors will find a plaque, likely a Stolperstein (stumbling stone), embedded in the pavement, which is a common form of memorial for victims of Nazi persecution across Europe. These small brass plaques are designed to be walked over, creating a moment of pause and reflection. The location can be accessed freely as it is in a public space within the city.