Memory in Weimar: Ecumenical service is reminiscent of victims of Buchenwald

Memory in Weimar: Ecumenical service is reminiscent of victims of Buchenwald

Weimar, Deutschland - Today, on July 18, 2025, an ecumenical service in Weimar commemorates the tragic murder of the pastor Paul Schneider, who is known as the "preacher of Buchenwald". In 1939 Schneider was executed with a death injection in the Buchenwald concentration camp. The service, which will take place at 5:15 p.m. on the appeal site of the former concentration camp, also commemorates the murder of the Catholic priests Otto Neururer and Matthias Spanlang, which also died in Buchenwald 85 years ago. It is a contemplative event that invites you to reflect on the shadows of the past.

The service is led by regional bishop Friederike Spengler, who with her sermon helps to keep the memory of these cruel events alive. This commemoration is an important step in order to maintain the memory of the victims of National Socialist persecution and to emphasize the historical importance of the place. The Foundation Monument also supports such commemorative events in order to raise awareness of the events in the Buchenwald concentration camp.

memory culture and public relations

The importance of the culture of remembrance cannot be denied, and not only the service contributes to this: The Weimar classic Foundation receives 18 valuable print graphics on the 100th anniversary of the death of the artist Lovis Corinth. This gift comes from Hildegard and Herbert Wippel from Karlsruhe and is already the second gift of the founders. Corinth is considered an outstanding representative of impressionism in Germany and his works add another facet to the Weimar Graphic Collection.

shocking events in Weimar

The police also report an incident at night when four officials were slightly injured. A 51-year-old made resistance after attacking and robusting a couple. The perpetrator could be caught and the stolen wallet was also secured. The man is now in court for assault, theft and resistance to enforcement officers.

Such incidents show the challenges with which Weimar is faced with, and clarify that the city has to deal with both the past and the present. In this area of tension, the ecumenical service becomes a sign of hope and memory of the victims of the cruel history, while current topics must not be pushed into the background.