Several “Stolpersteine” disappeared under a layer of tar in Haren
In Haren, Groningen, two Stolpersteine memorial stones for Jewish people deported and murdered in the Second World War, accidentally disappeared under a layer of tar on Thursday. The brass plaques (the same size as a cobblestone) were set into the pavement in front of a house on the Oosterweg when a new layer of tarmac was poured over it. The stones were for Bella Berentz-de Jong, and Isaäc Barentz, who were both deported to their eventual death in 1942 and 1943.
“This should not have happened,” said a spokesperson for the municipality of Groningen. The unfortunate accident will be resolved as soon as possible, GIC.nl reports.
Stolpersteine are small monuments that are placed near houses where Jewish people lived, that were deported and murdered in extermination camps. Many left the Netherlands via Westerbork in Drenthe.
The two stones in front of the house on the Oosterweg were probably overlooked on Thursday morning during the asphalting work, the spokesman said. The error was discovered by local residents who then immediately informed the municipality.
The municipality has called in a different contractor, who will correct the error this week.
Image: the Stolperstein dedicated to Martha Lieberman in Berlin. Via Wikimedia user Drrrs15. License here
