Villa Merländer Honors Jehovah’s Witnesses with “Object of the Month” Display

The Villa Merländer in Krefeld will feature a prisoner’s jacket with a purple angle as its “Object of the Month” in November, highlighting the persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the Nazi era. This display aims to bring attention to groups that received less recognition as victims of World War II. The jacket serves as a symbol of the discrimination and suffering endured by Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were stigmatized and imprisoned in concentration camps.

The exhibit is part of an initiative to acknowledge the experiences of lesser-known victim groups. In June, a memorial in Berlin honored Jehovah’s Witnesses, marking the Federal Republic’s recognition of their persecution. Similar historical injustices occurred in Krefeld, where Christian resistance groups faced suppression and internment. The display underscores the need to remember and honor all victims of Nazi oppression.

The NS Documentation Office has organized an accompanying talk on November 2nd, beginning at 7 pm, titled “The Lila Winkel – Late Appreciation of the Persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Sandra Franz, head of the documentation office, will provide historical context, discuss the connection to Krefeld, and explore the faith’s response to Pogrom events. She will also address the civil courage of those who resisted persecution.

Christiane Willsch will discuss the memorial’s origin and significance, emphasizing its role in preserving the memory of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She supports a digital monument designed for educational use and research. Peter Stocker, a member of the Austrian association “Lila Winkel” and a second-generation witness, will share his family’s history. Seven of his relatives were murdered by the Nazis, and 22 others faced internment and other repressions. Stocker will speak about his commitment to educating others through school projects.

The exhibit and accompanying events reflect a growing effort to recognize and commemorate the suffering of Jehovah’s Witnesses. By highlighting their persecution, the Villa Merländer aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of victims during the Holocaust. This initiative aligns with the theme of protecting the vulnerable, as seen in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)