UBB.threads Forums General Interest Community Center Stolen, Arbeit Macht Frei sign

If you can discuss the news item without forays into modern politics or going of on tangents that have nothing to do with the subject, it will remain open.

Sadly, large scale ethnic, political and/or religious genocides are a reality and have been widespread and commonplace in modern history. It's a truly sad reflection on mankind�s ability to destroy itself. We marvel at our technical achievements so often used if the most vile of ways. The crux of my argument is simple. Hopefully, these tangible reminders, like the "Arbiet Frei" sign and other artifacts of genocide like a Kalashnikova from Sierra Leone or the Tutsi/Hutu Rwandan conflict, will be preserved so to serve future generations. Preservation of these specific artifacts is critical because it's tangible, it's real... they are items we can see and touch.

Theft of any cultural artifact is a crime against the community of citizens and in this case the collective memory of a people who suffered a tragic fait. I stand by my assertion that the theft of this artifact is a desecration to the memory of those who suffered at the hands of others. Not just practicioners of Judaism, but all peoples who suffered during this oppressive period in contemporary times. I stand by my assertion that the theft of any cultural icon is a tragedy for future generations. Whether the theft of a concentration camp sign, or an ancient olla from the Kumeyaay band of Native Americans, it�s a loss of a culturally significant item. We are collectors. Short term care takers of artifacts. As such, most collectors of antiquity understand that preservations of such artifacts is a fundamentally critical cornerston.

I�ve expressed my feelings and opinions on the matter, and am very elated that the sign was recovered. Hopefully, it will be returned to it�s rightful place and continue to contribute to the memory of those lost during this dark period of our modern history. Fortunately there is now closure to this issue. Recovery of the artifact was of paramount importance. If prosecution of the perpetrators follows, so beit. The sign was recovered and hopefully the museum has learned from the event and will implement steps to mitigate the possibility of this happening again.

Tom

I dunno Tom, I think the law of diminishing returns is going to come into play at some point in time, in trying to force guilt down the throats of whole populations who had nothing whatsoever to do with the events of WW2.

Doesn't mean these events should be forgotten, but I don't see the need to play it up like the experiences of the Jews are the eternal center point of the history of the world - I think this sign incident was part & parcel of that attitude, and was way overblown.
They could have said hey, thats an important piece of a black period of our history, you'll never sell it on the open market and we'd really like to get it back.
It means an awful lot to alot of folks, so no questions asked, just return it please.

Instead its "THIS IS WAR !" & "POLAND MUST FIND THIS SIGN!", as if there's no more important thing on the planet to anyone.
Yeah, its an important symbol of the terrible trials of a people generations ago, and yes it should be preserved ,,, But somehow I believe this world would keep right on spinning without it.
It may represent the attempted genocide of a peoples to them, to me its starting to represent a forced guilt trip, and I say at some point in time they are going to have to start letting it go.

I agree us modern day folks have nothing to apologies for. If born after the war you had nothing to do with it "Period"...

Doug,
I'd agree with you on that point. Certainly reactions may seem polar...though contingent on ones perspective. I have my own theories on why such a strong reaction on the part of the Polish governemnt occurred. However, it's really of no consequence as it relates to my general feeling on this matter.

Should we be sensitive about what happened nearly 70 years ago? Yes, I think we should, and I certainly appreciate the perspective of Jewish persons who struggled during this very difficult chapter in history. Though as it relates to the pert. of the theft, I still go full circle to 1) it was the theft of a somewhat culturally iconic symbol, which a certain religous group endears because of it represents a very dark chapter of their existence and 2) because preservation of antiquities/historically significant artifacts is improtant in a variet of ways...as a teaching tool, as a testement to our cultural past, present and future, etc.

I can't speak to the reaction of the government when the theft occurred. I suspect some would view it as overkill, while others would view the reaction as barely enough. I guess it's a matter of persepctive based on a persons experience and beliefs. Again though, I cannot speak to that aspect of it. I can only reiterate my feelings about the recovery of the artifact, and why I view the theft as not only a prima facia crime, but also a desecration because what that sign represents.

I think we can all agree that the recovery of the sign is a relief, and I think we can all agree that we are happy to see it hopefully go back to its rightful spot. Most of us are recreational historins thusly believing that the maintaining of historical inegrity and accuracey is important for the specific artifact.

*** I have an email from one of our peers who hails from Israel. He's Jewish, and a collector of WW2 militaria, with an emphasis on German items. He wrote me a great email some time back from the perspective of a Jewish collector, who's family suffered under the Reich. Like many, his grandfather had served Germany honorably as an officer during the "Great War" and was a proud nationalist to the core. Needless to say, none of this mattered at the end of the day, and those of his family who survived immigrated to China under duress. His take on collecting is very interesting and quite insightful. I'd really like to post the body of his email, though I would clearly need direct permission from him to do so. It's a great perspective, very interesting and exceptionally level headed, substantive, objective and very well written.

Tom

Heres a pic of the recovered sign, looks alot smaller than one might imagine.

Another WW II memorial stolen in Poland
A 4-meter eagle which adorned a memorial to WW II soldiers in eastern Poland was stolen on Wednesday night, the country`s TVN24 channel reported. The cost of the stolen eagle is estimated at $17,000.

Forgot to mention the demolition recently of a very nice and great WWII monument in Georgia. What a shame whatever the reason.