Commemoration of the death march through Jena 1945

In the afternoon hours of April 11, 1945, about 4,000 maltreated people were driven across Jena on the last death march of prisoners of Buchenwald concentration camp. An estimated 250 prisoners died on the way of the human train. Sixteen of those murdered were later buried in Jena cemeteries. One of those who survived the march was the then 16-year-old Robert Büchler. Throughout his life, he remained connected to Jena until his death in 2009. He visited Jena several times and spoke with young people:

"You young Germans bear no guilt, but our history is your heritage."

The "Speaking Past" working group has researched the dark chapter of the death march through Jena and set important accents for commemoration. This year, another stele commemorating the death march and especially the fate of Robert Büchler will be inaugurated in Jena Ost (Wenigenjena).

Ruth Buchler-Chanash, daughter of Robert Büchler, from Israel will also be present at the ceremonial inauguration, which will be addressed by Prof. Dr. Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald memorial sites, Dr. Wolfgang Rug, working group "Speaking Past" and Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.

This will be followed by a commemorative event at which Mrs. Buchler-Chanash will talk about the life of her father. On this occasion she will sign the Golden Book of the city in memory of her father and the death march through Jena.

Inauguration of the memorial stele to the death march and to Robert Büchler

• Tuesday, 11.04.2023, 5.00 p.m.
• Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 87 (seating area north of the Angergymnasium)

Commemoration in honor of Robert Büchle, entry in the Golden Book of the City of Jena

• Tuesday, 11.04.2023, 18.00 o'clock
• Assembly hall of the Angergymnasium, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 87

The public is cordially invited to both events.