In 2012, a heated controversy arose in Antwerp regarding the plan to install so-called Stolpersteine – literally “stumbling stones.” These memorial stones, an initiative by German artist Gunter Demnig, are embedded in the pavement in front of the former residences of people who were deported or murdered by the Nazis. The brass plaques bear the name, date of birth, date of deportation, and—if known—the date of death of the victim. The project aims to keep the memory of individual victims tangible and visible in the public space.

Nevertheless, this initiative led to division in Antwerp. Some Jewish organisations and community representatives felt it was inappropriate for people to walk on these stones or for them to become dirty. Concerns were also raised about the project’s commercial aspect and the artist’s financial compensation. Among others, the Forum of Jewish Organisations and the Central Jewish Consistory of Belgium expressed objections at the time. As a result, Mayor Bart De Wever decided not to allow the installation of Stolpersteine in public space.

In the following years, the debate continued. Supporters emphasised the power of the personal and local approach of the project. Over time, resistance softened, especially as the project was embraced by many other cities, including several in Belgium.

In 2023, Antwerp reversed its policy. In consultation with Jewish organisations, the city allowed Stolpersteine to be placed, with the consent of victims’ families. Later that year, the first stones were officially inaugurated. This marked a significant shift toward shared remembrance and historical recognition.

Milestones in Antwerp

• Before 2018: Two Stolpersteine were already placed.
• 2018: Official policy change allowing Stolpersteine in the city.
• From 2018 onward: Active placement by the Struikelstenen Antwerpen initiative.
• By May 2025: Over 250 stones in more than 100 streets across Antwerp.

Neighbourhoods with Stolpersteine

• Berchem
• Borgerhout
• Deurne
• Hoboken
• Merksem
• Wilrijk
• Borsbeek

Poetsdag – May 8, 2025

To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a special cleaning day is being held on May 8, 2025. Volunteers will clean and polish the Stolpersteine to ensure the names remain legible. The event is coordinated by Struikelstenen Antwerpen in collaboration with:

• Schools
• Local residents
• Families of victims

Sources

• Facebook – Struikelstenen Antwerpen: https://www.facebook.com/StruikelstenenAntwerpen
• Wikipedia – Lijst van Stolpersteine in Vlaanderen: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Stolpersteine_in_Vlaanderen
• Stolpersteine.eu – Officiële website van het project: https://www.stolpersteine.eu
• Joods Actueel, 18 juni 2012 – Artikel over het aanvankelijke verzet tegen het project in Antwerpen: https://joodsactueel.be/2012/06/18/joodse-verenigingen-struikelen-over-stolpersteine-voor-antwerpen/
• Uit in Vlaanderen – Aankondiging poetsdag op 8 mei 2025: https://www.uitinvlaanderen.be/agenda/e/struikelstenenpoetsdag-8-mei/
• Stolpersteine Locations in Antwerp: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1E7XzUovjbcPXYb9YHAPs5vmRfIsWcvHk