Today is an important day, a long-awaited day, for my family and for all of the families of Coburg’s former Jewish citizens. In 1988, we first asked for a memorial. Today, that request has been honored, and not just with a single plaque or stone but with an entire path that chronicles the full breadth of Jewish life here over the last 700 years.

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For that—and on behalf of the descendants—I’d like to thank the city council, everyone at city hall who worked on this project, Mayor Sauerteig, and especially Mayor Aydin, who worked tirelessly to make the Path of Remembrance a reality.

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I’d also like to thank Gaby Schuller for all her efforts to recognize and remember that our parents and grandparents were once a vital part of Coburg society. If it wasn’t for Gaby, I’m not sure we’d be here today.

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We have seen what happens when people face difficult times and need something to believe in. We have seen what happens when leaders emerge to tell the people that all their problems can be fixed by blaming others. We are seeing this now, in my country and in countries around the world. Whether it’s immigrants, an ethnic group, or those with a different gender identification, there is always a powerless minority to blame, to attack, and even to extinguish, when people in power cultivate hate.

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The Path of Remembrance we inaugurate today is of course about remembering. But I believe that it is also about Resisting—about resisting hate, in all the ways we can. The Path not only tells us to acknowledge, to remember, to atone. It also tells us to face the best and the worst of our shared humanity. To pledge to do better. To do more. To act in the face of fear, discomfort, and opposition. To stand up and protect the powerless. To say never forget, and never again. 

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That is why I am excited and honored to be here today. That is why 26 other descendants and their families have traveled thousands of kilometers to be here today. We all fervently hope that this Path of Remembrance will not only memorialize Coburg’s past, but that it will also promote a safe, tolerant, and compassionate future for all.

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Jeff Kraus

July 31, 2025