Following a decision made by the Braunau am Inn council, two streets named after Nazi affiliates will undergo a renaming process, impacting around 200 households in the area.
Austria to Rename Streets Commemorating Nazi Affiliates
Austria to Rename Streets Commemorating Nazi Affiliates
Two streets in Hitler's birthplace will be renamed to address historical grievances and promote a more accurate remembrance.
In Braunau am Inn, Austria, officials have announced the renaming of two streets associated with Nazi supporters, marking a significant move amid ongoing efforts to confront the nation's historical ties to fascism. The decision, made via a secret vote on Wednesday, aligns with a report indicating that the current names are unconstitutional. The streets in question are named after composer Josef Reiter and entertainer Franz Resl, both known for their allegiance to the Nazi party.
Approximately 200 households will see their addresses changed as part of this initiative. This rebranding has been well-received by the Mauthausen Committee, which has long advocated for recognition of Austria's involvement in World War II, noting the more than 90,000 prisoners killed in the Mauthausen concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Willi Mernyi, chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude for the support received in this undertaking. He emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who actively resisted the Nazi regime, suggesting the new names could recognize figures such as former deputy mayor Lea Olczak, whose family suffered at Mauthausen, and Maria Stromberger, a resistance fighter and head nurse at Auschwitz.
While some streets in Austria have been renamed in the past due to their Nazi associations—inclusive of one honoring Ferdinand Porsche—in numerous cases, outdated names continue to persist even decades after World War II. The conflict of memory in Austria remains poignant, as around 65,000 Austrian Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, underscoring the need for a thorough reckoning with the past.
Approximately 200 households will see their addresses changed as part of this initiative. This rebranding has been well-received by the Mauthausen Committee, which has long advocated for recognition of Austria's involvement in World War II, noting the more than 90,000 prisoners killed in the Mauthausen concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Willi Mernyi, chairman of the committee, expressed gratitude for the support received in this undertaking. He emphasized the importance of honoring individuals who actively resisted the Nazi regime, suggesting the new names could recognize figures such as former deputy mayor Lea Olczak, whose family suffered at Mauthausen, and Maria Stromberger, a resistance fighter and head nurse at Auschwitz.
While some streets in Austria have been renamed in the past due to their Nazi associations—inclusive of one honoring Ferdinand Porsche—in numerous cases, outdated names continue to persist even decades after World War II. The conflict of memory in Austria remains poignant, as around 65,000 Austrian Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, underscoring the need for a thorough reckoning with the past.
