Path of Resistance: Berlin’s Hidden Holocaust Stories

Berlin’s hidden Holocaust stories are often overlooked, but a poignant small-group tour aims to change that. Led by knowledgeable WWII historians, "Path of Resistance" uncovers the narratives of ordinary Germans who defied the Nazis. Participants visit significant sites, engaging in intimate discussions to honor the resilience and bravery of those who stood against oppression. What can we learn from these forgotten acts of resistance?

Key Points

• Guided tour explores Berlin’s lesser-known stories of resistance and resilience during the Holocaust through visits to historic Jewish sites.
• Itinerary includes the former Imperial Post Office, New Synagogue, Jewish school, cemetery, and memorial to the Nazi book burning.
• Tour examines Nazi ideology of Aryan superiority, anti-Semitism, and expansionism that fueled the atrocities of the Holocaust.
• Highlights ordinary Germans who risked their lives to oppose the Nazis, such as Otto Weidt and the "Block of Women."
• Small group format encourages thoughtful discussions and access to rare locations, creating an intimate and impactful learning experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The "Path of Resistance: Berlin’s Hidden Holocaust Stories" tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known narratives of resistance and defiance that unfolded during the Nazi regime.

Priced from $52.89 per person, this 2.5-hour small-group experience is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and respectful journey.

Led by professional WWII historians and storytellers, the tour explores a range of sites, including the New Synagogue Berlin, Jüdisches Gymnasium Moses Mendelssohn, and the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a compelling and educational exploration of Berlin’s hidden Holocaust stories.

Itinerary and Key Sites

Beginning at the former Imperial Post Office, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Berlin’s hidden Holocaust stories.

The itinerary includes:

• Exploring the New Synagogue Berlin, a symbol of Jewish resilience, and the Jüdisches Gymnasium Moses Mendelssohn, a historic Jewish school.

• Visiting the Grosse Hamburger Strasse Cemetery, a poignant memorial, and the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind, where Weit sheltered Jews during the Nazi regime.

• Concluding at the Neue Wache and the Memorial to May 10, 1933 Nazi Book Burning, serving as powerful reminders of the struggles and sacrifices of the past.

Exploring Nazi Beliefs and Aryan Superiority

| Aryan Superiority Tenets | Justification | Consequences |

| — | — | — |

| Racial purity | Preserve Aryan bloodline | Holocaust, eugenics, bans on intermarriage |

| Expansionism | Acquire "living space" for Aryans | Invasion of Poland, Soviet Union |

| Anti-Semitism | Jews as scapegoat for Germany’s problems | Kristallnacht, ghettos, extermination camps |

The Nazi obsession with Aryan supremacy fueled their campaign of terror and mass murder against marginalized groups throughout Europe.

Ordinary Germans Who Opposed the Nazis

How did ordinary Germans find the courage to resist the Nazis‘ relentless propaganda and oppression?

Some risked their lives to hide Jews, like Otto Weidt, who employed and protected his blind and deaf Jewish workers.

Otto Weidt risked his life to employ and protect his blind and deaf Jewish workers, defying the Nazis’ oppression.

Others, like the "Swing Kids", defied the Nazis through subversive music and dance.

And a few, like the women of the "Block of Women" protest, bravely confronted the regime to demand the release of their Jewish husbands.

Though small in number, these unsung heroes remind us that even amidst overwhelming darkness, the human spirit can find the strength to stand up and fight for what’s right.

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Personal Stories of Resistance, Defiance, and Hope

The tour explores the personal stories of ordinary Berliners who risked their lives to resist the Nazis’ oppressive regime.

Participants learn about the courageous acts of people like Otto Weidt, who employed and protected Jews in his workshop for the blind.

They’ll also hear about the defiant mothers of the "Block of Women" who marched to demand the release of their Jewish husbands.

These powerful narratives highlight the human spirit’s capacity for compassion and resistance, even in the darkest of times.

Guests leave with a deeper understanding of the everyday acts that challenged the Nazi ideology.

Discovering Hidden Jewish Memorials in Berlin

Although many visitors flock to Berlin’s well-known landmarks, the tour also takes participants to discover the city’s hidden Jewish memorials in the old quarter.

These memorials pay tribute to the courageous individuals who resisted Nazi oppression:

• The Grosse Hamburger Strasse Cemetery, a serene oasis where the tombstones bear witness to the lives lost during the Holocaust.

• The Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind, a hidden factory that sheltered Jews from persecution, showcasing the power of compassion in the face of adversity.

• The Block of Women, a poignant memorial honoring the brave mothers who protested the deportation of their Jewish husbands.

Tour Experience and Customer Feedback

Led by professional WWII historians and storytellers, the tour offers an intimate and respectful journey through Berlin’s hidden Holocaust stories.

With a small group size, participants can engage in thoughtful discussion and ask questions. Accessing rare locations often missed by mainstream tours, the experience provides unique insights into ordinary Germans who opposed the Nazis.

Passionate and knowledgeable guides share personal stories of resistance, defiance, and hope, leaving a lasting impact on participants.

Passionate and knowledgeable guides share personal stories of resistance, defiance, and hope, leaving a lasting impact on participants.

As one customer remarked, the tour is a "superb experience" that offers valuable information and an engaging, well-paced exploration of Berlin’s hidden Holocaust history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement mentioned for the tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, as long as they can comfortably complete the 2.5-hour walking tour and are respectful of the historical content and locations visited.

Do Participants Receive a Written Guide or Handout During the Tour?

Participants don’t receive a written guide or handout during the tour. The small group size allows the knowledgeable guides to provide an engaging and immersive experience through storytelling and commentary at the various historical sites.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Although photography is generally allowed, participants are kindly asked to refrain from taking photos at certain sensitive memorial sites out of respect for the somber nature of those locations. The tour guide will provide guidance on appropriate times to take photos.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups or Special Requests?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups or special requests. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate group size, language, and other unique needs upon request.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy if the Tour Is Canceled Due to Weather?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If the tour’s canceled due to weather, you will receive a full refund. The company wants to ensure customers’ safety and satisfaction in such cases.

The Sum Up

The "Path of Resistance" tour provides a poignant and intimate exploration of the lesser-known narratives of resistance during the Holocaust in Berlin. Led by knowledgeable historians, participants uncover the stories of ordinary Germans who defied the Nazis, fostering a respectful environment to honor the resilience and bravery of those who stood against oppression. The tour offers a profound and thought-provoking experience, shedding light on this important and often overlooked aspect of history.

You can check availability for your dates here: