Hans-Hermann Seiffert Book order

Part of the Welcoming Speech by the Mayor of Sehnde … Gerda Rose was born in Sehnde in her parents’ home. The Rose family operated a business in Mittelstraße and was – just like the other Jewish citizens – supposedly integrated in Sehnde. That is, until the time that completely “normal” men and women next-door – here in Sehnde too – lost, betrayed and sold their humanity, their conscience and their morality. The memory of the Holocaust continues to be an issue for all citizens. It is also part of the history of our city, in which we regularly pass houses from which Jews were deported and intentionally sent to their destruction. The former German Federal President, Roman Herzog warned us a few years ago: “Remembering must not end; it must sound an alarm for future generations too. That’s why it’s important to find a form of memorializing these events that have a connection to the future. It should express mourning about the suffering and loss, be dedicated to commemorating the victims and counteracting any sign of repeating itself. I thank Frau Gerda Wasserman for her courage in describing her fate and I thank Herr Hans-Hermann Seiffert for his work in putting together this book, which will help us in never forgetting what happened. Carl Jürgen Lehrke Mayor of the City of Sehnde

Focusing on the historical evolution from monarchy to democracy, this book provides a systematic analysis of the pivotal changes that shaped Western society. It explores the political, social, and cultural factors that contributed to this transformation, offering insights into the challenges and milestones along the way. Through a detailed examination, it highlights the complexities of governance and the emergence of democratic ideals in the West.

The story of the Schwarzhaupt family, who relocated from Munich to Konstanz in 1933, mirrors the broader narrative of the Holocaust. It recounts the tragic fate of the parents, who perished in detention and an extermination camp, while their children survived due to the parents' foresight. Notable figures like Saul Friedländer and Serge Klarsfeld exemplify those saved through their parents' actions, even as the parents themselves could not escape their fate. A key aspect of the Schwarzhaupt family's experience is the parents’ early decision to send their children to safety in other countries between 1935 and 1939, before the full extent of the impending destruction of the Jewish population was clear. Additionally, the determination of their mother, Hella, who, after her husband's death in Camp Récébédou, intensified her focus on her children's welfare, is profoundly inspiring. Despite living under life-threatening conditions, her commitment to their upbringing remained unwavering. The existence of around 30 letters, penned under dire circumstances by Hella, prompted the author to document the Schwarzhaupt family's story comprehensively. This endeavor received support from Ruth Schwarzhaupt and other descendants, who provided access to their private archives. The book honors the bravery of Hella and Albert Schwarzhaupt.

The book examines the collapse of socialism in Eastern Europe, particularly highlighted by the reunification of Germany in 1989. It argues that various economic and philosophical studies support the thesis that the right to private property is a fundamental ethical principle essential for economic progress. The author contends that to overcome the stagnation of welfare states, a complete privatization of government property is necessary, advocating for a society built on the recognition of absolute private property rights. Acknowledgments are made to contributors, especially the author's wife.

Die Auswandererhallen auf der Veddel waren Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts ein Musterbeispiel für die geordnete Unterbringung von Auswanderern vor deren Abfahrt ins Ungewisse. Doch was bedeutete dieser Ort für die Menschen, die hier von ihrer europäischen Heimat Abschied nahmen? Wer waren diese Auswanderer? Wie gestalteten sich ihre Tage zwischen Abschied und Ankunft? Diesen Fragen gehen Hans-Hermann Groppe und Ursula Wöst nach. Sie erzählen die Geschichte der Auswandererhallen aus verschiedenen Perspektiven und ordnen sie in die historischen Zusammenhänge ein. Die „BallinStadt – Auswandererwelt Hamburg“ lädt Besucher ein, diese Geschichte am historischen Ort der ehemaligen Auswandererhallen zu erleben und selbst zu erforschen. Das Buch dokumentiert diese Zeit.