The historic loading ramp was used by the "Wehrmacht" (German armed forces) and Schutzstaffel SS ("Protection Squadron") for the deportation of tens of thousands of prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates, of whom 20,000 or at least 52,000 died in Bergen-Belsen. Today, it is the only area that still has the appearance of the historical situation. As the arrival point for the place where their relatives died, the loading ramp plays an important role in the memories of many relatives. It symbolises the deportation of the European Jews and all other groups of prisoners who arrived in Bergen-Belsen in countless evacuation transports, especially in the final months before Liberation. It is therefore of international importance as a place of remembrance.
The listed ramp with its replica of a historic goods wagon also plays an important role in our Education work. Every day, we look after groups here and provide information about the history of the loading ramp and the route taken by concentration camp inmates and prisoners of war, which involved a 6-kilometre walk to the Bergen-Belsen camps.
The new railway line must pass this important place of remembrance at a sufficient distance. This will prevent
- The risk of historical structures being damaged or destroyed in the course of construction work.
- A significant impairment of the overall spatial context of the historic area of the loading ramp, which would have a negative impact on the dignity of the site.
- Increased noise pollution, which harms the dignity of the place and impairs Education work with groups.
- Finds of human remains in the immediate vicinity of the historic loading ramp. People were presumably killed or buried here in connection with the transports. Such finds during the construction work could be assumed.
An alternative route in this area is also envisaged as a possibility in the plans. "However, it is important that it is also decided in this way," emphasises Dr Gryglewski. "Only then can the historical sites continue to be effective as places of remembrance and learning. This is now in the hands of the political representatives."