In Maaseik, the first stumbling stones (Stolpersteine) will be placed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. These memorial stones commemorate residents who became victims of persecution and deportation by the Nazi regime during the Second World War. The stones are installed at the last voluntarily chosen place of residence of the victims, keeping their names and stories visible in the streetscape.
This is a European commemoration project by German artist Gunter Demnig, who will also attend the ceremony in Maaseik. Tens of thousands of these memorial stones have already been placed across Europe. With this first placement, Maaseik joins this significant project of remembrance and commemoration.
The ceremony is dedicated to remembrance, respect, and connection. Anyone interested in this piece of local history is welcome to attend.
Two lectures will be organized around the placement of the stumbling stones: on Monday, October 19 at 8 PM by René Kaufmann at CC Achterolmen, and on Thursday, October 22 at 8 PM by Carine Derkoningen at De Faar, Ter Motten 7, Dilsen-Stokkem.
