Statement: Felix Yokel, PhD
Dear ladies and gentlemen,
My name is Felix Yokel. My parents were the owners of the factory Josef Hauser at the „Kellerhügel“. The ashes of my parents rest in Auschwitz in unknown mass-graves. This memorial is their only gravestone.
At the time of the „Anschluss“ I was a high school student in the 6th form. I left Laa in July 1938. Only 50 years later I could make myself retuned to the home of my youth, even though I have many nice memories of my time in Laa.
Most of today’s citizens of Laa an der Thaya were either very young in 1938 or were even born after WW II. So I want to clarify one point; The Jewish citizens of Laa were neither guests nor aliens. They were hard working and patriotic citizens of the city like all the others. Many Jewish families came to Europe in the first century, even long before the migration of nations.
We Jews cannot forget what happened in 1938. I think that todays and the future citizens of the town must not forget it either. The Spanish poet and philosopher Santayana put it best into words: „Those who do not recall the past are doomed to repeat it.” Therefore this memorial stone is so important – not just for us, but also for todays and the future citizens of this town.
I am glad that the city government of Laa did not only give its permission to build the memorial, but that they supported the monument through building the base and this beautiful park-landscape. I am also glad that the mayor and representatives of the city are here today. It is my pleasure to see my old friends Gerti Liedermann and Herta Supantz in the audience. Gerti was my classmate at high school. Herta knew my family very well. I am especially happy that my children and grandchildren as well as the families of other former Jews from Laa participate in the presentation today.
We are particularly thankful for the long lasting and selfless efforts of the Müllner Family, Franz, Franziska and Magdalena. They brought the survivors from Laa and our families together and realized this memorial.