Jena, March 22, 2026 – On March 19, the 81st anniversary of the heaviest bombing of Jena took place. To mark the occasion, representatives of the city and the church gathered at the memorial stele in Rathausgasse to commemorate the victims and set a sign for peace and reconciliation.
- Occasion: 81st anniversary of the bombing of Jena in World War II
- Location: Memorial stele at Rathausgasse
- Speakers: Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche and Stadtkirche pastor Andreas Simon
- Special feature: Three-year anniversary of joining the international Community of the Cross of Nails
Commemoration at Rathausgasse instead of the Stadtkirche
This year’s commemoration did not take place in the Stadtkirche St. Michael as usual. The historic building is currently unavailable for such events due to extensive renovation work. Instead, participants gathered at the memorial stele in Rathausgasse. In addition to Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche, Andreas Simon, pastor of the Stadtkirche, addressed those present with words of warning and remembrance.
Deep Connection with Coventry
A central theme of the commemorative event was the close historical and spiritual connection to the British city of Coventry. Exactly three years ago, on the day of remembrance in 2023, the congregation of the Jenaer Stadtkirche was officially accepted into the international Community of the Cross of Nails. This significant step of reconciliation was completed at the time through the symbolic handover of an original Cross of Nails, which has had a permanent place in the Jenaer congregation ever since.
Background: March 19, 1945, and the Cross of Nails
March 19, 1945, marks the darkest chapter in Jena’s recent city history. During heavy Allied air raids, large parts of the historic old town, industrial facilities, and residential areas were reduced to rubble and ash. Numerous people lost their lives, and defining buildings such as the Stadtkirche St. Michael suffered massive destruction.
The Community of the Cross of Nails is a worldwide ecumenical network dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction after conflicts. Its origin lies in Coventry, UK, whose cathedral was almost completely destroyed by German bombing raids in 1940. The first Cross of Nails was formed from large carpenter’s nails salvaged from the charred roof beams of the ruins. The fact that Jena, as a formerly heavily bombed city, is now part of this network is seen as a strong symbol of international understanding and the healing of historical wounds.
Source:
Gedenken an die Bombardierung Jenas
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.