What's Happening?
In August 2025, construction workers in Lörrach, Germany, uncovered over 100 pieces of Bible-based literature hidden for nearly 90 years in the former home of the Denz family. The Denz family, Jehovah’s
Witnesses, risked their lives in the 1930s to smuggle religious literature into Nazi Germany from Switzerland. Oskar and Anna Maria Denz, along with their daughter Anna, transported these materials despite the danger of Nazi detection. Their efforts ensured that fellow believers in southwestern Germany received spiritual resources. In 1938, the family was arrested by the Gestapo, but their hidden stockpile was never found. Oskar and Anna Maria were sent to concentration camps, where they died in 1942. Anna escaped to Switzerland and later became a missionary. The recent discovery serves as a testament to their bravery and faith.
Why It's Important?
The discovery of the Denz family's hidden literature underscores the significant risks taken by individuals to preserve religious freedom and resist oppressive regimes. This historical revelation highlights the courage and solidarity among Jehovah’s Witnesses during the Nazi era, offering a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made for religious beliefs. The story of the Denz family contributes to the broader understanding of resistance movements within Germany during World War II, emphasizing the role of faith-based communities in opposing totalitarianism. It also serves as an educational tool, illustrating the impact of individual actions in the face of systemic persecution.
