Remembering Rome’s Dark Past: The 81st Anniversary of the Nazi Raid on Quadraro
As Rome prepares to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Nazi raid on the Quadraro district during the German occupation of the city in World War Two, the city reflects on one of its darkest chapters.
On April 17, 1944, the Nazi regime carried out a brutal operation in Quadraro, rounding up approximately 2,000 men from their homes and deporting as many as 947 to concentration camps in Germany and Poland.
The southern Quadraro area was known for its resistance against the regime, earning it the nickname “wasp’s nest” by the SS chief in Rome, Herbert Kappler.
On this day, a procession will take place on the streets of Quadraro at 17.00, honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in this tragic event, with the support of municipal authorities.
Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has emphasized the importance of never forgetting the victims of Nazi-fascism and the sacrifices made for a future of freedom and democracy.
For Rome, the Quadraro operation stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of war, second only in size to the raid at the Ghetto district in 1943.
Let us take a moment to remember the lives lost and reflect on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Image: Identification card of Sisto Quaranta who survived the deportation of Quadraro and passed away at the age of 93 in 2017. Photo Credit: Corriere della Sera.
