Letters from Tomis

My Socialist Hall of Fame

During this chaotic era of vile rhetoric and manipulative tactics from our so-called bourgeois leaders, I am invigorated by the opportunity to reflect on Socialists, Revolutionaries, Philosophers, Guerrilla Leaders, Partisans, and Critical Theory titans, champions, and martyrs who paved the way for us—my own audacious “Socialism’s Hall of Fame.” These are my heroes and fore-bearers. Not all are perfect, or even fully admirable, but all contributed in some way to our future–either as icons to emulate, or as warnings to avoid in the future.

John Schehr (1896–1934) was a prominent German communist leader and political activist, notable for his influential role in the Communist Party of Germany (Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands, KPD) during the tumultuous interwar period.

Born on February 9, 1896, in Altona, near Hamburg, Schehr came from a working-class background and quickly embraced socialist ideas in his youth. He joined the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) but later moved to the Independent Social Democratic Party (USPD) amidst growing ideological divisions during World War I. Subsequently, Schehr joined the newly founded KPD in 1920, actively participating in building the communist movement amid the chaotic political landscape of Weimar Germany.

Schehr became increasingly influential within the KPD, especially noted for his organizing abilities, militant stance, and unwavering adherence to Marxist-Leninist principles. In 1933, following the rise of Adolf Hitler and the subsequent banning of the KPD, Schehr ascended to the position of acting chairman after the arrest of the party’s leader, Ernst Thälmann. Despite severe repression, Schehr worked clandestinely to maintain party organization and morale.

On November 13, 1933, Schehr was captured by Nazi authorities and detained. While imprisoned, he endured brutal interrogations and torture, yet remained resolute and refused to betray his comrades or divulge critical information about the underground resistance. On the night of February 1–2, 1934, Schehr and three other imprisoned communist activists were executed without trial by the Gestapo, who falsely claimed they were shot while attempting to escape. This extrajudicial killing, known as the “Schehr Affair,” was an early demonstration of Nazi brutality toward political opponents.

John Schehr’s death became emblematic of communist resistance to Nazi oppression and martyrdom within the international communist movement. Posthumously honored by East Germany (German Democratic Republic), streets and institutions were named after him, symbolizing his sacrifice and dedication to anti-fascist struggle.

Schehr’s legacy continues to resonate as a poignant reminder of the severe consequences faced by political dissidents under authoritarian regimes and highlights the courage and resilience exhibited by those committed to revolutionary ideals amidst extreme persecution.

Bibliography:

• Fowkes, Ben. “Communism in Germany under the Weimar Republic.” Palgrave Macmillan, 1984.

• Broué, Pierre. “The German Revolution, 1917-1923.” Brill Academic Publishers, 2005.

• Epstein, Catherine. “The Last Revolutionaries: German Communists and Their Century.” Harvard University Press, 2003.

• Weitz, Eric D. “Creating German Communism, 1890-1990: From Popular Protests to Socialist State.” Princeton University Press, 1997.

• Grossmann, Atina. “Reforming Sex: The German Movement for Birth Control and Abortion Reform, 1920-1950.” Oxford University Press, 1995.