Alexander zu Dohna-Schlobitten (1899–1997)

Alexander Nikolaus Heinrich Emil Fürst zu Dohna-Schlobitten was a German nobleman and East Prussian landowner. He belonged to the Dohna family, one of the oldest and most prominent noble families in Prussia.

Born on April 9, 1899, at Finckenstein Palace, East Prussia, he inherited significant land holdings and responsibilities associated with his aristocratic status. He served in the German army during World War I.

As a staunch opponent of National Socialism, Dohna-Schlobitten resisted Nazi influence and policies on his estates. He famously sheltered Jews and other persecuted individuals on his property during World War II, risking his own life and the lives of his family. His actions were a significant act of defiance and humanitarianism in the face of extreme danger.

Following World War II and the expulsion of Germans from East Prussia, Dohna-Schlobitten lost his ancestral lands. He and his family became refugees in West Germany. He spent the remainder of his life working to rebuild his life and to preserve the memory of East Prussia and its cultural heritage. He played an active role in organizations representing the interests of displaced East Prussians.

Alexander zu Dohna-Schlobitten died on January 4, 1997, in Basel, Switzerland. He is remembered for his courage, his resistance to Nazi ideology, and his commitment to helping those in need during a time of great persecution. His story exemplifies the ethical dilemmas faced by the German aristocracy during the Nazi era and highlights the acts of bravery undertaken by individuals who resisted the regime.