Memory in Hanau: Thousands demand a strong sign against racism!

Memory in Hanau: Thousands demand a strong sign against racism!

On Saturday afternoon, over a thousand people gathered on the Hanau market square to commemorate the victims of the racist attack of February 19, 2020. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary, the demonstration took place under the motto "Remembering means changing". It was organized by the youth alliance Hanau , who wants to remind this action annually.

Berrin Sezigen von der DIDF Jugend Hanau unterstrich in ihrer Rede die nationale und internationale Tragweite der Tragödie. The victims of the attack are more than just names; sie waren Teil von Familien und Freundeskreisen. Your memory must be maintained in order to illustrate the urgency of the struggle against racism. It was sharply criticized that the information of the attack was insufficient and that structural problems that favor racism continues to exist.

criticism and demands

The organizers called for a complete clarification of what is happening as well as state responsibility and profound political changes. Tens of thousands of people were supported in their demands during the event, including numerous young people from Hanau and the surrounding area. The demonstration was peaceful and without incidents, which the responsible security forces rated as positive.

organizer Eren okcu emphasized the need for structural changes and pointed out that the current debate is not only about racism, but also about other social attacks. Posters and banners recalled the faces and names of the victims, who were hierarchically victims of a brutal, racist motivated crime.

celebrations and memorial events

Am Sonntag folgte ein Gottesdienst anlässlich des Jahrestages, geleitet von Bischöfin Beate Hofmann. In addition, decentralized memorial events are planned nationwide on February 19 to keep the memory alive and to raise awareness. An official memorial event will also take place in the Congress Park Hanau, in which Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will also be present.

Other memorial events are organized in other cities, including a commemorative demo in Darmstadt and a memorial service of the Evangelical Church District Hanau. These actions and events are part of a broader commitment that reminds of the reminder to stand up against discrimination and to work for human rights, which also the underline.

The memory work to the victims of National Socialism and the commemoration day on January 27 show that memory is not only a duty, but also a call to vigilance against attacking currents that question the dignity and rights of all people. The Basic Law offers means to defend democracy and human rights, and the call to solidarity across party political differences remains of central importance.