Racism and anti-Semitism occur in workplaces, in families and schools, on the streets, on the internet, in the media. Their murderous escalation is manifested in the racist terrorist attack in Hanau. Hanau was, of course, not an isolated incident. At the same time, its aftermath marked a turning point: the tireless work of the relatives and survivors around the Initiative 19. Februar exerted pressure, raised awareness and ensured there were concrete political consequences. Their work does not allow itself to be thwarted by institutional racism and a lack of investigative will and, in the process, is embedded in the work of solidarity of anti-racist activists and initiatives around Germany. Remembrance cannot be reduced to the past, rather it is an admonition and a mandate for change and progress.
Many of us never trusted this world-champion remembrance one inch. By the beginning of 2024 at the very latest, every patronizing smile should have vanished. While some parts of German society are asleep, others rip each other to shreds in fights over interpretation within the left, and yet others cheerfully and freely amplify »the justified concerns« of potential Nazi-voters, the fascists are optimistically preparing to take power. The Hanau attacker carefully studied the plans of those now waiting in the wings, quoting them in his »manifesto«.
Racism and anti-Semitism are fought in workplaces, in families and schools, on the streets, on the internet, in the media. Unions and universities, political education and activism each play their own roles in the process. What opportunities exist for networks who put different political beliefs last on their lists? Which advances should be commended, what setbacks are imminent? How can liberal values and democracy be defended while, at the same time, resolving current shortcomings? One thing is clear: movement only exists when people unite. In all directions.
In Conversation with Newroz Duman (Initiative 19. Februar Hanau), Stefan Körzell (Bundesvorstand Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund), Julia Alfandari Naika Foroutan and others.
