Muzicant: Rejection of Rosenkranz was "completely justified"

Commemorating the November pogroms

On the 84th anniversary of the November pogroms, the former chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dieter Graumann, called for "unwavering remembrance" of the victims. "Confronting the Holocaust is an indispensable component of our national identity," he said in his speech on Tuesday evening at the central commemoration in the Berlin synagogue, which was also attended by President Steinmeier and Bundestag President Bas. Graumann went on to say that the fight against anti-Semitism "must not end with verbal condemnation, but requires consistent action."

Rejection of AfD politician Rosenkranz

At the event, there was an incident involving the AfD politician Beatrix von Storch. When she wanted to lay a wreath, she was met with rejection and was asked to leave the synagogue. Graumann defended this reaction. "The rejection of Beatrix von Storch was completely justified, because AfD members trivialize the Holocaust, relativize Nazi crimes, and constantly spread anti-Semitic and racist resentments."

Call for continued vigilance

Both Graumann and President Steinmeier warned against forgetting the Holocaust and the dangers of anti-Semitism and racism in our society. Steinmeier said that "the fight against anti-Semitism and racism must continue to be fought resolutely, every day anew." He added that "those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it."

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day, the world commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp by Soviet troops. The day serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of fighting against all forms of hatred, discrimination, and intolerance.