Magdeburg's silent grief: light chain against hate and AfD slogans!
Magdeburg's silent grief: light chain against hate and AfD slogans!
Magdeburg, Deutschland - A shattering event made Magdeburg in turmoil. On Friday evening, a tragedy occurred on the Christmas market: The Saudi Arabian doctor Taleb al-Abdulmohsen raced through the crowd in a BMW SUV, tore five people out of life and seriously injured more than 200 more. On Monday evening, thousands gathered in the old market for a moving memorial event. Almost 4,000 people merged into a chain of lights to set a sign against hate. Countless candles illuminated the darkness and reflected the motto "Give hatred no chance".
at the Old Market, where the event took place, there was an atmosphere full of grief and horror. No applause, no talk. Only silent commemoration of the senseless victims of the attack. "We are Christians, want to show our deep connection and grief for the victims," said Alexander H. (49) on behalf of many who wanted to express their solidarity and sympathy. At the same time, just a few steps away, AfD boss Alice Weidel was in the middle of a campaign appearance. Loudly speeches against foreigners were given applause, while the mourners set a sign on the marketplace ( and emphasizes the meaning of the quiet but powerful message of the light chain in this difficult hour).
4000 people: a sign against hate
between 3000 and 4000 people, including many families with children, joined the light chain. Werner M., 81 years old and even Magdeburger, expressed his motives emotionally: "What if we were in such a situation. We are very lucky to be able to live here." Encourage such words and remind you of how important it is to stand together. Katja (44) and Alexander H. (49) came with her daughter Ida (13) to express their solidarity. The families not only wanted to show their grief, but also demonstrate prudent strength against any hatred that can strike in such cruel form.
criticism of political instrumentalization
not every aspect of the evening was carried out by compassion. Some participants openly expressed their disappointment with the political instrumentalization of events. Karin E. (62), who attended the memorial event with friends, found clear words. She criticized the politically motivated speeches by Weidel and other AfD members: "For me, it is unbearably experiencing how AfD-Weidel would like to profile themselves politically at the expense of the victims in our city," she told those present. Such statements reflect the tensions that become visible in society according to such tragic incidents.
However, the overwhelming majority of people on the old market on the old market was there for another reason: to commemorate the victim of the attack and together to ignite a light of hope and solidarity in a time of darkness ( As also described in the report of BILD ). Manuela (51) and Jens S. (59) aptly commented from a nearby village: "For us, this is a matter of course to participate here." Her words remind you that humanity and cohesion can shine in the darkest hours. The message was brought together together: Hass has no place here!
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Magdeburg, Deutschland |