Magdeburg's Silent Mourning: Fairy lights against hatred and AfD slogans!

Magdeburg's Silent Mourning: Fairy lights against hatred and AfD slogans!

A shocking event has thrown Magdeburg into turmoil. On Friday evening, a tragedy of unimaginable proportions occurred at the Christmas market: Saudi Arabian doctor Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen raced through the crowd in a BMW SUV, killing five people and seriously injuring more than 200 others. On Monday evening, thousands gathered on the Old Market for a moving memorial service. Almost 4,000 people joined together to form a chain of lights to take a stand against hate. Countless candles illuminated the darkness and reflected the motto “Don’t give hate a chance.”

At the Old Market, where the event took place, there was an atmosphere of sadness and horror. No applause, no speeches. Just silent remembrance of the senseless victims of the attack. “We are Christians and want to show our deep solidarity and sadness for the victims,” said Alexander H. (49), representing many who wanted to express their solidarity and compassion. At the same time, just a few steps away, AfD leader Alice Weidel was in the middle of an election campaign appearance. Loud speeches against foreigners were greeted with applause, while mourners in the market square made a silent gesture ( BILD reports and emphasizes the importance of the quiet but powerful message of the fairy lights in this difficult hour).

4000 people: A sign against hate

Between 3,000 and 4,000 people, including many families with children, lined up in the chain of lights. Werner M., 81 years old and himself from Magdeburg, expressed his motives emotionally: "What if we were in such a situation. We are very lucky to be able to live here." Such words encourage and remind us of the importance of standing together. Katja (44) and Alexander H. (49) came with their daughter Ida (13) to show their solidarity. The families not only wanted to show their grief, but also to demonstrate calm strength against any hatred that can strike in such cruel form.

Criticism of political instrumentalization

But not every aspect of the evening was driven by compassion. Some participants openly expressed their disappointment at the political exploitation of the events. Karin E. (62), who attended the memorial event with friends, found clear words. She sharply criticized the politically motivated speeches by Weidel and other AfD members: “For me it is unbearable to see how AfD-Weidel wants to make a political mark at the expense of the victims in our city,” she told those present. Such statements reflect the tensions that are evident in society after such tragic incidents.

However, the overwhelming majority of people in the Old Market that evening were there for a different reason: to remember the victims of the attack and to collectively light a light of hope and solidarity in a time of darkness ( as also described in the BILD report ). Manuela (51) and Jens S. (59) from a nearby village aptly commented: “It’s a given for us to take part here.” Her words are a reminder that in the darkest hours, humanity and solidarity can shine. The message was delivered together: Hate has no place here!