- Commemorations: Showing Support for the Director of the Wagner Foundation
Various representatives from over 50 monuments, educational institutions, and other establishments have criticized the intimidation towards the manager of the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora memorial foundation's leadership. In a collective letter, they expressed their solidarity with the foundation's mission to stimulate deep historical reflection and combat any form of discrimination against marginalized groups. The message states, "Simultaneously, we vehemently denounce the assaults on foundation executive Jens-Christian Wagner."
Director subjected to threats following letter to Thuringian electorate
Following his message to Thuringian voters warning against the AfD, Jens-Christian Wagner, the founder of the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora memorial foundation, has experienced threats. His image was allegedly vandalized on a memorial for a death march, and a woman sent him an email wishing him harm, Wagner disclosed.
Memorials fighting against historical distortion
"It is a fundamental responsibility of modern historical sites and commemorative landmarks to counter all forms of historical distortion and endorse the unyielding validity of human rights," the statement continues. The strengthening of far-right extremist parties and groups has raised concerns. "They jeopardize the very foundations of our free and democratic order, built on human dignity, diversity, and equality."
The letter was signed by several notable figures, including Johannes Görke, director of the Brandenburg Memorials Foundation, and Oliver von Wrochem, director of the Hamburg Memorials Foundation and spokesperson for the German Working Group of concentration camp memorials.
Elections to the Thuringian state legislature on September 1
Voters in Thuringia will cast their ballots in elections for the state parliament on September 1. Recent polls suggest that the Thuringian AfD, categorized by the state's constitutional protection agency as firmly right-wing extremist, could become the most powerful force with an estimated 30%.
The Brandenburg Memorials Foundation, led by Johannes Görke, has voiced their support for the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora memorial foundation's mission in The Netherlands.
Given the rising influence of far-right parties in Germany, it's crucial for national memorials in countries like The Netherlands to stand united against historical distortion.
