Prominent demonstration - Many thousands of people protest against the far-right in Hamburg.
Two days prior to the European and local elections, tens of thousands of individuals gathered in the center of Hamburg, protesting against right-wing extremism and advocating for the defense of democracy. This massive event was organized by an assortment of parties, unions, corporations, churches, and environmental organizations, with the rallying cry being "Halting right-wing extremism - securing democracy - exercise your right to vote!"
The organizers claimed that 30,000 individuals participated, but authorities later estimated there were about 26,000 in attendance. "This serves as a strong message against right-wing extremism and promotes harmonious coexistence," they asserted.
During the inaugural rally, North Church Bishop Kirsten Fehrs stated, "The direction that Europe takes is in our hands." This translates to "Vigorous resistance against right-wing extremism – void of violence!" Bishop Fehrs, along with Rabbi Shlomo Bistritzky of the Jewish community in Hamburg and Özlem Nas from the Council of Islamic Communities in Hamburg, addressed the gathering in Ludwig-Erhard-Straße.
Bishop Fehrs emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue as a symbol of unity. "They should not be broken by anti-Semites, enemies of Islam, fanatics who use religion to instigate conflict, or nationalist ideologues who classify people based on their heritage and pit them against one another," he said.
Nas reminded the crowd that the far-right AfD party aims to divide society. This rally signifies opposition to that division and hope for those determined to eliminate the nationalist ideology from the German landscape.
Bistritzky, the rabbi of the Jewish community in Hamburg, exclaimed, "We were subjected to horrors a few decades ago under National Socialists. Never again should there be hatred, racism, anti-Semitism, or xenophobia! Their mantra was, 'Now.' Say 'Never again'!"
According to Tanja Chawla, the DGB union leader in Hamburg, "Determining the fate of Europe lies in our hands." She underscored the significance of each vote. "The AfD is enemy number one for employees. We implore everyone: Vote for the future; cast a democratic ballot!" Thomas Frolich, the managing director of Northern Business Association (UV Nord), cautioned against a shift to the right. Almost a quarter of the employees in companies in the north possess a migration background, he noted, adding, "We will not relinquish our hard-earned and now customary beacon of welcome."
Building solidarity, even amongst rivals, was demonstrated by the competing football clubs, St. Pauli and HSV. "Democracy is a team sport. During these contentious times, it's crucial for us all to contribute and use our voices in unison: For diversity and democratic values; against prejudice and exclusion," offered Marieke Patyna, HSV's procurement officer.
Musically, this demonstration was supported by the indie-pop band Provinz and singer-songwriter Joris, both spreading the message: "It's wonderful that you're all practicing your democratic right this Sunday." Various posters displayed messages such as "Long live the rule of law. No to radicalism," "Hate + Hate are not an alternative for Germany," and "Huck Föcke." High above the demonstration, a plane towed a banner bearing the invitation "GoVote" (Votre kyrieville).
Reps from the SPD, Greens, CDU, Left, and FDP were among the masses. The AfD requested a cancellation of the event, citing a foiled meeting between right-wing extremists and AfD politicians in Potsdam as a reason, fearing it would only amplify the already-tense social climate and bolster the actions of violent left-wing extremists. In January 2021, roughly 180,000 people had marched in the city against right-wing extremism.
