- Minister of Justice Bernhardt praises Foundation work
The number of civil law foundations in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has almost quadrupled in the past 30 years. Currently, there are 187 foundations active in the state, announced Minister of Justice Jacqueline Bernhardt (Left Party) at the end of her so-called "foundation summer tour". The last stop was the "Center for Peace Work Otto Lilienthal" in Anklam.
The foundation is located in a former Wehrmacht military prison and sees itself as a hub for engaged citizens of the region. It focuses its work on promoting peace and international understanding. The creation of a documentation center in the prison building also aims to contribute to the processing of crimes committed by the NS justice system.
Bernhardt praised the often voluntary work in the foundations. "At all stations of my foundation summer tour, I have met many committed people," she said.
Foundations support a wide range of purposes with their capital gains, from healthcare to children's aid, historical research, animal welfare, environmental protection, or monument preservation. They often act where the state has to withdraw or is no longer responsible. "I respect and thank all the many voluntary helpers. Foundations are the heartbeat of our lives," said the Minister of Justice, whose department also oversees the foundation supervision.
In the western federal states, foundations have a longer tradition. For example, there are almost 5,000 civil law foundations registered in North Rhine-Westphalia alone. Nationwide, there are almost 26,000, according to the German Foundation Association.
The "Center for Peace Work Otto Lilienthal" in Anklam is managed by The Foundation, which operates from a former Wehrmacht military prison. The Minister of Justice, recognizing the vital role of foundations, expressed her gratitude to The Foundation and others like it, stating, "Foundations are the heartbeat of our lives."
