Warning and memorial events for the night of the pogrom in MV: remembering instead of forgetting!

Warning and memorial events for the night of the pogrom in MV: remembering instead of forgetting!

November 9th is a reminder for many, and so this year in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania the pogrom night of November 9th, 1938 will be remembered. On this day, people look back on the terrible events, while commemorative events and musical activities take place in many cities. This year marks the 87th anniversary of the pogrom night. That night marked a turning point, heralding the beginning of the Nazi regime's systematic persecution of Jewish life. Many Jewish shops were destroyed, synagogues burned and countless people were threatened, arrested or murdered. Terrible acts also occurred in northern Germany on that fateful day. Symbols of remembrance were installed everywhere in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) emphasizes the importance of not allowing these historical events to be forgotten. “We have to actively defend democracy,” she explains, recalling the failed Weimar Republic. It is important to remain vigilant in our commitment to combating anti-Semitism and exclusion. Your words will be heard because the lessons of history are needed today more than ever.

Commemorative events in Northern Germany

This year, a variety of commemorative events will be held across the country. In Schwerin, a warning and memorial hour begins in the evening at the Schlachtermarkt under the motto “Stay human!”. The focus on November 10th will also be on commemoration in Rostock, where a prayer service in the former Jewish cemetery and a walk to the memorial site on Augustenstrasse are planned.

The cities of Greifswald, Güstrow, Neubrandenburg, Mirow and Stralsund are also active. In Greifswald there will be a concert in the St. Nikolai Cathedral in the afternoon, together with a prayer at a memorial plaque. In Güstrow, a service is celebrated in the Protestant parish church, followed by a walk to the former synagogue.

• In Neubrandenburg wird am 10 Uhr auf dem Synagogenplatz erinnert.
• Eine Stolpersteinreinigung in mehreren Städten unterstreicht das Engagement der Bürger.
• Die Stolpersteine, kleine Messingtäfelchen, erinnern an die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus und werden traditionell am Jahrestag geputzt und mit Blumen geschmückt.

Sound of the memorial stones

One event in particular stands out: On November 10th, the “Sound of the Memorial Stones” campaign will take place between 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. and will be supported with small concerts at various memorial stones. These musical performances are an impressive symbol against forgetting and offer relatives and interested parties the opportunity to get actively involved.

The artist Mascha Krink, who was inspired by her grandfather's story, is also mentioned in this moving context. He was stigmatized as an “anti-social” by the National Socialists. Such stories bring the past closer and create awareness of the importance of these memories.

The events in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania show how important it is to keep the memory of the victims of National Socialism alive. Many people set an example for tolerance and respect by laying wreaths and numerous projects. These topics are very popular not only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, but throughout Germany.