Ten years of Heart instead of agitation”: Stendal celebrates solidarity and diversity!

Ten years of Heart instead of agitation”: Stendal celebrates solidarity and diversity!

A real festival of solidarity and togetherness was celebrated in Stendal on August 23, 2025. The citizens' alliance “Heart instead of Hetze” celebrated its tenth anniversary with an atmospheric street festival at the city lake. The occasion was not only about celebrating, but also about promoting values ​​such as democracy, tolerance and inclusion.

Karsten Schwarze, a committed member of the initiative, emphasized the importance of defending democratic principles, especially in the run-up to the upcoming state elections in 2026. Since its founding in 2015, “Heart instead of Hetze” has been actively campaigning against right-wing extremist movements and the associated incitement, which has gained momentum in particular as a result of the war in Syria. The current members include around 40 people who are committed to a society based on solidarity.

A diverse program

The street festival offered visitors a colorful program. Organizations such as the Stendal Migrant Association, Fridays for Future and the Theater der Altmark presented their work at various stands. The musical atmosphere was accompanied by local artists, including the Stendal club Benskin and the Berlin band Casino Gitano. Even a Ukrainian choir gave people goosebumps and showed how diverse the culture is here in Stendal.

There was also an improv theater and discussion rounds in which the participants exchanged ideas on the topic of “Solidarity Stendal”. Jacob Beuchel, also active in the alliance, emphasized how important it is to live solidarity and promote inclusion in society. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds came to show solidarity. Particularly worth mentioning was the meeting with Paul Worms, an actor from Berlin, who enriched the atmosphere with his well-known charm.

The next steps

The citizens' alliance is not just a one-off phenomenon. Another meeting will take place in the Small Market Hall on September 1, 2025 at 6 p.m., to which all interested parties are invited to develop ideas and projects to strengthen the common good. In addition to Stendal, other cities are not standing idle: The Amadeu Antonio Foundation is providing a funding fund for 2025 that is intended to support targeted projects against right-wing extremism. Click here for the details.

The challenges we face are diverse. Racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination require strong and active engagement. Time is running out, and this year's funding fund offers the opportunity to work together to combat these problems. Funding of up to 5,000 euros in Saxony-Anhalt is intended to encourage initiatives to develop discrimination-sensitive cultures of conflict and debate and to promote solidarity. Find out more here.

The successes of “Heart instead of Hetze” are the best proof that there is a lively, committed community in Stendal that is fighting for a fair and inclusive society. The next steps have been taken, and it will be exciting to see what new projects the alliance will launch in the coming period.