Joint remembrance: 85 years of Reichspogromnacht in Frankfurt (Oder)

Joint remembrance: 85 years of Reichspogromnacht in Frankfurt (Oder)

When you think of November 9th, Kristallnacht quickly comes to mind - a day that represents incredible suffering in German history. On November 9, 1938, there were violent attacks on the Jewish population in Germany, orchestrated by the National Socialist government. These pogroms led to the destruction of homes, businesses, synagogues and cultural sites. This bitterness, which marked the transition from exclusion to systematic persecution, continues to be remembered.

In memory of these shocking events, a memorial event will take place in Frankfurt (Oder) on November 9, 2025. The chairwoman of the city council, Désirée Schrade, will lead the event, which will take place from 6 p.m. to around 7 p.m. at the synagogue memorial stone on upper fountain square. The Joy of Life Choir and representatives of the Jewish community will provide the musical accompaniment, while Gangolf Hübinger will speak as the main speaker. This memorial hour is not only a visible sign of remembrance, but also a reminder not to forget the events of the past [Frankfurt-Oder.de](https://www.frankfurt-oder.de/Verwaltung-Stadtpolitik/Verwaltung/Aktuelles/Press Releases/Gemeinsames-Geden ken-an-den-9-november-1938.php?object=tx,4071.5.1&ModID=7&FID=4071.4913.1&NavID=4071.72&La=1&kat=2616.5,2616.1889&sfkat=1&sfmonat=1) urgently emphasized.

85 years after Kristallnacht

This year marks the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, and it is no secret that the memory of this dark time is of great importance. During a central memorial event in Berlin, Minister of State for Culture Roth pointed out the anti-Semitic currents that still exist, especially in the context of the current terrorist attack on Israel. She recalled the brutal attacks in which Jews were threatened and their places of worship were attacked. Roth is actively committed to promoting projects to come to terms with National Socialism and to preserve memorials. Because as she aptly states: “Remembrance is an important tool against anti-Semitism” Kulturstaatsminister.de.

Germany has over 300 memorials and documentation centers, and commemoration of the Nazi crimes is a central element of the German culture of remembrance. Schoolchildren learn about National Socialism, visit memorial sites and deal with this dark phase of history. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that challenges remain - from rising anti-Semitism to right-wing extremist hostility to the commemoration itself DW.com.

Future of remembrance

The culture of remembrance in Germany is a dynamic process that can never be viewed as complete. Discussions about this show that there are different perceptions and approaches. Some call for a further examination of one's own history and the deeds of one's ancestors. Meanwhile, anti-Semitic attacks are increasing, which is seen as a sign of the failure of the culture of remembrance. Figures like Michel Friedman warn that we should actively engage with the past and that remembrance must continue to develop. After all, it's not just about memory, but also about the responsibility we have towards the future DW.com.

In this sense, the commemoration of Kristallnacht is not only a look back, but also an appeal to our present and future. November 9, 2025 in Frankfurt (Oder) will be an important day to reflect on the terrible acts of the past and to take a stand together against anti-Semitism and discrimination.