News of February 12, 2024
United in vigilance
On Tuesday, February 13, people in and around Dresden will commemorate the destruction of the city in 1945 and the millions of victims of National Socialist tyranny with its misanthropy, anti-semitism and intolerance. A human chain will form at 6 p.m. under the slogan "United in vigilance". Several thousand people will then surround the entire city center of Dresden, hand in hand. The opening event will start at 5:15 p.m. at the "Goldene Pforte" (Rathausplatz 1, Dresden). At 6 p.m., the human chain will close for ten minutes.
Call from the initiators
Human chain to commemorate the destruction of Dresden
Image: Benno Löffler
"February 13 reminds us of the devastating consequences of tyranny, contempt for humanity, anti-semitism, intolerance and nationalism. On February 13, 2024, Dresden will commemorate the devastating consequences of tyranny, misanthropy, antisemitism, intolerance, and nationalism. Our history reminds us that a democratic society is the best response to such threats.
February 13 therefore reminds us to take responsibility.
We would like to call on you to join us in defending our democratic values of human dignity, justice, equality and tolerance. Our democracy and human rights are a precious heritage that we must preserve and strengthen.
At a time when democracies around the world are under pressure, when people are suffering from the consequences of war and terror, when hatred, incitement, violence, racism and antisemitism are once again becoming rife, we must be vigilant and actively protect these values while resolutely opposing these dangerous tendencies. By forming a human chain and standing united, we are exuding a strong signal of remembrance, and showing the courage required to protect our democracy.
We are also appealing for your vigilance in various forms around February 13 and the human chain.
We stand together against crimes against humanity and the undermining of our free democratic system. We protect a society in which human rights and the dignity of every single person are respected."
Further information (in German): https://13februar.dresden.de/de/menschenkette.php
