Update 03.07.2008

CAMPAIGN
INFORMATION

UNITED WE ARE STRONG!

9 November 2008
International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

This information is to invite young people, civil activists, journalists, teachers and all people who want to get active to join actions against intolerance and right-wing extremism during the European-wide campaign “9 November - The International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism” - “UNITED we are strong!”

CONTENTS

What is the Campaign about?

The 9th November 1938, the “Kristallnacht” pogrom, was the first step to the extermination of the Jewish Europeans by the nazis. Today it is seen as the symbolic beginning of the Holocaust, the policy of the systematic murdering of millions of people. It reminds us that such terrible things did not start with deportations and concentration camps, but developed step by step. Nazi propaganda and hate speech against Jews and laws depriving Jewish citizens of their rights – as happened with the “Nuremberg Laws” which, among other things, stripped German Jews of their citizenship – were the first steps which eventually culminated in violence and pogroms.

Looking to the right-wing tendencies in the modern Europe, we must be aware that history used to be repeated and the Holocaust happened with the silent acceptance and support of the broad majority of the society. Nowadays, right-wing extremism is an increasing force on the entire continent. Hate crimes are turning into regular facts, extreme right-wing parties are elected into local and national parliaments and xenophobic propaganda is becoming legitimate in societies. Here are a few examples from different countries showing trends which can be found everywhere in Europe, also in your homeland.

In Germany right-wing extremists apply new tactics to gain influence in political and public life. With its strategy to show constant presence in the public, to adopt new originally moderate or even leftist topics and to concentrate its forces in certain regions, the extreme right party NPD gained seats in two federal parliaments. Their open collaboration with the neonazi movement attracts more and more people to enter the party. Thus, the NPD could double their membership number in the last ten years. German right-wing extremists are well linked across Europe, both in terms of party political co-operations and sub-cultural events, e.g. the festival “For a Europe of Nations” which takes place in Germany every year.

In Slovakia, the far-right is once again on the rise, both in numbers, as well as in terms of the physical attacks against Roma, Africans, immigrants and alternative youths. Far-right groups are adopting new strategies that try to target more mainstream audiences. The movement is transforming from nazi-skinheads to resemble the Czech movements and organisations like Národny Odpor (National Resistance) which has its branch in Slovakia. Apart from the neonazi scene, there is also a strong ultra-nationalist/neo-fascist scene that builds on the glorification of the Slovak clero-fascist state during the Second World War.

Also in Poland, the influence of far right-wing activists has grown to worrying numbers. In the previous parliament, two right-wing parties were elected which included former members of the
neonazi movement connected with national radical and national socialist groups. These groups are still responsible for hate crimes and hate speech. A list of so called “Traitors of the race” prepared by right-wing extremists caused attacks at “normal” people. The antisemitic “Radio Maryja” nowadays has large influence on the policy of right-wing parties. Also neonazi football hooligans are responsible for today's situation in Poland connected with xenophobic attacks.

Since the raise of the Third Berlusconi Government, Italy is experiencing a real state of danger under the growth of neo-fascism and intolerance. In Rome on the 26th May 2008, a fascist commando of 20 youngsters wearing bandanas with swastikas attacked and destroyed shops run by the migrant community. All the members of the Italian government refused to recognize the connection between this attack and the growth of neo-fascist political ideology.

According to the monitoring of the informational and analytic centre “Sova”, the number of hate crimes in Russia has being rising up. Up to December 2007, it gathered information on 632 victims of attacks, including 67 murdered people. A public campaign against Estonia and Estonians was launched by Russian officials in 2007 which was dedicated to the Russian-Estonian conflict following the relocation of the Bronze Soldier monument in Tallinn. The statue, set up by Soviet authorities after the war, commemorates from a Russian perspective the liberation of Estonia from the nazi invasion, while many Estonians perceive it as a symbol for the Soviet occupation of their country. The relocation of the monument provoked violent mass protests and riots between the Russian and Estonian communities and was supported by the Russian government.

As shown in these examples, the situation in Europe must be considered extremely serious. Fascism and antisemitism are not ideologically legitimate options, they are a crime which must be faced with clear and strict legislation, real punishment and diverse counter-actions of civil society.

If you are willing and courageous to build a society based on the values of human rights and human dignity, join forces and act together with hundreds of groups from all over Europe within the UNITED campaign! UNITED WE ARE STRONG!

Background Information

On 9th November 1938, Nazi Germany started a pogrom against Jewish people. SA Storm Troopers and civilians destroyed more than 8000 Jewish homes and shops, set synagogues on fire, imprisoned, injured and killed Jews all across the country. Pieces of broken windows covering the streets in many German cities gave rise to the name “Kristallnacht” which freely translated means the Night of Broken Glass.

The “Kristallnacht” pogrom is seen as the symbolic beginning of the systematic eradication of Jewish people which had started with the discrimination and exclusion of the German Jews since 1933 and which eventually led to the murder of 6 millions Jewish people and 5,5 million “enemies of the German state”: homosexuals, criminals and “asocial” people, members of diverse religious communities, people with mental disabilities, political “offenders” such as communists and socialists, Spanish republican refugees and minorities like Roma and Sinti and others.

“KRISTALLNACHT” POGROM

Kristallnacht, Crystal Night, Night of Broken Glass, November pogroms – the debate on the use of an appropriate terminology to describe what happened on 9 November 1938 is very intense and involves scientists, politicians and representatives of both governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The term Kristallnacht, literally Crystal Night, refers to the number of broken windows of Jewish houses and shops during the night of the attacks. Though it is not clear who initially introduced this term to describe the pogroms of 9th November 1938, it was cynically adopted by the nazis and used in their official propaganda. The term Kristallnacht often raises strong opposition as the use of the word crystal is seen as cynically reinforcing the stereotype of the wealth of the Jewish community. Many historians prefer the expression Night of Broken
Glass instead, which removes this stereotypical connotation.

However, not only glass was broken during this night. Violent actions, physical harm and immense brutality were exerted on Jewish people during the night of 9th November 1938 and the following days. Taking into account that the so-called Kristallnacht was a pogrom against the physical integrity of Jewish people, the expression November pogroms
is now more commonly found, especially in Germany.

In the UNITED publications, the term “Kristallnacht” pogrom is used, referring both to the internationally known German term put in quotation marks and the explicit labelling as a pogrom, clearly pointing out the crimes committed by the nazis.

Nowadays, right-wing extremists are on the rise again in all of Europe. With new strategies of infiltrating political structures and sub-cultural scenes, their influence and actions have been strongly increasing. Although their forms of appearance and actions might be different in each European country, there are some common tendencies:

Neonazis are very well linked throughout Europe
Networks of right-wing extremists arise both in formal and informal ways, spreading a shared ideology across Europe. Extreme right groups and organisations from all over Europe gather for festivals, participate in demonstrations and form political structures such as the "European National Front" consisting of several extreme right organisations. Although the right-wing extremist group “Identity, Tradition, Sovereignty” in the European parliament ceased to exist at the end of the last year, new extreme right alliances are to be expected in the course of the European elections in 2009.

Right-wing extremism infiltrate party-politics and sub-culture
In many European countries, extreme right parties are running for elections, achieving seats in parliaments and even in governments. Besides, enormous financial profit is made by selling racist music, fashion and fanzines. Neonazis from various countries regularly meet for festivals and concerts, giving their ideology a European dimension and attracting young people to join their movement.

The number of hate crimes remains on a high level in all of Europe
Both official and NGO data collections reveal an enormous level of hate crimes in Europe. In 2007, 67 hatred based murders have been reported in Russia by SOVA Centre. The Spanish NGO Movement Against Intolerance counted about 4.000 hate crimes and incidents in Spain in the same period. Official authorities in Germany detected 1.054 cases of politically motivated right-wing violence last year, whereas the estimated
number of unreported cases stays on a much higher level.

Violent hate groups increasingly attack new target groups
Neonazis and right-wing extremists direct their violent attacks at many different vulnerable collectives, including migrants, homosexuals, antiracist activists, homeless and also youths belonging to non-right-wing subcultures. Thus, “no go areas” are established that dominate the social environment and provoke a climate of fear and intimidation.

Right-wing extremists adopt mainstream politics
Right-wing extremists attract sympathizers by including a variety of topics in their political agenda, which are also addressed by the mainstream society and even leftist activities. For example, German as well as Czech extreme right organisations and parties officially criticise globalisation, capitalism and social problems, allegedly legitimizing their image as eligible alternatives.

Democrats adopt right-wing rhetorics
Right-wing extremist arguments have arrived in democratic political parties and media. Populist debates on patriotism held in Germany and other countries correspond well to extreme right arguments. Another example is the nazi demonstration “Russian march” which took place in different Russian regions last year. As also politicians from democratic parties used the same rhetorics as right-wing extremists, this march has become quite popular among Russians.

Join the Movement!

What YOU can do!
The 9th of November European-wide campaign is organised by the UNITED network to commemorate the “Kristallnacht” pogrom and to defend human rights against the danger of antisemitism, fascism and right-wing extremism.
The strength of this campaign is having a diverse European movement taking part in a common action, using a common theme and slogan. We use different approaches and methods but we have one common vision of a society without hatred and discrimination, based on human rights. This poster is designed as a supporting tool you can use during your campaign activities. You can organise diverse events, such as public discussions, meetings with eye-witnesses, demonstrations, commemoration activities, conferences, poster and media actions, cultural events and much more. To get some inspiration and practical ideas, please read the reports of previous campaigns: www.unitedagainstracism.org under "publications".

Join the Campaign!

  • Make sure your event is included in the European List of Activities! Inform UNITED about your planned activities (title, date, theme, place) and name, address and contact person of your organization.
  • Make use of this poster! Order (max. 100 posters) for free from the UNITED secretariat.

Planning a campaign activity

  • Keep in mind that most activities are organised on a low- or no-budget basis. So 'no money' does not necessarily mean 'no action'.
  • Make use of our information leaflet “Get Active - The 'How to organise an activity?' Guide”. Look at www.unitedagainstracism.org under 'publications'.

Practical tips

  • Keep in touch with UNITED’s Secretariat to spread your new ideas to the network and to provide it with recent information.
  • Use the resources you already have within your organisation.
  • Think about the message you want to communicate and what outcome you expect (short-term/long-term)?
  • Look for partners and alliances - if appropriate also outside the NGO movement (schools, religious or community groups).
  • Try to involve as many people as possible already during preparation (volunteers, partners etc.) and divide tasks clearly.

How UNITED can help you

  • UNITED will produce a special list of all activities that will take place in Europe, which can help you to make contacts and generate ideas. It will be updated regularly on: www.unitedagainstracism.org under 'campaigns'.
  • Call UNITED if you cannot find a partner for your activities. We might know of other NGOs in your region or city who are planning an activity.
  • Keep in mind that you can order campaign material at the UNITED Secretariat for free.
  • A media release will be sent to the UNITED network organisations and to all important European press agencies, newspapers, etc. Journalists who want to know more about specific activities are referred to the organisations involved in local actions. UNITED will produce a European report after 9 November, including as many of the activities that took place as possible.

How you can help UNITED

  • Announce your activities and send your invitations, leaflets and posters before and after the campaign!
  • Help us make the report complete and send us newspaper articles, reports, photos, etc. directly after the event!
  • Provide us with media contacts!

Good Practices

The rise of right-wing extremism in Europe tells us to take action against this increasing danger. Many activists and organisations developed a number of good practices how to combat racism, antisemitism and right-wing extremism. Here you get some inspiration what other groups do in the frame of the 9th November campaign.

National Parliament of Children & Youth ::: Czechia
Using existing structures as a way of spreading awareness of right-wing extremism is a great tool to reach a huge amount of people. The participative structure in Czechia includes children and youth from local school and town parliaments to the National Parliament of Children and Youth. Besides youth, it also addresses the teachers and parents. The activities spread in this extensive network include lectures, videos, leaflets and workshops, which are connected to nowadays problems with right-wing extremism. This year, an expert, a Holocaust survivor and a young anti-fascist will be invited in the premises of the real Parliament. As a result, a national campaign against right-wing extremism should be announced in the whole network of children’s and youth participative structures.
More information: www.duha.cz

Music campaign ::: Poland
Music is a perfect tool for all antifascist campaigns related to the remembrance of the “Kristallnacht” pogrom. Almost every year the Never Again Association prepares concerts in Polish cities with the help of local NGOs. The activists get in touch with music bands and artists who are planning to be in their city. The action can be planned along other events taking place on that day, like movies presentations or political cafes in the frame of festivals or exhibitions. Also with a small budget it is possible to arrange such cultural and music events. Organising a music activity reaches out to many people, brings a lot of media attention and strengthens the networks with other groups. During the last years, Never Again prepared more than 50 gigs devoted to Kristallnacht memory.
More information: http://nigdywiecej.org

Cinema against fascism
Movie screenings for school children ::: Russia
Since 2004, the Youth Network against Racism and Intolerance in cooperation with the Youth Human Rights Movement organises the Action week “Crystal Night – Never Again!” in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. Last year, the accent was put on awareness-raising actions for school children in the age of 15 to 17. Over 15 groups from different cities arranged a series of open screenings with antifascist movies and documentaries with follow-up discussion and mini-cinema festivals in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod. An action team has elaborated a list of recommended movies and a special manual how to arrange the discussion with youth. All materials are available in Russian on: http://9-november.hrworld.ru. More information: www.yhrm.org

Definitions

Antisemitism is prejudice against Jewish people. Antisemites wrongly believe that Jews are fundamentally different from other people. They often believe that Jews want to rule the world and try to reach this goal through a worldwide conspiracy. The most horrific manifestation of antisemitism came with Hitler's rise to power and the nazi ideology of racial purity. Millions of Jewish people were deported from all countries controlled by Germany and killed in concentration camps during the Holocaust. However, antisemitism did not start nor end with the Holocaust. It is deeply rooted in European history and still manifests itself today.

Fascism is a violent reactionary right-wing political movement which manifests itself ultimately in an openly terrorist dictatorship. It destroys democratic liberties and discriminates members of specific (ethnic) minorities and people with different views. Fascists believe in the just leadership of a strong man instead of parliamentary democracy. Fascism builds on a strong nationalism that often turns racist. During the inter war era and during the Second World War, many European countries were ruled by fascist dictatorships. The word “fascism” itself was coined by the Italian dictatorship of Mussolini.

Nazism is the ideology and policy of the German fascism that manifested itself most prominently from 1933-1945. It was characterised by racism, antisemitism, totalitarianism, social demagogy, aggression, violence and superiority claims over other nations. The word nazism is short for national-socialism which was a political movement in Germany led by NSDAP (German National-Socialist Workers Party). It was proclaimed a criminal organisation at the Nuremberg trial after the World War II. The nazi regime was responsible for the deaths of millions of civilians. Nowadays, the ideas of nazism are supported by new groups of right-wing extremists, neonazis.

The term "genocide" – a combination of the words “geno”, from the Greek word for race or tribe, and “cide”, from the Latin word for killing – refers to violent crimes committed against a national, ethnical, racial or religious group with the intent to destroy its existence. In the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), "genocide” is described as “killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life, calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.” see www.ushmm.org/conscience/history

Right-wing extremism: Right-wing extremist ideology has its roots in nationalism and racism. It is based on the idea that the value of an individual is determined on alleged ethnic bonds to which all other values, including civil and human rights, are subordinated. Right-wing extremists propagate a political system in which the state and the people form a unity of “ethnic community" as an alleged natural order. They strive to abolish democracy and tolerate violence as a legitimate way of achieving political goals.

Hate Crimes / Hate Speech: Hate crimes are directed against persons or property because of their real or perceived connection to a group defined by race, national or ethnic origin, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, moral or political views or socio-economic class, such as height, weight and hair colour. One form of hate crimes is hate speech, which includes all kind of speech promoting violent or prejudiced actions against people because of their characteristics mentioned above. The term covers written, oral and visual communication, also through mass media, internet and in public.

Internet Resources

European Resources

Other useful resources

What is UNITED?

UNITED for Intercultural Action is the European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of migrants and refugees. More than 560 organisations from a wide variety of backgrounds, from all European countries, work together in common activities, such as European-wide campaigns. Like-minded organisations have the opportunity to meet each other at conferences and elaborate specific projects. UNITED is and will remain independent from all political parties, organisations and states, but seeks an active co-operation with other anti-racist initiatives in Europe. Information is received from more than 2000 organisations and mailings go out to about 2200 groups in Europe. Let us know if you want to get involved! And add UNITED to your mailing list!

Joint Project "Civil Society Against Right-Wing Extremism"

As a response to the alarming spread of deeply rooted racism, antisemitism and right-wing extremism in Europe, UNITED has established the project “Civil Society Against Right-wing Extremism - Developing New Lifelong-learning Strategies for NGOs” which is realized in the frame of the European adult education program GRUNDTVIG. Within this project, 9 partner organisations active within the UNITED network from Western and Eastern Europe are closely cooperating in analyzing occurrences, forms and strategies of right-wing extremism in Europe, sharing concepts how to deal with the increasing influence of right-wing organisations and actors in their respective countries and finding transferable approaches to push back the extreme right, at a local and regional level.

The project partners are:

UP

UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees
Postbus 413, NL-1000 AK Amsterdam, Netherlands
phone +31-20-6834778, fax +31-20-6834582
info@unitedagainstracism.org, www.unitedagainstracism.org