RESISTANCE!
Who, if not Us?
When, if not Now? Where, if not Here?
9
November 2001
International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism
MEDIA RELEASE
7/11/2001
UNITED
for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees |
Commemorations of "Kristallnacht"
pogrom in 33 European countries
Non-governmental organisations in 33 European countries organise
activities to commemorate the "Kristallnacht" pogrom
that took place in 1938 in Nazi-Germany.
The pogrom is seen as the symbolical beginning of the Holocaust.
In addition to the approximately 6 million Jews who were the
targets of a complete annihilation policy, were an estimated
5,5 million "enemies of the German state": criminals
and 'asocials', people with mental disabilities, homosexuals,
Jehovah's witnesses, political offenders (communists and socialists)
and Roma and Sinti. On 9 November protesters will assemble in
many of the bigger towns in Europe (e.g. Copenhagen, Aachen,
Stockholm, St Petersburg, Vilnius, Basel). School children in
Finland, Moldova, the Netherlands, Russia, Lithuania and many
other countries are involved in special discussion meetings and
anti-racist education-programs. Exhibitions and concerts on anti-fascist
issues
are organised in Germany, Greece, Poland, Belarus and many other
countries in Europe.
Resistance: who, if not
us? when, if not now? where, if not here?
Within the framework of the campaign a variety of non-governmental
organisations in Europe work together, such as anti-fascist groups,
Jewish community organisations, Roma organisations, gay and lesbian
organisations and youth organisations.
The campaign focuses on the general theme of resistance against
intolerance. In view of the events of 11 September in the US
and the war in Afghanistan many organisations protest especially
against the rising islamophobia, the scapegoating of those who
are deemed to look like terrorists. They commemorate the innocent
civilians that have been killed. They warn against the effects
of the fear of terrorism, which has already led to violations
of basic civil rights by European governments.
The campaign
For many in Europe the commemoration of the "Kristallnacht"
pogrom of 9 November has a deeper meaning than just looking back.
Although participants clearly see big differences between the
governments of today and the one in Nazi Germany, it is possible
to see some similarities between our situation and the situation
in 1938.
Refugees have nowhere to turn to. Violence against minorities
is commonplace, especially against Roma. The extreme right is
gaining power in the democratic arena.
UNITED for Intercultural Action coordinates each year a European-wide
campaign to commemorate the past, protest against present injustice
and build a better future.
The UNITED campaigns are unique because of the variety and diversity
of the activities and the amount of people, organisations and
countries involved.
A full list of activities (activity descriptions + contact data)
is available on www.unitedagainstracism.org and can be faxed
or e-mailed on request.
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
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