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CAMPAIGN REPORT |
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Commemorations in 44 Countries Demonstration in Cities all over France Right Wing Party 'Vlaams Blok' forbidden in Belgium Around the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism 2004 many activities were organised all over Europe. In the framework of the UNITED campaign 'Hope not Fear' organisations in 44 countries raised historical awareness and drew attention to current racism issues. In a wide variety of events tens of thousands of people took part showing their respect to the victims of the 'Kristallnacht' and past violence as well as their sensitivity towards tendencies of spreading fear through fascist and antisemitic acts of these days. Like in the past years torchlight processions were organised in Denmark and Norway. In France, Hungary and Poland thousands of people got together in large anti-fascist demonstrations and concerts. All over Germany services, pickets, lectures and a lot of other activities were organised. In Bulgaria students of 10 schools participated in discussions and an essay competition 'Bridge to the Future'. UNITED material was spread all over Europe. Exhibitions were organised showing UNITED campaign posters, including 40.000 campaign posters for 2004: 'Hope not Fear'. UNITED co-ordinated the European campaign by motivating organisations to participate, providing information through the Internet and other media and publishing a press release.  Hope not FearOver the last years neo-fascist and racist organizations have increasingly used fear in their propaganda. According to them people are divided in groups of the 'good' and the 'evil'. Scapegoats are searched to blame them for the evil. Also governments and media spread fear against certain minority groups, immigrants and especially against Muslims today to justify policies, which violate basic human rights for the sake of 'state-security'. Xenophobia as well as antisemitism are still on the rise. The year 2004 showed that we must not allow fear to dominate our minds and thoughts but instead we should cultivate tolerance and the value of living together. The recent burning down of mosques and Islamic schools as well as of churches in the Netherlands in November 2004 shows that the 'Kristallnacht' is not just a historical event of the past. The 'Kristallnacht' pogrom: a short history In Germany on November 9th 1938, the Nazis started a pogrom against the Jews. After the Nazis came to power in 1933, Jews were subjected to harsh laws against them - being forced to hand over their businesses to 'Aryans', only being allowed to shop in Jewish-owned shops, children only allowed to go to Jewish schools etc. This was accompanied by a wave of organised violence against Jews in the streets and elsewhere. But, until November 9th 1938, many of these attacks had the appearance of being unplanned by the leadership of the Nazi Party and the government of Germany. On November 6th, a young Jew living in Paris, Herschel Grynszpan, received a post-card from his father Zindel who had been deported, along with 18.000 other German Jews, on October 27th to the Polish frontier. The postcard described the terrible conditions that the deportees were living under. Herschel Grynszpan was so angered by what he read that he went to the German Embassy in Paris and shot the first German official that he saw, Ernst vom Rath, a diplomatic assistant. Vom Rath died of his injuries on November 8th and the news of his death reached Germany the next day. Hitler and Goebbels were at that moment attending the NSDAP celebration on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Hitler putsch on 9 November 1923. Goebbels directly took up the chance to hold a rabble-speech against Jews. The pogrom started in Berlin on November 9th 1938, organised unofficially by Hitler's SA storm troops. In a telegram-letter to all SA and SS-groups, Reinhard Heydrich, leader of the SS, clearly ordered the violence to begin. Synagogues were set on fire. Jewish shops had their windows smashed across the country, which gave rise to the name 'Kristallnacht', which freely translated means the Night of Broken Glass. Many Jews were physically attacked too. More than 7000 Jewish businesses across the country were attacked. Fires were lit in every Jewish area and the Nazis burned religious books. Around 200 synagogues were destroyed. The violence lasted 24 hours and 91 Jews were killed. More than 30.000 were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Many of them were killed in the following two months. The 'Kristallnacht' pogrom is usually seen as the symbolic 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 such as communists and
socialists, and Roma and Sinti. Estimates of the number of so-called
"Gypsies" murdered are between 200.000 and 1.500.000.
The estimated number of homosexuals killed in the camps varies
from 10.000 to 15.000. Country Reports AUSTRIA In 1938, half a year after Austria became a part of Nazi-Germany, almost 8,000 Jews were arrested during the 'Kristallnacht" pogroms, 3,700 were sent of to concentration camps. Also Austrian citizens watched how synagogues were burned down and participated in destroying Jewish shops and homes. "Never forget" was the title of the picket and rally organised by Revolutionsbräuhof at the Aspangbahnhof-station in Vienna, from where many Jews were deported to concentration camps after "Kristallnacht". The exhibition "The Persecution and the Assassination of the European Jews 1933-1945" starting on the 9th of November and lasting more than a month was organised by "Israelitische Kulturgemeinde Wien". The demonstration "Never Forget Against Antisemitism and Fascism!" organised by Cafe Critique was organised also to express solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community. To raise awareness that antisemitism is still a problem also in Austria "MOJA - Mobile Jugendarbeit" organised discussions titled "Antisemitism Today" and exhibitions of UNITED posters in several youth centres and public places in Lower Austria. Exhibitions and distribution of UNITED material in universities and schools all over Austria were also organised by "Verein für Dienste im Ausland". AZERBAIJAN On 4 November a member of the Helsinki Citizens Assembly of Azerbaijan was interviewed by national TV about prospects for peace in the Azeri-Armenian relations. The interview was subsequently cut, manipulated and misinterpreted which opened the way for a campaign against the HCA resulting in physical attacks on its offices. HCA has been at the forefront of efforts to build bridges between ethnic and national groups in the Caucasus and it has cooperated with the UNITED network. This serious incident shows that forces of nationalism are unfortunately strong but civil society has the moral courage to act against it. Also for the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism Azerbaijani organisations took part at the UNITED Campaign. On the 7th of November "Women's Association for Rational Development" (WARD) organised a round table titled "We are against Racism, Fascism, Discrimination and Clanism" in Baku. Woman from Azerbaijani NGOs got information about 'Kristallnacht' and about the UNITED network. The types of existing discrimination were discussed. Also on this day the Conference "Civil Society Against Nationalism and Fascism" organised by "Youth Centre for Conflict Studies and Peacemaking" took place in Baku. "Azerbaijani Youth Against Racism" was the title of the Seminar organised by "Secular Progress Youth Association" on Baku on the 9th of November. The Participants heard a lecture about the nature of racism, its history, and current activities of organisations of the European network aimed to prevent acts of racism in the contemporary world. After this there was a discussion and the participants decided to broaden their activities to enlighten youth on liberal valued of the democratic world to prevent any acts of discrimination in Azerbaijan. The national legislation and international documents against, racism, fascism and antisemitism and their implementation mechanics were the themes of the "Seminar for Young Lawyers" organised by "Azerbaijan Young Lawyers' Union". A media campaign concerning the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism was organised by the "Human Rights Centre of Azerbaijan. BELARUS In the last 15 years, not a single trial has been held in Belarus concerning cemetery desecrations, neo-Nazi graffiti, or vandalism against synagogues. The practice of the legal process makes it practically impossible to win a case against villains with antisemitic background. In order to prove a case of incitement to national hatred one must have evidence of "intention". But this is only possible if the accused admits his guilt. Spreading antisemitic ideas in Belarus is easy and without much consequences. Following numerous requests from Jewish organisations the Russian-based newspaper "Russkii Vestnik" was banned in Belarus in 2003. However, just one year later it reappeared at kiosks. The newspaper regularly publishes antisemitic articles; some, for example, blamed the Jews for the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 while others discussed the subject of Jews killing Christians as part of their religious customs. Also the situation for NGOs remains difficult. The government continues to use presidential decrees to suppress human rights activities. At the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism a regional campaign was organised by "Stop Racism in Belarus" and the "Antifa-centre". The "Belarusian Social Forum" was organised and joined by a lot of organisations like "The Federation of Anarchists of Belarus", "NAVINKI" Newspaper Crew, "Belarusian Lambda League", Republican Youth Female Association "YANA", Belarusian Social-Democratic Youth "Maladaya Hramada" and the Belarusian Social Movement "RAZAM!" The social forum lasting from 5th until 7th of November aimed to bring together activists from social movements. Nationalism and xenophobia, the antifascist movement, the minorities rights movement and NGOs in Belarus were some of the themes at the Forum and in the Working Groups. In Minsk the "Anti-Fascist Brigades - Antyfascyk Magazine" joined the UNITED campaign by organising the exhibition "Hope not Fear" with UNITED posters and antifascist material. BELGIUM The extreme rightwing party Vlaams Blok must dissolve itself. The Supreme Court of Belgium decided on 9th November 2004 that the party had been guilty of heavy offences against the laws fighting racism. This means that the Vlaams Blok is no longer entitled to any state funds. But according to opinion polls the VB, re-established under the name Vlaams Belang, is still the strongest party in Flanders. In Brussels a meeting was organised by "Action Pour Que Vive Bruxelles - Actie Voor een leefbaar Brussel!". With the title "Extreme Right, No, Thank You!" people demonstrated for support for the prohibition of the Vlaams Blok. Other organisations took the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism as a reason to get active against all forms of racism and fascism. To raise awareness AEGEE - Ass. des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe distributed UNITED posters in Brussels and the Liga voor Mensenrechten distributed campaign material in Gent. The "Opré Roma" - Roma Rights League joined the UNITED campaign and organised a cultural evening titled "Hope not Fear". BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA More than 2 million people were forcibly displaced during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 9 years after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,001,520 people returned to their home areas at the end of August 2004 according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. On 9th November "Nansen Dialogue Centre Banjaluka" organised activities in Banjaluka like in the past years. In 2004 NDC Banjaluka focused on universities and contacted several student organisations to join and to support the campaign. Also volunteers and members of NDC were invited. UNITED campaign material was distributed in the Faculty of Philosophy together with the Faculty's Student Organisation as well as in the main city campus. The campaign activists started to discuss the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism with students. One of the themes during the discussions was how the campaign is organised in other European countries. CROATIA In 2004 Croatia made progress towards the membership in the European Union but did little to improve its still chequered human rights record. The slow progress of the return of displaced and refugee Serbs is one example. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), which took power after the parliamentary elections in November 2003 pledged to undertake the necessary human rights reforms. The government's limited progress to date, however, has raised concerns whether it can deliver on its promises. During the 1991-95 war in Croatia between 300.000 and 350.000 Croatian Serbs left their homes. The government had registered 112,162 Serb returnees by August 2004. In reality this number is significantly lower because many Croatian Serbs left again. For most minority refugees and displaced persons it took almost ten years to repossess their homes, which had been occupied after they fled or were forced out of Croatia. The explanation is a pattern of obstruction and discrimination by previous governments and authorities according to the report of "Human Rights Watch" for 2005. The "Committee for Human Rights Karlovac" organised an open forum in Karlovac. During the forum the book "Jews in Zagreb" written by a famous Croatian historian Slavko Goldstein was promoted and UNITED posters were distributed. A poster campaign was organised by "New Antifascist Front of Woman" who distributed anti-racist materials in Zagreb. CYPRUS Also Cypriot NGOs joined the UNITED campaign of 2004. The Human Rights Education Network organised a human rights training and networking seminar for trainers. It was intended to empower persons from all communities, working on the Human Rights from different perspectives such as education, issues of migrants and refugees, people with disabilities, environmental protection, youth organisations and women's organisations' according to the report. The exchange of information and experiences, personal and cultural differences, presentation skills of people and issues, lobbying and dissemination of ideas, networking practices, conflict management and peaceful confrontation were just some of the many themes. Many activities were organised during an Action Week from 8th till 14th November by "KISA Action for Equality, Support, Antiracism" in cooperation with the Cyprus Social Forum and other NGOs. The events were organised "for the rights of migrants and against racism". The first action was a panel discussion on the subject of discrimination against migrant workers and the need for a change. Another activity was a rally with the motto "The immigrants are not a problem The problem is racism". The rally included speeches as well as a cultural program and a march in the main streets of Nicosia. A film projection on themes such as the cultures of different countries and the migratory experience of people searching for a better future in the USA was also a part of the events. The Action Week ended with the yearly "Rainbow Festival" including music, songs, dance, exhibitions, contests, discussions, games and food from various countries. CZECHIA The situation of Roma in Czechia remains difficult as in many European countries. Hardly any improvements were made regarding the Roma living in a ghetto and being discriminated by the society. Substantial problems caused by racist acts of violence and abuse by the police are mentioned in the third report on the Czech Republic of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance. On the International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism "YEE - Youth and Environment Europe" organised an action day in Praha. Participants received information about the topics related with that day through video-documents, a photo exposition and book presentations. Another part of the day was the concerts. During all actions UNITED posters were distributed and many people became aware of the message "Hope not Fear". "La Strada - Foundation Against Trafficking in Women" also distributed UNITED campaign material in Praha. FINLAND "A current topic in Finland could be the unspoken, invisible form of racism and silent approval of it (...) In our own right we are all able to influence a process that one day may bring about a united and open Europe and a world and better tomorrow" reflects a Student Union Board Member of the University of Joensuu. The International Section of the Student Union of the University of Joenssu motivated other students and student organisations to light candles in commemoration of the 'Kristallnacht'. A movie was also shown. "Our intention is to provoke thoughts, from perspectives of the past and the present" one of the organisers explained. A poetry event for immigrants called "Pictures of the World" was organised by "Mira International Culture Society". A council chose 15 poems for publication. Writers, musicians, professional actors and students were invited. "Radio Robin Hood" organised a series of radio spots "Against Racism! Against Fascism!". FRANCE In July 2004 the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon advised all "French Jews to come to Israel" because antisemitism is spread in France. France, which is home of Europe's largest Jewish community estimated at 600.000, has seen a sharp rise in antisemitic acts the recent years. Nevertheless, many observers considered Sharon's statement unacceptable. Young Moslems are frequently made responsible for the growing antisemitism. The famous philosopher André Glucksmann sees the problem in a more complex way:" The growing antisemitism is not a consequence of the Intifada, but a twin brother of the wave of anti-Americanism." On 6th and 7th of November several thousands demonstrated against racism, antisemitism and discrimination, in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Montpellier, Bordeaux and other cities. "Live Together: Free, Equal and in Solidarity!" was the name of the nation-wide campaign organised by "Movement against racism and for friendship between the people" (MRAP). According to the police 2500 people took part in the biggest march, in western Paris. Sadly, the demonstration was accompanied by controversies over the participation of the Union of Islamic Organisations with alleged links to Islamic fundamentalists. SOS-Racism and some Jewish groups didn't take part at the demonstration. In Bordeaux MRAP organised exhibitions, forums, debates and music. "Ras l'Front Reims" organised a 'Kristallnacht' Commemoration on the 9th of November taking place at the Square of Victims of the Gestapo in Reims. GEORGIA One year after the rose revolution Georgia still faces a lot of problems like the raising poorness of a part of the population. However also discrimination and racism is a present problem. To fight for human rights and to combat all forms of discrimination and racism Non Governmental Organisations in Tbilisi got active and organised a variety of events. At a festival on the 30th and the 31st of October antifascist and antiracist material was distributed by members of the "Helsinki Citizens' Assembly - Georgian National Committee". In the first two weeks UNITED campaign material was also distributed on the streets. With the slogan "Fascism is a Shame" the "Human Rights Information and Documentation Centre" distributed UNITED posters, published a press release and wrote an article to raise awareness to the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism. The "International Union ERTOBA" organised the two workshops "Are you Ready for Peace?" and "Do We Have an Alternative?" bringing up to discussion problems of fascism and antisemitism. GERMANY The recent success of the neonazi party NPD in the German regional elections in Saxony shows that racism and antisemitism still pose a serious danger. A party that regularly issues antisemitic and racist statements got 12 seats in the regional parliament. During the last four years the NPD even received 1.5 million Euro in subsidies from the state. Even 9th November didn't prevent the NPD from organising a meeting to commemorate the "heroes" of the Nazi army. Other neonazi organisations also used the this date to commemorate the Hitler putsch of 9 November 1923. The 'Thüringer Heimatschutz' describes the 1923 events in Munich as "the first try of the National Socialists to create a better Germany with a peaceful Revolution". Later they add "And today we are ready, to follow in these Men's footsteps and to do the same". Some neonazis even tried to prevent 'Kristallnacht' commemoration activities and to spread fear among antiracist and antifascist activitst. In Wurzen the windows of the office from 'Netzwerk für Demokratische Kultur Ev.' were destroyed a few days before 9 November because of an explosive device. However many of German organisations and communities resisted intimidation and joined the UNITED campaign to show that there is "Hope not Fear". The "14th Thüringer Council Against Racism and Antisemitism " organised by "LAG Aantifaschismus/Antirassismus Thüringen" took place even after neonazis promised to "do everything one can to prevent the Antifa Council" and published personal details of some of the organisers. The participants discussed the connection between social insecurity and the spread of racist and neofascist ideology. With a Protest Ricket "Against Forgetting" the participants commemorate the "Kristallnight" progrom. In Bremen thousands of teenagers got together at the annual commemoration with music, theater, dance, sport, exhibitions, discussions and lectures. This year the main theme was "Respect" but also "antisemitism", "nationalism" and "humanity". In Baden Württenberg "Anstifter Bürgerprojekte gegen das Vergessen" organised readings in around 140 schools called "Against Violence and 'Forgetting'" to make the pupils aware of the danger and the consequences of fascism and antisemitism. Demonstrations, torchlight-processions, services, lectures, exhibitions and much more activities to commemorate 'Kristallnacht' progroms were organised in cities all over Germany, among them, Aachen, Berlin, Erfurt and Bonn. More than 50 activities in 23 cities in Eastern Germany, with lectures, workshops, exhibitions, films etc. were organised by "Amadeu Antonio Sitftung". GREAT-BRITAIN The basic understanding of development of racism, employment of anti-racist principles in community work, racist language, development of stereotypes, the influence of media and political rhetoric and practical responses to racist attitudes were the themes of training sessions in Newcastle upon Tyne. The training was titled "An Introduction to Racism Awareness and Anti-racist Work" and organised by Tyne & Wear Anti-Fascist Association. Organisations all over the country organised poster campaigns. The Scottish Human Rights Centre organised a poster display in Glasgow, Leeds University's Student Unions distributed posters at Leeds University and "Show Racism the Red Card" produced and distributed posters with pictures of football teams showing the red card to racism. In connection with the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism the Trans-European Roma Federation organised a conference in London calling for a better recognition of current antiromanism in Europe. Commemoration around cultural reference points was one of the themes of the meeting in London organised by Jewish Socialist Group on 7th November. HUNGARY The progress in dealing with the problems of racism, intolerance and discrimination in Hungary is still limited. Continuing racially motivated violent acts including brutalities by the police are one of the problems to be tackled in Hungary. Another one is that the country still has no integration strategy that ensures that immigrants become a full part of Hungarian society. Migrants and asylum seekers are facing negative attitudes. It is also a consequence of antisemitic, racist, xenophobic and intolerant feelings expressed in the media and by some politicians, according to the report of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). To counteract those tendencies NGOs, mainly in Budapest, joined the UNITED "Hope not Fear" campaign. "New Ways of Antiracist Communication" was the title of several activities organised by the "Foundation of Subjective Values - Szubjektiv Ertekek Alapitvany ". A discussion meeting, a concert, the presentation of the new website and a radio broadcast were the events taking place in Budapest. To commemorate 'Kristallnacht' but also to put an eye on the neo-fascist and ultra-right movements of the present-day Hungary the Raoul Wallberg Association organised as part of the commemoration a scientific lecture and special advertisements. To raise awareness among students on Holocaust issues "Webportal Civic Education Civic-edu.net" organised an interview and photo project. The intercultural education project lasting over a longer period was titled "Making Young People Think". NETHERLANDS After the murder of the Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh "The hate is growing like a wild fire" (Algemeen Dagblad). Mosques in several Dutch cities have been the targets of vandalism and failed arson attempts. An Islam school was burned down due to a bomb attack a Christian school was damaged by fire. Churches were attacked too. The country which was famous for tolerance, liberalism and a good way of living together suddenly appeared to be not that tolerant at all. What seemed to be living "together" turned out to be more like living "next" to eachother. To spread the message that living together in a multicultural society is possible and that not extreme reaction but tolerance is the answer to the growing hate and fear Netherlands and Moroccan organisations organised a demonstration "Killed because of the Word! We do not Accept Extremism! Biking for Unity!" The participants cycled by bike through Amsterdam and stopped at mosques. The end of the demonstration was marked by a big happening with speeches, music and a reading of a poem. In Breda the "Comité Herdenking Kristallnacht Breda" organised a vigil procession passing a church, a synagogue and a mosque under the title "Learning from History". In addition they organised a concert with anti-fascists protest songs, speeches, a documentation film and a discussion forum under the themes islamophobia and antisemitism. A torchlight procession through the city of Hoorn was organised by "Antifascistis-che Aktie Hoorn". Also in Eindhoven, Groesbeek, Gouda and Heerlen and other cities people commemorated 'Kristallnight'. NORWAY The 'Kristallnacht' commemoration in Norway was shadowed by bad rumours about the commemoration march in Oslo, which led to an international discussion. Some media reported that the committee behind the march had decided to ban Jewish symbols and forbid Jews to take part at the march. A spokesperson of the board of the Norwegian Association against Antisemitism dispels the rumours: "It is simply not true (...) the committee (...) made a statement that they did not want national flags in the march, neither Palestinian nor Israeli, simply to avoid clashes in the Mid-East conflict during what was meant to be a commemoration of the Kristallnacht (...) Before any riots could occur, the police turned up and prevented (...) group(s) of extremists to march into the Kristallnacht commemoration(...)" Unfortunately many people just believed the media and what was written on the Internet. "SOS Rasisme" organised torchlight processions all over the country for example in Trondheim and Bergen. In Moss a concert was organised, too. "Don't Forget about 'Kristallnight'" was the title of the poster campaign and candle vigil organised by "Norwegian People's Aid - Norsk Folkehjelp". POLAND Antisemitism is still a problem in Poland. This shows the success of the extreme right-wing party "League of Polish Families (LPR)" at the European Parliament elections in 2004. The Holocaust is also a part of Polish history as for example the mass murder in Auschwitz. So again many Polish organisations commemorated 'Kristallnacht' and organised activities to prevent and combat fascism and antisemitism. "One World Association - SCI Poland - Stowarzyscenie Jeden Swiat" and "Amnesty International Poznan" organised workshops on tolerance for activists and lightning candles in front a former synagogue in Poznan. Apart from antisemitism and fascism also all forms of xenophobia and discrimination, racism, prejudice and hatred were themes of the events. Media reported about the actions. A debate at the University of Warszawa with the title "From Words to Deeds Is Europe Under the Threat of Fascist Movements" was organised by "Open Republic Association Against Antisemitism & Xenophobia". In Warszawa and Wroclaw the "Never Again Association - Stowarzyszenie Nigdy Wiecej" organised several of activities. "Music against Racism" was the title of a concert in Warszawa. A publication of results of monitoring neofascist violence in Poland, a press conference and an exhibition of antiracist posters were organised on the occasion of the International day against Fascism and Antisemitism. In Wroclaw a concert, religions services for victims of fascism and antisemitism, a theatre performance and school workshops were organised. A media release was widely spread and info about "Never Again" and UNITED activities was promoted on the website of the famous polish actress Krystyna Janda. Under the title "Krakow Remembers" the "Crisis Intervention Society" organised lightning candles at the monument for victims of fascism in Krakow-Plasow and a meeting in Krakow with the title "Songs of Mordechaj Gebirtig". Also a meeting with psychiatrists working with survivors of the Second World War and their descendants titled "Long Shadows of 'Kristallnacht'" was also organised on the 10th of November. "Centre for Jewish Culture in Kazimierz, Krakow" and the "Austrian Consulate General in Krakow" organised the art exhibition "Emigrated to Palestine Long Ago". In Torun "Polish Humanitarian Organisation - Polska Akcja Humanitarna" created a graphic presentation and prepared educational material for their workshop for children "All Different - All Equal" on the 8th of November. ROMANIA In November 2003 the Romanian president formed an expert commission to investigate the Romanian Holocaust. One year later the commission presented the report. In Romania and in the areas controlled by Romania it is estimated that about 410.000 Jews and 25.000 Roma got killed since 1941. Responsible are the Romanian rulers of that time. The commission also reminds to use the existing laws or to improve them. In 2002 the emergency ordinance came into force forbidding fascist, racist and xenophobic organisations and symbols. Denial the Holocaust and to honour the war criminals like the military dictator Ion Antonescu is not allowed. But streets are still called after his name and his portrait hangs still in a lot of public buildings. On the 12th of October Romania for the first time officially commemorated the Holocaust. Two weeks later the leader of the Foundation for Combating the anti-Romanian Movement and author of a few books denialing the Holocaust and Professor at the University of Bucharest got the opportunity to talk on television. He insulted on the commission and announced to prove with another commission that in Romania a Holocaust never happened. On the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism Romanian organisation participated at the UNITED campaign. "Together against Antisemitism" is name of the project organised by "Miscarea Tinerilor pentru Pace" and "Forumul de Tineret pentru Integrare Europeana Oradea" which began with a presentation of Jewish culture and history. To commemorate 'Kristallnacht' the participants made vigil and walked through the city of Oradea to a synagogue. In Cluj-Napoca "Youth Action for Pease Romania" organised an intercultural education with round tables and debates to raise self-awareness to the incidents on 9 November 1938. The "Romany Public Foundation" organised a public meeting in Iasi under the title "Remembering the Pogrom from Local Perspective". In Craiova the "Students Association of Craiova" distributed leaflets and UNITED posters in the streets. "Erasing Racist Graffiti's from the Walls of Bucharest" was organised by "Media Monitoring Agency - Academia Catavencu". From the 8 of November till the 12 of November "Romanian National Council for Refugees" organised and "Awareness Campaign" with educational sessions and distribution of posters at student campuses. RUSSIA Racism and the hatred of foreigners are growing in Russia especially in the big cities. According to inquiries 60 per cent of the Russians have opinions hostile to strangers. Only in 2004 the office for human rights in Moscow recorded 300 crimes with racist motives. But such numbers do not have a big meaning in Russia because the police show little interest in investigating nationalistic hate crimes. In 2004 just five times courts made judgements because of criminal offences with the background of ethnic hate. Experts estimate the right-extremist scene of Russia includes 50,000 skinheads. In June the racism-expert Nikolaj Girenko, who was also a lecturer at the UNITED conference in Petersburg, was shot dead at the door of his house. "Why" was the title of a training in Tomsk dealing with the causes of discrimination, the history and the actual situation of antisemitism organised by "Argudal - Jewish Union Tomsk". In Nizhny Novgorod the "Dialogue - Center for Ethnic Interaction organised the competition "Antifascist Poetry Among Teenagers" and an exhibition of books titled "Multiethnic Nizhny". The Institute of Globalisation Studies organised several Youth Meetings in 5 districts of Moscow. "No Future for Fascism!" was the title of these meetings around 9th November with the aim of youth consolidation against the strengthening of the nazi-skinhead movement in Russia. A variety of actions were also organised by the International Network - Youth Human Rights Movement (YHRM). An international graphics contest "Unauthorised Persons...Are Welcome!", which lasted from October till the end of 2004, was organised. Actions concerning anti-fascism, the fight against antisemitism, tolerance, peacemaking and intercultural cooperation were organised on 9th November in Voronezh, Moscow region, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don and Nizhny Novgorod. Street actions, open lessons, round tables and awareness actions were arranged with the title" 'Kristallnacht' Never Again! - Week of Joint Youth Actions". SERBIA & MONTENEGRO On the night of the 4th to the 5th of November, two young men sprayed a swastika on the plaque of the entrance of the Humanitarian Law Centre in Belgrade. Then they signed on a wall with "Combat 18". The owner of the building who tried to stop them was physically assaulted and threatened with a knife unless he let them go. On the 9th of November organisations all over Serbia and Montenegro stated "Hope not Fear". In Kraljevoor the organisation "Positive Youth" distributed UNITED campaign material and organised a promo-party with a presentation of UNITED and the 9 of November campaign. Also in Belgrade members of "Positive Youth" spread posters at the university. A panel discussion titled "Eternal Fascism" with experts from local NGOs was organised by "Youth Initiative for Human Rights Belgrade". Young people and activists discussed their opinions about fascism and what it means to them. Fascism and antisemitism was also the theme of the exhibition and the workshops in Beograd organised by "Radionica". In Negotin "Resource Centre Negotin - Resurs Centar Negotin" organised a public tribune discussion with a street action and informative educational debates. SLOVAKIA Slovakia's progress in solving issues of racism, intolerance, and discrimination is still insufficient in many areas, according to a report published by the Council of Europe's European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI). Racially motivated violence, including police brutality, remains a problem in Slovakia and often goes unpunished due to weak law enforcement. The country's Roma minority is severely disadvantaged in most areas of life, including housing, employment, and education, says the report. At the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism the wellknown NGO "People against Racism" joined the UNITED campaign "Hope not Fear". In Bratislava a concert and an infostand was organised. SPAIN According to a study of "Movimiento contra la Intolerancia" 11% of young people would expel Jews out of their area if it would depend on them. "This demonstrates a passage of Antisemitism which is very worrisome" (MCI-Sevilla). MCI participated at the UNITED campaign and organised a lecture, a vigil and a minute of silence in Sevilla. MCI-Madrid organised a conference and a round table titled the "Second Forum of Solidarity with Romans". In Barcelona "CIEMEN - International Research Centre Ethnic Minorities & Nations" organised a Poster Campaign. SWEDEN A discussion of Nazi and neo-Nazi persecution of homosexuals took place in the Swedish capital Stockholm as part of the 2004 UNITED European wide campaign "Hope not Fear". The participants also discussed neo-Nazi attacks during the year on such events as the Rainbow Festivals in Krakow and Poznan (Poland). Another activity was an art and photo exhibition of work by Swedish lesbians and gays and a documentation of two visits by international homosexual delegations to the site of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The "2nd Nordic Salute to Homosexual Victims of Nazis and neo-Nazis" was organised and supported by "Tupilak Nordic Lesbian and Gay Cultural Workers", "ILGCN - International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network" and the "Nordic Homo Council" Two radio talk shows were organised by "The English International Association of Lund". Connected to the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism the show "The Evils of Racism" was broadcast on 8th and 9th November and the show "Tolerance" on 6th November ACTIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES In Armenia "Youth for Democracy" organised a photo exhibition and a theatre forum. The activities titled "Youth against Racism and Antisemitism" took place in Gyumri on 9th and 10th November. In Denmark a big event with music, speeches, a progressive platform and a vigil was organised by the Fagforeninger mod Racisme, SOS mod Racisme, Komiteen Flygtninge Under Jorden and the Danish Trade Unions. This event in Nytorv had the motto: "Yes to Integration No to Racism, Antisemitism and Nazism". "Drawing parallels to Germany's situation in the past to the situation in Europe today" was the title of a debate Café in Odense. During the activity organised by "Antiracist Network in Odense" together with "Ungdomshuset / Korsløkke Ungdomsskule" the growing antisemitism and hatred towards ethnic minorities were discussed. In Ireland "NEAR fm 101.6" organised the radio program "Situation and Concerns of Jews in Ireland" in Dublin. Also the Turkish organisation "Arkadas Independent News" made a radio program about Antisemitism. "Youth Human Rights Group Kyrgyzstan" organised an educational action on the International Day against Fascism and Antisemitism. In Latvia "Union of Jewish Youth of Latvia / Jewish Youth Centre" joined the UNITED campaign by organising a meeting with speeches, a concert and a cinema show in Riga. In the Ukraine the centre of Jewish culture was opened as a symbol of peaceful coexistence of different nationalities and religions in the region of Mykolaiv. "The Council of National Societies of Mykolaiv Region" was the organiser of this event and also prepared an article about the 9th of November campaign in Europe. UP Order the
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