8 May 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Germany's liberation from National Socialism. On this day, we remember the immeasurable victims and suffering caused by the National Socialist regime: A regime that brought the German people themselves to political power as an expression of a dangerous intellectual and moral aberration. We commemorate the millions of people who lost their lives and those who suffered unimaginable suffering.
This day is not only a moment of remembrance, but also a reminder to us all to remain vigilant and to defend the values of democracy, freedom and human rights and to stand up for them together. At a time when right-wing extremist ideologies are once again gaining strength, it is our duty to take decisive action against hatred, intolerance and false statements. We must never allow the dark chapters of our history to be repeated.
We were shocked to learn that the signage for the Jewish memorial in Büttgen has been damaged. The signage is a sign of our confrontation with the expulsion and murder of our Jewish fellow citizens. The signs are a reminder of their fate. This culminated in the Shoah, but our Jewish fellow citizens have been marginalised, harassed and threatened worldwide for centuries. We feel that destroying the signs is an attack on peaceful coexistence and an expression of growing anti-Semitism.
Together, we want to stand up for a society based on respect, diversity and solidarity. Each of us has a responsibility to actively fight against discrimination and marginalisation. Only by acting together can we ensure that the horrors of the past do not define the future and that we do not repeat the mistakes made by our grandparents' generation. We have learnt. That is why there must be no co-operation with extremist parties!
On 8 May, we remember not only the liberation, but also that the achievements of democracy and freedom must always be defended. Let us use this day to renew our determination and stand up for a better, fairer world.
On 17 May, we want to take a stand together against anti-Semitism, right-wing extremism and hatred. We are calling for participation in the bicycle demonstration along the Jüddepatt organised by "Kaarst ist bunt!
Alliance 90 The Greens Kaarst Town Association
Nina Lennhof
Dr Katrin Lukowitz
CDU City Association Kaarst-Büttgen
Christian Horn-Heinemann
FDP City Association Kaarst
Jan Günther
SPD City Association Kaarst
Ulrike Bruckner-Kindsmüller