7000 people stand up against racism and for peaceful coexistence
Rheine. Mayor Dr. Peter Lüttmann was not the only one who was thrilled when 7,000 people gathered at Bornesquare on Tuesday evening to demonstrate against racism, anti-Semitism and hostility towards foreigners and democracy. “This is a strong and necessary signal,” he said.
In his welcoming address, Dr. Lothar Kurz, initiator of the demonstration, spoke of an “avalanche” that had developed from his idea. Indeed, not only was the Bornesquare packed, but also the streets around it and even parts of the market square.
In his speech, historian André Schaper looked back on the Nazi takeover 91 years ago. “The historical lesson must be for all of us: Never again and that never again is now!”
Catholic Dean Thomas Hüwe, who took part in the event together with his Protestant counterpart Erich Schwager and pastoral advisor Matthias Werth, also emphasized on behalf of his confreres: “There is no overlap between Christians and the AfD!”
Petra Gaasbeck from the refugee association “Welcome in Rheine” reported on the work of her association and the positive experiences with migrants from various countries. In response to the AfD’s “deportation demands”, she asked: “How might this be received by the people who have fled their home countries and found a new home with us?”
Holger Klinge is Head of Human Resources at KTR and spokesperson for the Good Employer Location initiative. “Our companies are diverse and Rheine will remain colorful.” He referred to the large proportion of the workforce that has a migration background. “Every company would be dead if the migrants weren’t there.”
In his speech, Herbert Fühner from the DGB local association referred to the recent founding of a local branch of the AfD. The demonstrators responded to the founding of this party in Rheine with booing and whistling.
Between the individual speeches, the music group “Signale” performed songs – some of which were sing-alongs.
The event concluded with speeches by Emine Dorsun, a representative of second-generation immigrants, Maja Dirks, spokesperson for the city’s school pupils, Harry Skibbe as “spokesperson for the silent majority”, Dieter Fühner from the Caritas Association and Dr. Angelika Kordfelder, Chairwoman of the European Union. The latter called on all participants to take part in the European Parliament elections on June 9.
d
