Weimar Declaration for Mutual Solidarity
In support of respect, the rules of law, and democracy — in opposition to conspiracy myths, antisemitism and the division of society.
As signatories of the »Weimarer Erklärung für demokratische Bildungsarbeit« (2019), we are deeply concerned that the Buchenwald Memorial has become the target of unprecedented hate in the form of e-mails and phone calls in recent weeks. The statements made in these phone calls and e-mails equate corona infection prevention measures with National Socialism. We stand in solidarity with staff at the Memorial and oppose the instrumentalisation of the pandemic by historical revisionists and enemies of democracy.
The Pandemic is not to be Exploited for Anti-Democratic Purposes
The vast majority of society has been shouldering the burden of the pandemic in solidarity; this is because they understand that it can only be overcome through mutual respect and social cooperation.
During »walks« – some of which take place in Weimar – and in the associated Telegram groups, many are not only concerned with criticizing specific infection prevention measures, but also with delegitimizing the democratic social order itself, as well as its fundamental values. »Walks« are infiltrated by right-wing extremists and »Reichsbürger«. Anti-scientific disinformation and antisemitic conspiracy myths are being spread. In many instances, »walkers« and »corona critics« engage in historical revisionism, equating infection prevention measures with the Holocaust and claiming that we are living under a »corona dictatorship«. Such behaviour not only trivialises National Socialism and mocks its victims, it is also a deliberate attempt to sow hatred and suppress liberal democracy. For this reason, we stand in strong opposition to this behaviour.
Democratic Discourse Must Prevail
As historical, political and cultural educational institutions in Weimar, we provide spaces for democratic debate. We are committed to scientifically based exchanges that accept opposing perspectives without catering to undemocratic and misanthropic ideas. Criticising government measures belongs to a functioning democracy just as much as the right to freedom of expression and the right of assembly do. Respect for human rights and the opinions of others remains essential for social coexistence.
In Support of Mutual Solidarity
Together, we are relying on solidarity and respect during the pandemic. We need to protect not only ourselves and one another, but also our democratic, open, free and solidarity-based society by making our voices heard in support of mutual solidarity!
Prof. Dr. Winfried Speitkamp
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Harms Achtergarde
Bürgerbündnis gegen Rechtsextremismus Weimar
Hasko Weber and Sabine Rühl
Deutsches Nationaltheater and Staatskapelle Weimar GmbH
Henrich Herbst
Evangelisch-Lutherischer Kirchenkreis Weimar
Prof. Dr. Christoph Stölzl
University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar
Dr. Ulrike Lorenz
Klassik Stiftung Weimar
Peter Kleine
City of Weimar
Prof. Dr. Jörg Ganzenmüller
Stiftung Ettersberg
Eric Wrasse
Stiftung Europäische Jugendbildungs- und Jugendbegegnungsstätte Weimar
Prof. Dr. Jens-Christian Wagner
Buchenwald Memorial and Mittelbau-Dora Memorial
Ulrich Dillmann
Volkshochschule Weimar/Jugend- und Kulturzentrum mon ami
Prof. Dr. Michael Dreyer
Weimarer Republik e. V.
Ulrike Köppel
weimar GmbH/Gesellschaft für Marketing, Kongress- und Tourismusservice
You can sign the declaration yourself at: www.weimarer-erklaerung.de