Berliners Unite Against Extremism and for Democracy
Berlin’s Bebelplatz became a beacon of solidarity and resistance as tens of thousands of people gathered for a demonstration under the banner "Mutig. Menschlich. Miteinander" (Courageous. Humane. Together). The event, organized by the alliance "Hand in Hand," saw an estimated 30,000 attendees according to police and 38,000 according to the organizers.
Despite the icy temperatures, the square and the adjacent Unter den Linden boulevard were thronged with people, including many parents with children. The rally featured performances by renowned singer Herbert Grönemeyer, Die Ärzte drummer Bela B, and human rights activist Düzen Tekkal.
The demonstration was fueled by growing concerns about the erosion of democracy and the rise of right-wing extremism ahead of the upcoming federal elections. "I see a great danger that democracy will be lost and that parties will come to power that will undermine and destroy it," expressed one demonstrator. The large turnout, she added, instilled a sense of hope and solidarity. "To feel that there are people who think exactly like us or similarly, that gives you a certain kind of strength."
Religious leaders also played a prominent role in the rally, with Rabbi Andreas Nachama and Protestant Bishop Christian Stäblein delivering speeches condemning antisemitism and racism. "Respect for human dignity and humanity brings us together today. Respect for each and every person," Stäblein declared. "We are a firewall against extremists. Only together, hand in hand, can we succeed against those who want to destroy us."
During the gathering, a moment of silence was observed for the mother and daughter who were killed in the Munich attack. The square fell into a profound hush as attendees paid tribute to their memory.
In addition to the speeches and performances, the demonstration included a variety of other activities, such as a banner made up of 38,000 handwritten messages of solidarity. The event concluded with a call for unity and a plea for people to remain vigilant against the forces that seek to divide society.
"We must not allow ourselves to be divided. We must stand together," urged Grönemeyer. "Let us be loud, let us be clear, let us be united. We will not let democracy be undermined."
The Berlin demonstration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of active citizenship and the need to stand up for core democratic values. The large turnout and the diversity of participants demonstrated that a significant portion of the population is committed to defending democracy and fighting against extremism.
