This year's commemorative event focused in particular on young people who have courageously and creatively dealt with the Nazi past. The event kicked off with a "Market of Opportunities" in the foyer, where Wolfsburg initiatives presented their work for democracy and diversity. Things then became emotional and moving on stage: pupils from the Theodor-Heuss-Gymnasium school recalled the fate of Holocaust survivor Kitty Hart-Moxon. Volkswagen trainees performed a play that got under the skin. This was followed by impressive dance and theater performances by the schools in Fallersleben and the Tanzende Theater Wolfsburg.

An appeal to humanity and democracy

Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann found urgent words: "Remembering the crimes of National Socialism is not a retrospective, but a social mission. Especially today, when anti-Semitic tendencies and inhuman ideologies are becoming visible again, it is all the more important to show our face - for democracy, diversity and humanity. Wolfsburg clearly stands against hatred and exclusion."

"I trust young people to endure our history - without ready-made answers, but with the chance to ask their own questions and find their own expression - that's what we experienced tonight," said city councillor Iris Bothe, who hosted the evening.

The writer and Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, Christoph Heubner, read from his own texts on this evening. Representatives of the liberal Jewish community, including Dimitri Tukuser, were also present.

Remembering means acting - today and in the future

The event was organized by the City of Wolfsburg together with the International Auschwitz Committee, the Verein zur Förderung der Internationalen Jugendbegrünungsstätte Oświęcim/Auschwitz e. V., the Verein Erinnerung und Zukunft e. V. and the Hallenbad - Kultur am Schachtweg.

We are sending a clear signal with this form of commemoration: Remembrance is not something of the past - it is an active part of our responsibility for a humane and democratic society.