Alliance #HandInHand: together against the extreme right!

February 3rd was grey, windy and drizzly in Berlin, but hundreds of thousands of people still gathered around the Bundestag. Young and old, many families, different initiatives and backgrounds, from churches, migrant self-organizations to football fans. Many, colorful and loud: for a cosmopolitan and diverse society, for a vibrant democracy and culture of remembrance. Together we have stood against right-wing extremist incitement and violence, whether it happens on the streets, in parliaments or online.

ASF is part of the Hand in Hand alliance organizing this and other protests. In addition, ASF regional groups support campaigns nationwide, especially in smaller cities.

In a fast-moving world, we see the political climate in Europe changing ominously. Right-wing extremist views receive public support, acts of hate speech and violence are widespread. Racism, anti-Semitism and other forms of group-based misanthropy are increasing. People are degraded because of poverty, unemployment or homelessness.

At the same time, urgent tasks such as climate protection and social justice are downgraded to annoying impositions.

In a broad alliance, we will no longer passively watch the shift to the right in Germany and Europe.

We are determined to become loud and active: for an open, democratic, plural and solidarity society.

Silence is not an option!

We must become visible and audible. The time to act is NOW!