Human chain in Dresden: A strong signal against racism and war!

Human chain in Dresden: A strong signal against racism and war!

On February 13, 2025, around 10,000 people followed the urgent call of Prof. Ursula Staudinger, Rector of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD). At 6 p.m., the participants formed a human chain that stretched through Dresden city center, starting at Theaterplatz in front of the impressive Semperoper.

This event not only commemorated the victims of the bombing of Dresden in 1945, but also the millions who died as a result of the National Socialist tyranny. The human chain was a strong symbol against war, tyranny and destruction. Under the motto “Remembering for a future of coexistence in peace and democracy,” Staudinger emphasized the urgency of vigilance against racism and intolerance as well as the misuse of terms such as democracy and freedom of expression. TUD reports that this commitment not only represents the past, but also a call for today's society to take responsibility.

Participants and engagement

Numerous prominent personalities were represented on the human chain, including Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer and State Parliament President Alexander Dierks. Mayor Dirk Hilbert also emphasized the importance of not only commemorating on February 13th, but also incorporating January 27th and May 8th into the culture of remembrance. The guest of honor was the British Prince Edward Duke of Kent, who also honored the event.

Cécilia Le Nalbaut, a student from Strasbourg, spoke in German at the start of the human chain, thereby highlighting the international dimension of the commemoration. The human chain stretched over four kilometers and led through important places such as the Brühl Terrace, the synagogue, the Frauenkirche and the New Town Hall back to the starting point at Theaterplatz. To ensure the security of the event, 70 to 80 stewards were sought to provide support as volunteers.

Culture of remembrance in Germany

As part of the memorial event, the day of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism on January 27th was also mentioned. The German Institute for Human Rights emphasizes that the remembrance of all victims of National Socialism, including Jews, Sinti*zze, Roma, as well as social outsiders, is a duty anchored in society. Beate Rudolf, director of the institute, called for the memories to be kept alive.

The entanglement of commemoration with the commitment against anti-Semitism and racism is also reflected in the ongoing need to strengthen the values ​​of human rights and democracy. This year, the German Bundestag is dedicating a memorial hour to the cross-generational coming to terms with the Shoah and Porajmos. Every year it is emphasized again that the protection of human dignity and human rights is a responsibility for society as a whole.

The human chain on February 13th was not only a remembrance of a past tragedy, but also a strong sign for the present and future, in which commitment against intolerance and discrimination remains indispensable.