Recently, I had the honor of participating in an event in Pulheim organized under the banner of “Never Again Is Now.” This powerful demonstration, driven by Pulheim citizens, was a direct stand against rising fascism and extremism, a message that has only become more urgent in light of Correctiv’s later revelations about far-right plans for mass deportations.
The event was a testament to what grassroots action can achieve when people come together with a shared sense of purpose! At the heart of the organization was Wolf Kessler, a member of the Vorstand of the Greens in Pulheim. His dedication, passion, and determination were instrumental in making the event a success. Wolf and the citizens of Pulheim showed that when faced with the threat of hate and division, our community does not remain silent, we take action!
The demonstration brought together individuals from all walks of life. Families, young people, and seniors united with a shared message: there is no place for fascism in Pulheim, in Germany, or anywhere else. The name of the event, “Pulheim zeigt sich,” carried profound weight. It reminded everyone present that history has taught us what happens when hate is allowed to grow unchecked, and that our actions today are crucial to preventing such tragedies from happening again.
One of the most moving moments of the day was hearing from speakers who spoke passionately about the importance of standing against hate, protecting democracy, and ensuring that Pulheim remains a place of inclusion and respect. The energy in the crowd was one of determination and hope, a clear message that the majority stands firmly against the far-right ideologies that threaten our society.
Of course, the event also served as a reminder of the challenges we face. Even before Correctiv’s revelations about the plans for mass deportations, the rise of far-right ideologies was evident a week later. The reports that later emerged, detailing meetings involving AfD members, neo-Nazis, and even some CDU politicians discussing mass deportations with racist motives, have only highlighted the urgency of our fight. It is a sobering reminder of how fragile our democratic values can be if we fail to protect them.
Despite these challenges, the event left me feeling hopeful. Pulheim showed that communities have the power to resist hate and to stand for the values of democracy, inclusion, and justice. The leadership of individuals like Wolf Kessler demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, we can create meaningful change.
As I reflect on “Never Again Is Now,” I am inspired by the strength and resilience of our community. This event was not just a response to a threat; it was a celebration of the values we hold dear and a commitment to defend them.
To anyone reading this, I urge you to take inspiration from Pulheim. Get involved, speak out, and take action in your own community. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of history guide our actions today. “Never Again” is not just a phrase—it’s a call to action, and Pulheim has shown how powerful that call can be. Let’s keep standing together, fighting for democracy, and ensuring that there is no place for hate in our future.