The people in Aachen have shown enormous commitment since the start of the pandemic. Much has been demanded of them with one goal: to fight and defeat the pandemic. What is needed in these times is solidarity, education and patience. What cannot be tolerated are populist, extremist and anti-Semitic forces that use the uncertainty to target democracy - including in the context of so-called walks and demonstrations.
"We must not let these lateral-thinking demonstrations pass us by without doing anything or saying anything. With this declaration, we are sending out a strong signal. Aachen sticks together, that's what makes our city special." - Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen
Aachen sticks together
In order to take a stand, a broad alliance has formed, starting with the Round Table against the Right in Aachen, and has proactively signed a joint appeal inviting all citizens to join in.
Lea Heuser from the Aachen Peace Prize: "We need clear boundaries in terms of content against the so-called lateral thinkers. To do this, we need this declaration against conspiracy theories and unobjective criticism of the pandemic restrictions as well as against the denial of facts. At the same time, it is important to inform all people and pick them up where they stand, even if they are afraid and have doubts."
The first signatories include Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen, all parliamentary groups of the Aachen City Council, the religious and faith communities, the German Trade Union Confederation Region NRW-Southwest, the Aachen Peace Prize, the Center for Anti-Semitism and Racism Studies and NRWeltoffen.
Aachen universities support the appeal
"We are happy to do this together" is the motto of the four Aachen universities when it comes to supporting the Aachen Appeal. And the statements made by the heads of the universities in support of the declaration are correspondingly clear and convincing.
Support the initiative
Join the appeal by sharing the posts under the hashtag #aachenhältzusammen on the city's social media or putting up posters.
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City of Aachen