The members of the “peace initiative” probably envisaged their human chain somewhat longer when they sent out the invitations to “Oberursel steht” on the Epinay-Platz.
To commemorate the start of the Second World War 75 years ago on what is now known in Germany as “Antikriegstag” (anti-war day) they wanted to form a chain between the asylum seekers’ accommodation and Rushmoor park. To manage that they would have needed 1,000 people.
In the end just over 60 people followed the call at short notice and the chain was able to cross the Epinay-Platz and run at least along part of the Kumeliusstraße.
Organiser Joachim Krahl from the Green Party explained the plan. At 19:14 the group would assemble on the Epinay-Platz to remember the start of the First World War in 1914. At 19:39 they would remember the start of the Second World War by spreading out and taking up positions for the chain. Finally, at 20:14 everyone would join hands and complete the chain as a symbol of the fact that war continues in other parts of the World today.
Part of the chain in the Kumeliusstrasse
Even though the numbers were behind expectations, he was not disappointed. “I am glad, that over 60 people came” he said afterwards. “Many of them found old friends and now we have set the ball rolling” he continued. There is talk of trying again on a different date, maybe in the coming year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the atomic bomb being dropped on Hiroshima.
And even if the numbers were lower than had been hoped for, those that did come had a firm belief in the idea. “I think it is great, that something takes place in Oberursel on this day” said Renate Puscher, who was one of those in the chain.
The party -Die Linke- used the opportunity to demonstrate against weapons exports
Another of the participants, who wanted to remain anonymous, criticised the German Government for holding a vote on sending weapons to the Middle East. For them, holding such a vote on the 75th Anniversary of Germany’s invasion of Poland showed just how little regard some have for the country’s recent past
This article appeared in German on 4th September, 2014 in the Oberurseler Woche.
About Graham Tappenden
