INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST FASCISM AND ANTISEMITISM

Media Release - International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

Stop Fascism!

9 November - International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

Activists in 41 European countries protest against fascism and antisemitism and commemorate the 'Kristallnacht'-pogroms

On 9 November 2006, non-governmental organisations in 41 European countries, coordinated through the UNITED network, commemorate the 1938 'Kristallnacht' pogrom, which is often seen as the symbolic beginning of the Holocaust. They also draw attention to contemporary

manifestations of racism and discrimination. The organisations prepare, among others, torchlight processions in Denmark and Norway, concerts in

Georgia and Estonia, working groups in Slovenia, Netherlands and Spain, big anti-fascist demonstrations in Sweden, Czechia and exhibitions in

Uzbekistan and Germany.

The danger is not over:

Recently two members from the British National Party were arrested, accused by the Lancashire Police to possess chemicals for the largest bomb-making hoard ever discovered in a British home. One of the two men had even stood for the fascist party in May¹s local election.

In Russia on the 4th of November a lot of extreme right and neo-fascist groups organized demonstrations.

In Germany the NPD won again seats in the regional parliament of Saxony and the same in Belgium with the right - wing party of Vlaams Belang. This shows that the threat of fascism is still not over.

Stop Fascism!

Especially societies that have a lack of democracy experience and economic security are vulnerable for fascism and antisemitism. It is used as main medium of fear and hatred against other groups of people. Even though the Europeans decided after World War II they would never let anything like the Holocaust happen again, there are still right wing extremists. We have to be aware of the historical meaning and harm of fascism. Consequently it is important to counter fascism in the context of our increasingly connected and complicated societies. Stop Fascism!

A full list of activities is available on http://www.unitedagainstracism.org
(under 'campaigns'/ 'International Day against

Fascism and Antisemitism').