Looking at the bigger picture, the many meaningful events associated with 9 November in German history also reflect the historical turmoil and joint responsibility of Europe. In this respect, for survivors of the Holocaust the ninth of November is both a German and a European day of remembrance, which especially at this time throws a spotlight onto not only the horrors of 9 November 1938 but also onto the current crisis in Europe.

Survivors of the Holocaust in the International Auschwitz Committee are watching with deep dismay and great concern how the public climate is being polluted with a growing hatred spread by penetrant populism, not only in Germany but also in many other European countries. The fact that this hatred, so terribly close to the personal experiences of the Holocaust survivors, is gripping Europe again within their lifetime, is tragic and fills them with profound grief.

Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice-President of the International Auschwitz Committee said in Berlin:

"The survivors of the German concentration and extermination camps are watching the current developments in Germany and in Europe with acute attention. The knowledge that right-wing extremists and opponents of democracy have seeped into many areas of society, even the police forces, is utterly alarming to them. This is why they are very grateful that the state, churches and society are meanwhile proving themselves to be increasingly sensitive, well-fortified and resolute towards provocations from the right.

For too long the majority of society has slept through and kept silent about the targeted and virulent reshaping of public space in the direction of hatred, denigration and intimidation by populists and right-wing extremists. Those who bemoan the anti-Semitic hatred of yesterday, but remain silent about the hatred towards the refugees and the anti-Semitism of today, have not understood the message of those who survived 9 November 1938 and then the death camps of the German Nazis. The survivors, as seismographs of hatred, are underscoring this message through to today: Consider the end and resist the beginnings."