Commenting on today's demonstrations against right-wing extremism and the stability of the “firewall” in Germany, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee, emphasized:

“While the world is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, survivors of Auschwitz are following the demonstrations against right-wing extremism in European countries, including today in Germany, with great awareness and sympathy. And once again they reaffirm that any commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is devalued whenever right-wing extremist parties are rhetorically served from the midst of the democratic parties. In so doing they are not only tolerating but also fostering anti-Semites, falsifiers of history and despisers of democracy within their ranks.

For the survivors of Auschwitz, the “firewall” against cooperation with right-wing extremists represents not only a commitment towards themselves, but also a pledge for the future of democracy. The democratic parties, not only in Germany, would be well advised not to be rashly provoked by representatives of right-wing extremist groups, but also to think about those who have taken to the streets for democracy in Germany today.”