Bulletin of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) – Association of Antifascists
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
NEW S Bulletin of the International Federation of Resistance Fighters (FIR) – Association of Antifascists Magdalenenstr. 19, D - 10365 Berlin, Phone +49 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 2, Fax +49 30 – 55 57 90 83 - 9 E-Mail: [email protected] Internet: www.fir.at No. 56 June 2020 The world commemorates the 75th anniversary of liberation - despite Corona The 75th anniversary of the liberation, the day of victory remain immovable in the social consciousness of the people of Europe. Although the official commemoration ceremonies were held in camera, the anti-fascist pub- lic could not be deterred from celebrating 8 and 9 May 2020 in an appropriate public form. In many European countries there were social initiatives for public commemoration actions. They show that the memory of the world historical victory of the anti-Hitler coalition and the women and men who gave their lives, health and freedom for it remains alive. In a video message on Facebook the General Secretary of FIR explained: “This year we must celebrate the days of liberation, the day of victory virtually, in our minds, our hearts. Never- theless it is certain that our common conviction makes it possible to lead the world into a peaceful and solidary future - anti-fascism remains our task today and tomorrow”. We received reports about worthy commemoration ceremonies, but most of them had to take place in small scale, from Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Israel and Spain. We are sure that in many other European coun- tries and beyond, this date was commemorated in an appropriate form. Thus in Hungary in Budapest on 8 May at the anti-fascist memorial - initiated by the federation of the resistance fighters and anti-fascists MEASZ - was remembered. Although the police had forbidden all public gatherings, numerous social organizations and prominent personalities of the country laid down flowers or flower arrangements at this monument together. The comrades of the Russian Veterans Union had sent a greeting message, which was presented there. In Russia itself public com- memoration was not possible due to the corona situation. In Moscow and other cities, the walls of houses were decorated with symbols of the anti-fas- cist fight on the occasion of the day of victory. The popular fighter pilot and long-time FIR representative Alexej P. Maressjew, honoured with the “Michel Vanderborght Award” was honoured in one of these pictures. In Portugal one reminded already on 25 April of the anniversary of the “car- nation revolution”, while in Germany in far over 50 places of anti-fascist alliances commemorative meetings with flower laying down and public demonstrations, as on the Frankfurt Römerberg were accomplished. At the Paulskirche even the mayor of the city Peter Feldmann spoke at the beginning of the commemoration. The VVN-BdA had started a petition in April 2020 with the demand: “8 May must become a public holiday”. On May 7, 95,000 signatures were handed over to the representatives of the German Bundestag. - 2 - Message of ANPI: The balance of April 25, 2020 The 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Italy from the Nazi-fascism was celebrated in the midst of a pandem- ic. The impossibility of being physically present at the parades and squares has triggered in the ANPI, and not only there, a sensitization battle against the responsible institutional authorities so that the restriction on pop- ular participation imposed by the pandemic would not be used to weaken, or even worse, to disclaim the value of April 25. Thus, we have obtained the possibility to participate at the commemorations, respecting the acknowledged limitations, strongly reinforcing the values connected to this date. A vortex of initiatives has created a gigantic and wonderful kaleidoscope that has exceeded all ex- pectations. We have hung the Italian and ANPI flags out of the windows not out of patriotism but to express the love for a united Italy with equal rights from north to south. We have met to sing “Bella ciao” all together at 3 pm; from the windows, from the courtyards, from every corners of Italy the voices rose, and they made reverberate across the whole country an infinity and multiplicity of needs and sensibility united in one single song. This 75th anniversary of liberation was a particular moment of reflection in It- aly, despite the physical distancing due to the virus. Great vicinity and commu- nity were achieved; the will and hope were expressed to have a future that knows how to overcome that normality of which we all have seen all the limits, a future that can finally realize the fruit of the Resistance which is our Consti- tution. David Sassoli – President of European Parliament: Message for ANPI April 25th is the festivity that reminds us of the values on which our Republic is founded: anti-fascism, free- dom and democracy. It is the day when every year, in addition to celebrating the Liberation of Italy from the fascist regime and the German military occupation, we remember the sacrifice and resistance of a people who, exhausted by years of war and injustice, managed to rediscover their freedom and regain its independence. Today, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary, to the dutiful recognition of the courage of those who fought heroically against Nazi fascism and fell in the name of freedom and justice, it is necessary to reaffirm with clarity and determination the founding values of the Resistance that are the basis of our Republic and our Con- stitution, as well as an indispensable prerequisite of our democratic life. Without memory, there can be no future. Knowing where we come from is key to understanding where we can and where we want to go. Because democracy, like freedom, is never conquered once and for all. It is an im- mense heritage that has been given to us and which we have a duty to protect and pass on to future generations. Remembering also means rediscovering we are part of the same community. Between 1943 and 1945, anti-fas- cist partisan forces showed indeed the strength to rebel themselves, presenting themselves to the whole world with a newfound dignity. Our Constitution is the daughter of the Resistance and of the 25th of April and is the cornerstone on which our civilization and our social model rests. The democratic values of freedom, equality, justice and solidarity carved into it are our identity and the centre of our action. - 3 - Here’s what we celebrate on April 25th. Not only the defeat of Nazi fascism, but a renewed national unity and a democracy finally open, with popular foundation, that materializes in the Republic and the Constitution. Above all, we celebrate an ethical victory and a moral redemption: the choice of those who have been able to escape the yoke of authoritarianism, the cult of power and the power of intolerance. After the years of the dictatorship, Italy has managed to redeem itself and promote the start of the Community project together with other countries. Because Europe was also born like this: from the common desire for peace, from the strength of greater ideals that “brought together like brothers” distant people, united in countering the seeds of violence, oppression and the denial of fundamental freedoms. Today more than ever, in these difficult times, we must rediscover that spirit. Europe faces very thought-pro- voking challenges. Our history, of yesterday and today, teaches us that it will not be national selfishness that will protect us. Europe has been formed and we want to continue to grow as a community of citizens, with its diversity, with political, religious and cultural pluralism. As Umberto Eco wrote, “freedom and liberation are a task that never ends.” On behalf of the European Parlia- ment, I would like to thank you for your great efforts in keeping the memory of liberation alive, in Italy and in Europe. Together with you, our effort, our struggle and our responsibility must continue. Message for 9 May 2020 from Israel The former front soldiers, members of the Union of disabled fighters, their families, relatives and friends, prisoners in ghettos and concentration camps, resistance fighters of all countries, participants of antifascist rallies and demonstrations of all ages, nations, denominations, participants of the modern action “Immortal Regiment” will greet the 75th anniversary of the “Victory Day” with enthusiasm. This day will be remembered for a long time, also because it must take place in a closed circle on the anniversary of victory because of the insidious virus. For the well-known historical reasons, the celebrations should take place on 8 and/or 9 May in different coun- tries. The editors of the magazine “Voice of the Disabled Fighters” suggested to the leadership of the Union of Soldiers and Partisans - disabled war veterans of the struggle against Nazism, our comrades-in-arms - to cele- brate both days. May 8 should be considered as a day of memory and glory of the heroes of the Second World War who died in battles with the Nazi invaders, and May 9 as the day of victory over the Nazis. We are pleased about the support of our fellow combatants in the FIR and your personal initiative, dear Mr. Ulrich Schneider, in in- ternational circles, in the media of the FIR, in publications in the Internet and others. Congratula- tions to the Day of Victory. On behalf of Ephraim Paperny, Pres- ident of the Union of Disabled Fight- ers and the Central Committee of the Union, and with deep respect Moshe Spitzburg, Press Secretary of the Union and publisher of the magazine “Voice of the Disabled Fighters”. PEAEA-DSE The modern meanings of the Great Antifascist Victory of the peoples on May 9, 1945 Developments around the coronavirus pandemic, unfortunately, limit the possibilities of organizing mass events in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Great Antifascist Victory of the peoples, for 2020.