Blog post - 04. Nov 2025

On November 4, 2011, the so-called National Socialist Underground (NSU) revealed itself following a failed bank robbery and the explosion of an apartment in Zwickau. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the full extent of the crimes became clear: ten racially motivated murders between 2000 and 2007, three bomb attacks, and numerous armed robberies targeting banks and post offices. These acts shook the trust in the security and values of our society.

To honor the victims, keep the memory alive, and emphasize our shared responsibility for humanity, the annual commemoration ceremony was held at the memorial grove by Schwanenteich, 14 years after the NSU’s exposure.

In a moving speech, former Zwickau Mayor Dr. Pia Findeiß spoke about the difficult process of a city coming to terms with such a burden. She highlighted the importance of civic engagement and the resilience of civil society, which are essential to firmly establish a dignified culture of remembrance.

Afterwards, student Eleah Berghöfer read the biographies of Theodoros Boulgarides and Michéle Kiesewetter. She emphasized that, although they never met, their stories are inseparably linked—through the cruel ideology that took their lives.

To conclude, current Mayor Constance Arndt addressed the approximately 75 attendees. She called for an active culture of remembrance in the future and stressed how crucial it is to work together to ensure that inhumane attitudes have no place in our society.

Following the speeches, all guests had the opportunity to quietly lay down memorial candles, paper cranes, and flowers at the trees and take a moment of reflection—a silent gesture against hatred and for humanity.

Organizer: Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance in the Zwickau Region

This initiative is co-financed with tax funds based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.