MINELRES: UNITED Press Release: International Day Against Fascism and Antisemitism

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Original sender: UNITED <notreply@unitedagainstracism.org>


UNITED PRESS RELEASE 
06.11.2009 
on the occasion of the 
INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST FACISM AND ANTISEMITISM - 9 NOVEMBER 2009

Remembrance of the Night of 9 November Pogrom 1938 in 50 countries all
over Europe coordinated by UNITED

'It happened so it can happen again'
[Primo Levi, Holocaust survivor]

Levi warned already after the Holocaust that the incomprehensible hate
against a certain group of people is unfortunately not a particular case
in history. 

Natalka, a two year old Roma girl from the Czech Republic, suffered
serious burns on 80% of her body when three Molotov cocktails were
thrown into the family house on 19 April this year. The Czech police
suspects some ultra-right extremist leaders for the arson attack. 

In times of violent incidences like this, the work of the UNITED network
becomes increasingly important. The network with its 560 supporting
organizations from all over Europe is fighting against nationalism,
racism and fascism and in support of migrants and refugees.

Since 1992 the UNITED secretary coordinates the International Day
Against Fascism and Antisemitism, which takes place on 9 November.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The 'Kristallnacht' pogrom on 9 November 1938, where hundreds of Jewish
synagogues, homes and shops were attacked and burnt and numerous Jews
were beaten up or even killed, is often seen as the symbolic beginning
of the Shoah. The Nazi propaganda called the event cynically the
'Kristallnight' reducing an horrifying event to the broken glass in the
shop windows.

TODAY'S SITUATION

We have to be aware that antisemitism and fascism are unfortunately
still alive in the modern Europe and did not die with the end of the
Second World War. 
Antisemitism is alarmingly wide spread through public discourse in
newspapers, on the internet, at public demonstrations and in politic
parties.

As a result of racist and neonazi attacks in Russia at least 48 people
were murdered and 253 injured this year, monitored by Sova Center.
Shockingly this is only the official number, the actual cypher is
estimated to be much higher.

A right-wing party led by Geert Wilders could enter the European
Parliament as the second biggest party of the Netherlands - although in
the common sense the Netherlands are still considered a tolerant nation. 
These are only two examples of plenty of shocking events going on in
Europe.

HATRED KILLS - PROTECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT FROM RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM

Looking at these worrying developments, it is time to get active. We
have to be responsible for the world we live in, not supporting
right-wing actions by overhearing them, but fighting against them.

The European-wide campaign on 9 November, the International Day Against
Fascism and Antisemitism, aims to counteract the uprising right-wing
powers in all over the continent.
71 years after the 9 November pogrom hundreds of activities against
fascism and antisemitism are happening in 50 countries all over Europe
coordinated by the UNITED secretary. 

They will commemorate the pogrom but also draw attention to contemporary
forms of fascism and antisemitism and rise awareness in modern society.
The main aim is to raise a common voice against any form of hatred
ideology.

BE INVOLVED IN THE CAMPAIGN - RAISE YOUR PEN - SPREAD THE MESSAGE

----

UNITED for Intercultural Action
European network against nationalism, racism, fascism and in support of
migrants and refugees
Postbus 413 - NL 1000 AK Amsterdam - phone +31-20-6834778 - fax
+31-20-6834582 - info@unitedagainstracism.org -
www.unitedagainstracism.org

***********************************************************
We depend on YOUR help in 2009!

UNITED is not rich and has no stable income !
Though far most of the work at the UNITED secretariat is done voluntary
- still money is needed to keep the network functioning in 2009 and to
secure the cooperation and information flow throughout Europe.

Your donation is most welcome:
- in cash to UNITED Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam
- by bank (preferable) to:
UNITED, Postbus 413 NL-1000 AK Amsterdam
Account
IBAN: NL28 INGB 0002343715, BIC: INGBNL2A - Bank: ING Bank Amsterdam,
Postbus 1800, NL-1000 BV Amsterdam
(From NL: ING Bank 2343715)

***********************************************************

UNITED is the pan-European network against nationalism, racism, fascism
and in support of migrants and refugees, supported by over 560
organisations in 46 European countries.
How to join the network: see www.unitedagainstracism.org 'joining the
network'

UNITED E-NEWS is an irregular email service to over 9000 organisations
and contact persons active in the working fields: anti-racism, refugee
support, anti-fascism, against antisemitism, migration, minority issues,
intercultural youth work, against nationalism etc.

Regular postal mailings, containing publications such as Addressbook
Against Racism, Calendar of Internationalism, Campaign reports, Posters
etc. are sent to over 2400 European organisations. If you also would
like to receive this mailing: see www.unitedagainstracism.org 'joining
the
network'

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