A strong sign for Hamburg, a strong sign for the world.

Side by side — remember, show visibility, maintain posture

The January 27 It is the international day of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism. It commemorates the liberation of auschwitz and to the millions of Jews who were disenfranchised, persecuted and murdered. We strongly condemn these crimes committed by the National Socialists. Memory is not just a look back — it is an obligation for the present and the future.

With the photo campaign “Side by side” Hamburgers used at Joseph-Carlebach-Platz a visible sign of solidarity.

In cooperation with Bornplatz Synagogue Foundation and initiated by the photographer and artist Valerie Wagner An impressive picture was created: A glowing Star of David made of candles, made by people, shoulder-to-shoulder, photographed from the air.

The picture stands for solidarity — and for the conscious visualization of Jewish life in public space. Especially today, this visibility is not a matter of course, but a necessary sign.

The campaign ended with a speech by Anna von Villiez, the historian and director the Jewish Daughters' School Memorial and Educational Center and prayer “El male Rachamim”, spoken by the Regional Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Hamburg, Shlomo Bistritzky. A quiet moment of pause together closed the evening — supported by respect, grief and responsibility.

“Side by side” was more than just a photo campaign. It was a joint commitment: against anti-Semitism, against exclusion — and for an open, solidary urban society.

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The campaign was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media.

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Photo credit: Valérie Wagner and Ulrich Mertens

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