Collaborative Discussions Emerge Between Ahrensbök Memorial and FC St. Pauli Club
FC St. Pauli and Ahrensbök Memorial Site Join Forces to Combat Racism and Extremism
Last week, Oke Göttlich, President of FC St. Pauli von 1910 e.V., visited the Flachsrose memorial site in Ahrensbök. Accompanied by Stephanie Gonçalves Norberto, Melanie Helmig from the FC St. Pauli museum, and Natascha Clasen, coordinator of social engagement, Göttlich was given a tour of the site by Sven-Michael Veit, responsible for press and public relations at the memorial.
During the visit, Göttlich learned about the historical experiences of the house and the people of Ahrensbök. He found it striking that little political orientation and humanity led to people being imprisoned in the memorial site. Göttlich's statement underscores FC St. Pauli's ongoing commitment to prevention work and solidarity with memorial sites.
The potential cooperation between FC St. Pauli and the Ahrensbök Memorial Site focuses on jointly combating racism and right-wing extremism. FC St. Pauli, known for its strong stance against discrimination and social injustice, partners with the memorial site—which serves to remember victims of National Socialism—to promote awareness and education about the dangers of racism and extremism.
Together, they aim to:
- Organize educational programs and events that highlight historical and contemporary issues related to racism and right-wing ideology.
- Use FC St. Pauli's public platform and fanbase to spread messages of tolerance, diversity, and democracy.
- Engage the community in discussions and activities at the memorial site to foster reflection and resilience against extremist views.
- Develop joint campaigns that emphasize the importance of remembering history to prevent the resurgence of hate-based movements.
By combining the social influence of the football club with the historical and educational importance of the memorial, the cooperation seeks to strengthen efforts to fight racism and right-wing extremism in society.
Daniel Hettwich, chairman of the memorial site's supporting association, expressed a desire to work more closely with FC St. Pauli. Initial talks about a possible cooperation between the memorial site and FC St. Pauli were held during the visit. No specific details about the nature of the cooperation have been set in stone yet.
Oke Göttlich did not specify any specific details about the nature of the cooperation between FC St. Pauli and the Ahrensbök memorial site. However, his visit to the site served as a great warning sign for him. He emphasized the need for organizational support for memorial sites in their remembrance and prevention work. The memorial site sees its work as not only remembrance culture but also as prevention, particularly in addressing issues like racism, xenophobia, exclusion, and right-wing extremist views.
Both parties advocate for a liberal, violence- and racism-free coexistence. The shared stance on these issues is the reason for their decision to work together. During the official ceremony, a wreath with two ribbons bearing the club's name and the phrase "Never again" was presented. Oke Göttlich's visit to the Ahrensbök memorial site was his first impression of the site. He found it particularly noteworthy that the idyllic appearance of the site belied its historical significance.
The cooperation between FC St. Pauli and the Ahrensbök Memorial Site is a testament to the power of unity in the fight against discrimination and extremism. As Göttlich noted, "Solidarity with local memorial sites is crucial in politically turbulent times."
- FC St. Pauli and the Ahrensbök Memorial Site have decided to collaborate in organizing sports events, using football as a powerful tool to promote awareness about racism and extremism.
- During these football events, FC St. Pauli will utilize their large fanbase to disseminate messages of tolerance, diversity, and democracy, emphasizing the historical importance of remembering the victims of National Socialism.
