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Berkenthin celebrates democracy: Former neo-Nazi and heart surgeon impressed!
Democracy Festival in Berkenthin: Lectures, workshops and music on June 16, 2025 strengthen the commitment to democracy and tolerance.
Berkenthin celebrates democracy: Former neo-Nazi and heart surgeon impressed!
On June 16, 2025, an impressive democracy festival took place in picturesque Berkenthin on the Elbe-Lübeck Canal, organized by the initiative WeAreNotSilent was brought into being. In close cooperation with the community and the church support association, a colorful program was put together that included not only informative lectures, but also workshops and musical performances.
The event consisted of two main lectures that required special attention. The former neo-NaziPhilip Schlaffergave a fascinating insight into his exit from the right-wing extremist scene and reported on his current work as a coach and author. He showed how important it is to support people in their individual career and exit process. His talk is part of a larger context. It has been offering this since 2001 Federal Ministry of the Interior an exit program that is intended to help people break away from right-wing extremist and anti-democratic scenes.
Experiences and challenges
Dr.Umes Arunagirinathan, a heart surgeon with an impressive life story, also takes the floor. He described his moving escape from Sri Lanka and the associated challenges with prejudices. This not only gave listeners an insight into the hurdles that many migrants have to overcome, but also a perspective on the value of diversity in our society.
The musical highlight of the festival were the performances by local bands, which added additional color to the program. The bandMiscellaneousfrom the Mölln Don Bosco House,Barefoot Seasonas well as the Berkenthin groupSprings of Autumnensured the best entertainment and an exuberant atmosphere among the visitors.
Creative and active
A graffiti workshop with the artistMarlo Klinnertrepresented an additional creative opportunity to engage with the theme of the festival. The participants were able to actively shape their contribution to a democracy stake. The event was also supported by NDR news anchorsAndre Schünke, who actively helped with the construction and thus set an example for community and civil courage.
A family festival rounded off the weekend, which, despite the rainy weather, attracted several hundred visitors and underlined the community's spirit of solidarity. These events impressively show how important it is to stand up for democracy and to hear the diverse voices in our society.