Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

42   ALBUM 2024 | DACHAU MEMORIAL 2024 A P R I L Anniversary of the liberation of Dachau On 5 May, around 300 invited guests gathered at the Dachau Memorial to mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp. The event was shaped by growing concerns about the state of democracy and the rise of antisemitism in Europe. As in previous years, the programme centred around a commemorative ceremony held in the former roll call area. Survivors and representatives from politics and society drew attention to alarming parallels between 1933 and the present day, including the resurgence of extremist movements, the normalisation of hatred and the erosion of democratic values. Anna Stolz, Minister of Education, spoke for the first time since being appointed Chair of the Foundation Council. Further speeches were given by Maria Bering, Head of the Depart- ment of Remembrance Culture at the Office of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, and Dominique Boueilh, President of the CID. Some of the most moving moments included testimonies from survivors Mario Candotto, Jean Lafaurie and Ivor Perl (video message), who warned against the repetition of history and called upon each generation to take responsibility. Earlier, a dignified ceremony had been held at the former crematorium, including speeches from the 96-year-old Holo- caust survivor Abba Naor, Vice-President of the CID, and others. To conclude the act of remembrance, numerous wreaths were laid at the International Memorial in the pouring rain.