As of: February 22, 2024, 7:06 a.m
By: Andreas Höger
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For tolerance and human dignity: A broad citizens' alliance is organizing the “Holzkirchen is colorful” rally in the Herdergarten on Sunday.
Our picture shows some of the co-organizers (standing from left) Andreas Wolkenstein, Frank Strathmann, Bärbel Sokat, Stefanie Mitterer, Ulrike Lorentz, Moritz Remuta and Paul Winterer as well as (front from left) Sibylle König, Damiano Parziale, Christoph Prochazka and Anna Obermüller.
© Thomas Plettenberg
In order to strengthen democratic coexistence, stand up for human dignity and demand tolerance for thinking differently, an alliance of committed citizens is inviting people to a rally in Holzkirchen on Sunday, February 25th.
Well-known artists like the Well brothers have confirmed their attendance.
2,500 visitors are expected.
Holzkirchen
– In mid-January, Andreas Wolkenstein (43) sent the first emails and WhatsApps.
“I had the feeling that something important was slipping in our society,” says the Holzkirchner family father, philosopher and journalist, who also works as a reporter for this newspaper.
He was shocked by how far hate speech and open racism have penetrated the political discourse.
“And the poison is spreading more and more.”
To his surprise, he quickly found many like-minded people in Holzkirchen and the surrounding area who, like him, saw the time had come to send a signal.
A broad alliance of over 30 clubs, parties, organizations and companies was formed.
Wolkenstein and the Protestant pastor Ulrike Lorentz took over the coordination.
Under the motto “Holzkirchen is colorful”, the new alliance wants to remind people on Sunday, February 25th of the values that make up an open, democratic society.
“It’s not against anything,” emphasizes meeting leader Wolkenstein, “but rather a statement for diversity, tolerance and humanity.”
The rally in Herdergarten begins at 3 p.m. and lasts about two hours.
On pin boards on the sides, visitors can write down what they understand by tolerance and humanity.
Some statements are read out on stage.
In addition, Lorentz and Wolkenstein present a “charter” with which the alliance wants to perpetuate its concerns beyond the day.
A prominent line-up awaits the participants as artistic driving forces.
Stofferl, Michael and Karli Well will perform, as will the folk band Mountain Lake Vista (Holzkirchen/Bad Tölz) and the punk and rock band Bieramiden (Miesbach).
20-minute contributions are planned, including from cabaret artist Christian Springer and Mayor Christoph Schmid.
“Everyone agreed immediately,” reports Wolkenstein.
The artists perform without a fee, but the event still has a budget.
Wolkenstein estimates the costs at up to 6,000 euros - and is hoping for donations.
The event is also expressly aimed at citizens who are concerned about the fact that the district office is planning collective accommodation for 500 people in the Warngau industrial area.
“Such concerns must be taken seriously,” emphasizes Wolkenstein, “but the solution cannot be to hang up disgusting posters, incite racist sentiment and shout people down.”
The active supporters of the rally include many parties, the local branches of the CSU and FWG.
“We are not a demonstration party.”
explains CSU local chairman Sebastian Franz, “we do politics in other ways.” The board decided this by a majority;
He will personally take part in the rally.
FWG local chairwoman Birgit Eibl emphasizes that the Free Voters allow for many opinions, but want to behave neutrally as a group.
“Everyone is free to go there.” Wolkenstein would have liked “the entire democratic spectrum” to be represented in the alliance.
Maybe, says the 43-year-old, that will happen: “The hand remains outstretched.”
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