Hundreds of participants, including Nazi descendants, Holocaust survivors, and Iranian exiles, marched in the heart of Berlin, past sites used by the Nazi party about 90 years ago. The event was part of the March of Life organization's march, designed to express solidarity with the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and to call for a resolute fight against antisemitism.
The march departed from Bebelplatz, the site where on May 10, 1933, the Nazis burned thousands of books written by Jews, and ended near the Brandenburg Gate, one of Germany's most prominent symbols. Along the route, participants carried signs with clear messages: "Life and Liberty for Iran and Israel" and "Memory Obligates! For Jewish Life, Against Hatred of Israel."
The event in Berlin was part of a series of marches held by the organization worldwide, aiming to raise awareness of antisemitism, confront the historical past, and express public support for Jews and Israel, specifically at a time when, as the participants emphasized, voices calling to harm and even destroy the Jewish state are being heard once again.
Jobst Bittner, Chairman and Founder of the organization, himself a descendant of Nazis who works to break the German conspiracy of silence regarding their ancestors' crimes, said: "We must not stand idly by. Antisemitism today is reaching intolerable proportions, and we are obligated to act, to remember, and to voice a clear call of resistance and change."
The March of Life organization was founded in Germany by second and third-generation descendants of families involved in the Holocaust era. It has been working for years to encourage confronting a painful family past, alongside building a future of responsibility, reparation, and solidarity. As part of its activities, the organization holds marches, educational events, and international initiatives, with the participation of thousands of people across Europe, the Americas, and other countries. This year, about 100 marches were held, including in Poland, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Argentina, England, and the US.
"The march in Berlin illustrates, more than anything, the profound historical change: descendants of those who were part of the mechanism of persecution and extermination are choosing to stand today at the forefront of support for the Jewish people, together with Holocaust survivors and free voices from Iran, calling for life, liberty, and the end of hatred," Bittner added.
Heinz Reuss, International Director of the organization, concluded: "In the midst of a tense period, when voices calling for the destruction of Israel are heard again, we understand that memory is not only a testimony to the past, but obligates us to act here and now. This is a moral responsibility that can no longer be ignored. Unfortunately, even as years pass, the need to raise a voice in favor of Israel and the Jewish people remains and intensifies."
Next month, members of the organization are expected to arrive in Israel. "They are determined to come regardless of the security situation," said Yigal Even-Ziv, the organization's representative in Israel, adding that, "During 2026, the organization will present a unique exhibition in Jerusalem, reviewing the history of antisemitism in Christianity alongside processes of friendship and connection."
Prior to the march, a festive concert was held featuring Jewish journalist-activist Sarah-Maria Sander and Israeli shofar player Bar Tzemach. Sander, who participated in the march, said: "Those who strengthen me are the Israelis, with their resilience. If they go through all of this and keep going, then shouldn't we stand here and march and support them? It is the absolute minimum we can and must do."
The organization issued a call to all its members worldwide to donate and assist in the rehabilitation of northern Israel following the damages of the war.
