Six years after the Islamist terrorist attack at the Christmas market at the Memorial Church, Berlin commemorated the victims. Wreaths were laid and candles lit to mark the anniversary. At a service in the church on Breitscheidplatz near Ku’damm, we prayed together. In addition to victims and relatives, rescue workers and Berlin’s governing mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD) and other politicians took part.
On December 19, 2016, an Islamist terrorist drove into the Christmas market in a hijacked truck. A total of 13 people died as a result of the crime, one of them years later as a result. About 70 people were injured, some seriously. The assassin fled to Italy, where he was shot dead by police.
The Protestant Bishop Christian Stäblein assured the victims and their relatives that they would never forget their suffering. “We will not forget that, nor the solidarity that was newly created at that moment – for the wounded, for the murdered, for those who have had to live with the loss since then. Berlin will not forget,” said Stäblein. Astrid Passin, who lost her father in the terrorist attack, spoke as a spokeswoman for the bereaved. “We still need dedicated help,” she said.
In the intercessions, General Superintendent Ulrike Trautwein also recalled a new incident near Breitscheidplatz: the alleged rampage of a 29-year-old on June 8, in which a woman was killed and, according to the public prosecutor, 32 people were injured. “Suddenly everything was there again,” says Trautwein.
After the service for the victims of the terrorist attack, people gathered at the memorial at the back of the church where the attack happened. Where the names of the 13 victims are written on the steps, relatives laid 13 white roses and lit candles. The names of the victims were read out by Trautwein. The commemoration ended with 13 chimes at the time of the attack at 8:02 p.m. During the commemoration event, the Christmas market was closed.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wrote on Twitter that the victims were not forgotten. “Our thoughts are with them and their families today.”
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) said December 19 was a day of mourning for people who had been killed or injured in body and soul. “In their fanaticism, terrorists believe their victims don’t count. They’re wrong. Everyone counts,” Faeser said on Twitter. “We need to reach out – in all government agencies – with more empathy and more support to the people whose lives were dramatically changed by such a terrible attack.”
Berlin’s Prime Minister Giffey followed the commemoration quietly. She shared on Twitter: “In addition to the physical injuries, there are deep mental scars. We are particularly aware today that it could have happened to each and every one of us. Berlin will never forget this act and this day.”
The federal government’s victim representative, Pascal Kober (FDP), had assured on Sunday: “Those affected can rest assured that we will continue to be there for them.”
