While the victims of the November pogroms of 1938 are being commemorated throughout Germany today, anti-Semitic graffiti has been discovered at Schalke.

It is the 84th anniversary of one of the darkest days in German history: To commemorate the victims of the November pogroms of 1938, the “Democratic Initiative against Discrimination and Violence, for Human Rights and Democracy – Gelsenkirchen” calls for a silent procession every year on November 9. FC Schalke 04 also invites people to take part in the event and a subsequent rally.

However, the club itself has to recognize the sad reality that right-wing extremist incitement is still taking place these days, including on its own club grounds: several graffiti were discovered there this Thursday.

“The fact that we have to discover such graffiti on our club grounds on November 9 of all days fills us with anger, incomprehension and bewilderment,” the club announced on social media. “FC Schalke 04 emphatically opposes all forms of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination. This self-image applies to and on every day, is always valid and absolutely relevant. One thing is very clear: anyone who causes such unspeakable graffiti cannot be part of the club family!”

Major events across the country

On 9 November 1938, organized groups of thugs set fire to numerous synagogues. Jewish businesses and homes were vandalized and Jews were abused and killed. Neighbors and looters took part in the riots. The November pogroms marked the transition from discrimination against German Jews to systematic persecution and extermination under the Nazi regime.

Today, 85 years after the Reichspogromnacht, commemorative events are being held throughout the country in the wake of the Middle East conflict and the recent anti-Israel demonstrations. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) emphasized that anti-Semitism has no place in Germany.

“We do not accept it when hatred, violence and terror are celebrated on our streets and use all legal means to restrict anti-Israel hate demonstrations,” the head of government told this editorial team. “Our ‘never again’ are values cast in two words. Now we can and must show that we keep our word. ‘Never again’ is now!”