Those who lost their lives in the racist terror attack carried out on July 22, 2016, at the Olympia Shopping Center (OEZ) in Munich, were commemorated with a ceremony held on the 10th anniversary of the tragedy. The Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Munich called for a common struggle against racism, hate speech, and xenophobia.

Meaningful Commemoration Ceremony at the OEZ Monument

Ten years have passed since the racist terror attack, etched into memory, that took place on July 22, 2016, at the Olympia Shopping Center (OEZ) in Munich, Germany. Our citizens who lost their lives in the attack and other innocent victims were respectfully remembered with prayers and a wreath-laying ceremony during the commemoration program.

The commemoration ceremony was attended by Süalp Erdoğan, Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Munich, Consul Murat Kemaloğlu, Education Attaché Dr. Akın Deveci, Religious Services Attaché Ahmet Tanış, Commercial Attaché Recep Aslan, Labor and Social Security Attaché Şeniz Özmert Koçer, and representatives from numerous non-governmental organizations. The delegation, on behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Munich, laid a wreath at the monument at the site of the attack, remembering those who lost their lives.

Racist Terror Victims Remembered on 10th Anniversary of OEZ Massacre

"We Share Their Pain as if It Were the First Day"

In the statement made at the ceremony, it was stated that our citizens and all victims who lost their lives in the heinous racist terror attack were remembered with respect, mercy, and longing. The statement emphasized that the pain experienced by the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives is felt as if it were the first day, conveying the message that the lost will not be forgotten.

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Message of Common Stance Against Racism and Hate Speech

In the statement made by the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Munich, it was stated that all segments of society must resolutely fight against racism, xenophobia, and hate speech to prevent similar suffering from recurring.

The statement also drew attention to the fact that the coexistence of different cultures based on peace, tolerance, and mutual respect is an indispensable value of democratic societies, and underlined that hate should never be allowed to shape the common future of humanity.

10 Years On, The Pain Is Still Fresh

The racist terror attack carried out at the OEZ in Munich on July 22, 2016, retains its place in memory as one of the most painful events in Germany's recent history. While the deep scars left by the attack remain indelible despite the 10 years that have passed, the commemoration ceremony held was a meaningful gathering both to remember those who lost their lives and to send a message of unity and solidarity against racism.

Tevfik ŞENDÖL / MUNICH