Omas gegen Rechts ([ˈoːmas ˈɡeː.ɡn̩ ʁɛçtʰs]; Grannies against the Right)[1] is a Bürgerinitiative (initiative of citizens) in Germany and Austria. Founded in Vienna in 2017, in protest at extreme right-wing political positions, a German initiative was founded in 2018. Its members are mostly women in retirement or close to legal retirement age,[2] concerned about developments in politics and social life that they regard as detrimental to a future for their grandchildren. Omas gegen Rechts were awarded the Paul Spiegel Prize for civil courage by the Central Council of Jews in Germany in 2020.
 Black & white posters at a Vienna demonstration | |
| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founder |
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| Founded at | Vienna, Austria |
| Type | Initiative |
| Purpose | Opposition of far-right politics |
Official language | German |
| Award(s) |
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History edit
The initiative Omas gegen Rechts was founded in Vienna in 2017 by journalist Susanne Scholl and Monika Salzer, a retired pastor.[2][3] Salzer said that it was in response to the coalition of the Austrian People's Party and the Freedom Party of Austria during the first Kurz government.[2] She wrote a book explaining why women who experienced life fight for the future of their grandchildren,[2] Warum wir für die Zukunft unserer Enkel kämpfen.
Beginning in spring 2018, the Omas gegen Rechts is also active in Germany, as initiated by Anna Ohnweiler, a former teacher and social worker who grew up in socialist Romania. An association was founded and according to Deutsche Welle as of November 2020, it has 3000 members, a fifth of them male, and the movement is active in more than 70 towns.[4] The Berliner Zeitung noted around 100 regional groups in Germany as of 2020.[2]
Goals edit
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The initiative is active against antisemitism, racism and misogyny.[5] It points at the danger of fascist tendencies, observed in Austria, Germany and other European countries.[2] The initiative supports equal opportunity and tolerance and supports the Fridays for Future movement.[4] Regional groups participate in actions against Protests over COVID-19 policies in Germany.[2]
Awards edit
In December 2019, Omas gegen Rechts received the Integrationspreis of Freiburg im Breisgau,[6] and in November 2020 the Paul Spiegel Prize for Civic Courage (Paul-Spiegel-Preis für Zivilcourage) of the Central Council of Jews in Germany.[7]
See also edit
- Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo (Argentina)
- Granny Peace Brigade (United States and Canada)
- Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo (Argentina)
- Peace Mothers (Turkey)
- Raging Grannies (United States and Canada)
References edit
- ^ Toynbee, Polly (7 February 2019). "Grannies against the right: older women are rising up – could they bring down Brexit?". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Weil Alter Wissen ist: Wie die Omas gegen Rechts die Republik aufrütteln". Berliner Zeitung. 30 December 2020.
- ^ Tomic, Manuela (26 February 2018). "In Rente und Rebellion". Zeit Online. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ a b "Des Nazis alte Feindin". Deutsche Welle. 11 September 2020.
- ^ "Omas gegen Rechts setzen Zeichen für Menschenrechte". Rheinische Post (online). 10 December 2020.
- ^ Vögtle, Fabian (16 December 2019). ""Omas gegen Rechts" erhalten den Freiburger Integrationspreis". Badische Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 13 August 2021.
- ^ "Initiative "Omas gegen rechts" erhält Paul-Spiegel-Preis 2020". Central Council of Jews in Germany (in German). Retrieved 13 August 2021.
Further reading edit
- Monika Salzer: Omas gegen Rechts – Warum wir für die Zukunft unserer Enkel kämpfen. Droemer HC, Munich, 2017, ISBN 978-3-426-27811-6.
External links edit
- Official website Austria
- Official website Initiative Germany
- Official website Association Germany
- Omas gegen rechts / Bündnis (in German)