The Bayreuth Festival, celebrating its 150th anniversary, held commemorative events for Holocaust victims — Jewish artists who were murdered or oppressed under the Nazi regime. A special ceremony titled 'Silenced Voices' was held.

German-Jewish author Michel Friedman, speaking from the festival stage, highlighted the role of festival director Katharina Wagner in changing the culture of remembrance in Bayreuth. Friedman's family was almost entirely murdered in the Holocaust.

Friedman criticized what he called a 'bored, decadent democracy' and urged society to become active witnesses. He described Germany as 'a community defined by diversity,' which is now under attack.

The opening event was attended by numerous German politicians, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and former Chancellor Angela Merkel. A mural by Hungarian artist Adam Heat was displayed in the hall.

Katharina Wagner openly acknowledged her family's close ties to the Nazi regime, stating: 'Given that our German democracy is once again threatened by forces seeking to make anti-Semitism, racism, and nationalism part of the foundations of the state, there is no better place than this hall to say: No.'

Chancellor Merz noted in his speech that Richard Wagner's legacy reflects the contradictions of German intellectual history. The festival aims to open a new chapter in its culture of remembrance and take a firm stand against anti-Semitism.

Source: www.dw.com