13 February working group

The '13 February' working group was first convened by Mayor Helma Orosz in 2009, the aim then and now being for many important social groups to agree upon a joint course of action for the anniversary of the destruction of Dresden. On the one hand this includes commemorating the war and destruction; on the other it also means protesting against right-wing extremists planning to use that day to support their callous, inhuman ideology. As a result the decision was made to form a human chain, first taking place on 13 February 2010. Altogether, 17,000 people took part in the event, sending out an impressive message of peace and reconciliation. In 2011 the '13 February' working group again organised a human chain in Dresden city centre.

For 2012 the group has agreed that alongside the human chain on 13 February, a large, central event is also to be organised on 18 February. The reason for this is that thousands of right-wing extremists are again expected in Dresden on 18 February for a demonstration.

Members of the 13 February working group

Churches

• Dresden Frauenkirche
• Superintendent of Dresden Neustadt Parish
• Dresden Cathedral Parish
• Superintendent of Dresden Protestant Church community

Jewish community

• Dresden Jewish Community

Politics

• Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen (Greens)
• Bürgerbündnis / Freie Bürger party (Citizens' Alliance/ Free Citizens)
• LINKE (left-wing) party
• CDU
• FDP
• SPD

Business

• Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Dresden Chamber of Trade

Science and research

• Dresden University International Office
• Dresden University anti-prejudice project
• Dresden University rector's office

Civil society

• DGB, Dresden Region
• Kulturbüro Sachsen e.V.
• Sächsische Landeszentrale für Politische Bildung (Regional Centre for Political Education)
• IG 13. Februar 1945 e.V. community group
• Neustädter Kreis
• Bürger Courage e. V.
• Volksbund Deutscher Kriegsgräberfürsorge (War Graves Commission)
• Frauenkirche Foundation Dresden
• Opferberatung RAA Sachsen e.V. (Advice for Crime Victims)
• Friends of Dresden e. V.
• Ausländerrat Dresden e.V. (International Advisory Office)
• Evangelische Erwachsenenbildung Sachsen / AG Kirche für Demokratie (Protestant Adult Education Association)/ 'Church for Democracy' working group

Sports

• Kreissportbund Dresden e.V.

Culture

• Performing Arts Hellerau

Dresden city administration

• Mayor
• Press officer
• Mayor's Office