Week of Collective Remembrance in Berlin
Week of Collective Remembrance in Berlin 2025
23–29 August 2025
For the first time, the German capital will host a series of events under the expressive main theme: “80 Years Since the End of the War – The Fate of Post-War Generations”.
The focus is on remembering the tragic trials faced after the war by Germans from Russia, late repatriates, displaced persons, and refugees – marked by deportation, flight, expulsion, discrimination, and loss of homeland.
The main aim of the Week of Collective Remembrance is to present the shared history of several generations clearly and vividly, based on verified facts, in a respectful and dignified setting for remembrance, exchange of views, and recognition of historical reality.
At the same time, the events will draw attention to problems that still exist today as a result of that period, and explore the opportunities and challenges of integration into modern society.
Participation in the Week of Collective Remembrance 2025 symbolises solidarity, a sense of responsibility, and a connection to the past, as well as engagement in solving present-day issues.
Main coordinator: Commissioner of the Berlin Senate for Affairs of Germans from Russia, Late Repatriates, Displaced Persons, and Refugees – Walter Gauks.
Programme Overview
23 August (Saturday)
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Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Theodor-Heuss-Platz – 4:00 PM
(Registration: Anmelden)
Expected participants:
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Rüdiger Jakesch, Chairman of the Berlin State Association of the Vertriebenen e.V.
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Katharina Günther-Wünsch, Berlin Senator for Education, Youth, and Family
Musical accompaniment: Berlin String Quartet
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Gala Concert – 7:00 PM
“Songs That Unite” – in memory of Anna German with Helena Goldt, orchestra musicians, and Berlin band Cosmonautix
Venue: St. Matthäus Church, Berlin-Tiergarten
(Registration: Anmelden)
Organised by the Deutschen Gesellschaft e.V. at the concert venue.
26 August (Tuesday)
Thematic Event – 5:00 PM
“The Fate of Germans from Russia After the War”
With Dr. Alfred Eisfeld – historian and author of numerous publications on the history, culture, and current state of Germans from Russia.
Additional information and registration.
27 August (Wednesday)
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Literary Reading and Discussion – 3:00 PM
“Long Shadows – The Long End of the War for Women, Children, and Grandchildren of the War Generation”
With Jenny Schon (Andreas Gryphius Prize laureate), Sibylle Dreer (Deputy Chairwoman of the Women’s Association in the Federation of Expellees e.V.)
Additional information and registration: Info und Anmeldung
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Lecture “Only the Sky Remains” – 6:00 PM
On the “Wolf Children” from East Prussia – orphans and street children after the war. Discussion with eyewitnesses.
With Ursula Dorn (author of an autobiographical novel, herself a child affected by these events) and Dr. Christopher Spatz (historian, Germanist).
Additional information and registration: Info und Anmeldung
28 August (Thursday)
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Main Event – Official Ceremony at Berlin’s Red Town Hall
(Registration: Anmelden)
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Welcome address: Walter Gauks, Berlin Senate Commissioner
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Speech: Cansel Kiziltepe, Berlin Senator for Labour, Social Affairs, Equality, Integration, Diversity, and Anti-Discrimination
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Speech: Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin
Followed by: Reception and exhibition on the history and culture of ethnic Germans in Ukraine
Music/Dance: Vocal group “Edelweiß”, Jana Ritter Dance Studio, pianist Nikita Wolow
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Commemorative Ceremony at the Memorial Stone for Deportation Victims – 4:00 PM
Venue: Park Cemetery Marzahn, Wiesenburger Weg 10, 12681 Berlin-Marzahn
(Registration: Anmelden)
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Address: Stefan Bley, Member of the District Council
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Address: Dr. Alfred Eisfeld
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Address: Petra Pau, Member of the Bundestag, former Vice President of the Bundestag
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Joint prayer – Evangelical Parish of Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Music: Vocal group “Edelweiß”, choirs “Heimat” and “Yanushka”
29 August (Friday)
Closing Concert – 6:00 PM
Venue: Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche, Zossener Straße 65, 10961 Berlin
(Registration: Anmelden)
With a spiritual message from Pastor Viktor Weber
Participants: Rett Talarski (organ), women’s ensemble “Edelweiß” (Göttingen), choir “Klingeltal”, ensemble “Yanushka”, singer Julia Schelkovskaja, pianist Nanami Nomura, choir “Heimatmelodie”
IMPORTANT
The number of places at individual events is very limited. Therefore, please register in advance via the provided links or by sending an email to: Walter.Gauks@IntMig.berlin.de.
Your email should include: the event title, the expected number of participants, and their first and last names.
After registration, you will receive confirmation regarding the availability or unavailability of sufficient places for the desired event.
For any questions regarding the events themselves or organisational details, please contact the main coordinator — the Commissioner of the Berlin Senate for Affairs of Germans from Russia, late repatriates, displaced persons and refugees, Walter Gauks, at: +49 151 5827 7306.
Photo from the 2024 archive, W. Gauks
Tags: Week of Collective Remembrance 2025 Berlin , 80 years since end of war , fate of post-war generations , Russians Germans in Berlin , Berlin events August 2025 , deportation of Russian Germans , history of Russian Germans , cultural events Berlin , gala concert Anna German Berlin , commemorative events Germany
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