The CPPD network meeting »Memory Matters«
October 7, 2023 as the end of the plural culture of remembrance?’

took place on 2 May 2024.

The Hamas terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza were the starting point for the network meeting.

Phenomena visible in the discourse – e.g. uncertainty, pressure to take a position, fear, struggles for definitional power, waning solidarity, and polarisation – are all having an impact on the work and structures of the network. Given this backdrop, the meeting sought to reflect upon the work of the CPPD related to the current conflict and to create new perspectives on dealing with it and with each other going forward.

During the meeting, CPPD network members came together in discussion rounds held in parallel. Following an introductory stocktaking of the status quo, these discussions addressed the challenges facing the CPPD in dealing with 7 October and the war in Gaza. A further focus of the discussions was locating German and European cultures of remembrance and their diverse connections to the topic. In addition, participants discussed forms of solidarity that can counter the playing off of marginalised groups against one another. And lastly, the network meeting reflected upon the specific work of the CPPD: which measures could the CPPD turn to in the future based on the insights gained during the discussions?

The discussions between the members revealed their varying connections to the topic. Generally speaking, the meeting was taken as an opportunity for a realignment of the network’s joint efforts. The participants listed concrete measures and forms of voluntary obligation.

It once again became clear that personal, open discussions among the CPPD members are crucial: that a space could be created in which the members, with their divergent personal and professional perspectives, could speak with each other, learn from each other, and develop shared strategies together.