Easter Marches Advocate for Peace Amidst Controversy

This year's Easter marches in Germany, held under the theme 'Yes to Peace,' attracted thousands advocating for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Events unfolded in over 90 cities, with significant participation in Berlin and Hannover.

Demonstrators, organized by the Friedenskooperative network, called on the government to pursue diplomacy over military aid. However, these peaceful protests faced criticism from supporters of Ukraine, who argued that defending democracy is essential.

Despite the passionate turnout, numbers were notably lower than in the 1980s. In regions like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Hessen, smaller gatherings echoed calls for disarmament and increased diplomatic efforts.

The complexity of opinions was evident as some critiques focused more on Israel's actions than on Russia's involvement in Ukraine. The juxtaposition of peace activism and geopolitical realities reflects a deeply divided sentiment within society regarding the path to peace.