On September 29, 2022, the 17th Rhineland-Palatinate Democracy Day took place in Ingelheim am Rhein under the motto "Thinking and acting democratically for a future in peace and diversity". In keeping with this motto, academics and people with experience of flight took part in a panel discussion in the evening to discuss how we can achieve an open society with more diversity that makes it easier for refugees to arrive and live in peace. Dr. Charlotte Dany from the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate moderated the event.

The 17th Rhineland-Palatinate Democracy Day once again offered a diverse program for people of all ages. After creative contributions and numerous workshops on topics such asschool education, civil courage and media skills, the day concluded with the evening event Stories of Arrival - Perspectives on Migration and Integration since 1945 .

The event, organized by the "Democracy wins!" alliance at the Ingelheim further education center, began with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Marita Krauss from the Chair of European Regional History at the University of Augsburg, entitled "Fear as a companion - migration, loss of home, gain of home". Starting with the German expellees who primarily came to Bavaria after 1945, Marita Krauss talked about the uncertainties of both the new arrivals and the locals. In addition to the refugees leaving their familiar surroundings, the host society also had fears about their own identity. The speaker emphasized that migration is normality and not an exception. It was time to show optimism instead of fear and to learn from the past.

The subsequent panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Charlotte Dany. In addition to Ms. Krauss, Anas Dababo (freelance speaker on the topic of flight and arrival), Gordana Smiljic (educational assistant at the Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre) and Dr. Günter Reichert (former President of the Federal Agency for Civic Education) were guests. Minister Alexander Schweitzer was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness. After a short introduction by the guests themselves and a brief insight into their personal experiences as refugees, Dr. Dany asked what can help refugees or displaced persons to arrive. The guests' answers ranged from financial help, to their own willingness to integrate, to a "translation of cultures", mentioned by Dr. Oleksandr Volf, a political scientist from the audience, who himself had fled Ukraine about two months ago. Despite all the differences, there was one aspect on which all the guests on the podium agreed: Empathy, openness and tolerance are needed on the part of the receiving society.

The discussion between the guests showed once again how individual experiences of flight are and how important it is to consider each individual's fate. There has always been migration and there probably always will be; it is our duty as a society to listen when migrants and refugees want to tell their stories and offer them a hand.

On September 29, 2022, the 17th Rhineland-Palatinate Democracy Day took place in Ingelheim am Rhein under the motto "Thinking and acting democratically for a future in peace and diversity". In keeping with this motto, academics and people with experience of flight took part in a panel discussion in the evening to discuss how we can achieve an open society with more diversity that makes it easier for refugees to arrive and live in peace. Dr. Charlotte Dany from the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate moderated the event.

The 17th Rhineland-Palatinate Democracy Day once again offered a diverse program for people of all ages. After creative contributions and numerous workshops on topics such asschool education, civil courage and media skills, the day concluded with the evening event Stories of Arrival - Perspectives on Migration and Integration since 1945 .

The event, organized by the "Democracy wins!" alliance at the Ingelheim further education center, began with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Marita Krauss from the Chair of European Regional History at the University of Augsburg, entitled "Fear as a companion - migration, loss of home, gain of home". Starting with the German expellees who primarily came to Bavaria after 1945, Marita Krauss talked about the uncertainties of both the new arrivals and the locals. In addition to the refugees leaving their familiar surroundings, the host society also had fears about their own identity. The speaker emphasized that migration is normality and not an exception. It was time to show optimism instead of fear and to learn from the past.

The subsequent panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Charlotte Dany. In addition to Ms. Krauss, Anas Dababo (freelance speaker on the topic of flight and arrival), Gordana Smiljic (educational assistant at the Ludwigshafen Adult Education Centre) and Dr. Günter Reichert (former President of the Federal Agency for Civic Education) were guests. Minister Alexander Schweitzer was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness. After a short introduction by the guests themselves and a brief insight into their personal experiences as refugees, Dr. Dany asked what can help refugees or displaced persons to arrive. The guests' answers ranged from financial help, to their own willingness to integrate, to a "translation of cultures", mentioned by Dr. Oleksandr Volf, a political scientist from the audience, who himself had fled Ukraine about two months ago. Despite all the differences, there was one aspect on which all the guests on the podium agreed: Empathy, openness and tolerance are needed on the part of the receiving society.

The discussion between the guests showed once again how individual experiences of flight are and how important it is to consider each individual's fate. There has always been migration and there probably always will be; it is our duty as a society to listen when migrants and refugees want to tell their stories and offer them a hand.