Munich intended: 9 years after the tragic OEZ attack

Munich intended: 9 years after the tragic OEZ attack

Hanauer Straße 77, 80997 München, Deutschland - On July 22, 2025, Munich commemorates the victim of the racist-motivated attack at the Olympic shopping center (OEZ), which occurred on the same date in 2016. With a memorial event at the “For you” monument, the city is reminiscent of the nine people who were killed by the violence of an 18-year-old, as well as the numerous injuries that left this crime. The young man committed suicide after the attack, which only reinforces the tragedy of this event.

The memorial event, which is broadcast on both site and as a livestream, is enriched by Mayor Dieter Reiter and relatives of the victims. In addition, surviving other racist attacks in Germany, such as in Halle and Hanau, have agreed. This common memory should not only honor the victims, but also set a strong sign against racism and underline the importance of cohesion in society. The commemoration is supported by the city of Munich as well as relatives and activists who have closely participated in the planning. München.de reports that Hanauer Straße will be closed for the event and the closure should last until 10 p.m.

criticism of memory and the culture of remembrance

The situation around the memorial event also illustrates the challenges associated with the memory work. There are numerous voices that report that relatives and surviving racist violence are often not adequately involved in the commemorative talks. Amnesty International emphasizes that this is crucial for an inclusive and fair culture of remembrance. Gisela Kollmann, a member of a victim, criticizes the quick decision to create the place of remembrance, which was made without comprehensive inclusion of those affected.

Margareta Zabërgja has also expressed concerns and is in favor of a more precise examination of the right -wing radical background of the attack. Her demand for an open discussion on the topic testifies to the urgent need for a critical reflection of the past to prevent the repetition of such tragedies.

new memorial initiatives in Munich

In the course of the preparations for the ninth anniversary, the city council decided that new memorial graves for the victims should be set up, which are designed in cooperation with the relatives. In addition, a joint application for a plaque in the Munich town hall was brought in, which is to be created until the tenth anniversary of the attack. In addition to the existing plaque for the victims of the Oktoberfest attack, this table is installed. In addition, a new memorial room for the victims in Moosach was opened in April 2025, which replaced the former room in Dienerstrasse. This step is regarded as an important contribution to the culture of remembrance and is intended to offer a place where relatives, supporters and survivors can come together to share and process their experiences.

The commemoration on July 22 is a clear expression of cohesion and solidarity that are necessary to compete against the division in society. The voices of the relatives who work for more inclusion and active participation in souvenirs and talks are an important part of this process. tz.de emphasizes how important to keep the stories of the victims and a collective To create memory that takes on the challenge of a respectful commemoration.