Annalena Groppe, research assistant at the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate and part of the Friends of the Hambach Festival 1832, will present key insights from her doctoral research on pedagogical perspectives in political conflicts over the interpretation of democracy. The focus will be on the conflicts surrounding protests and authoritarian-populist positions at Hambach Castle as an exemplary case study. Together with local and national activists and educational actors, perspectives for action were developed, tested and reflected upon in terms of their limits and potential.

Afterwards, Ulrich Riehm (Freundeskreis Hambacher Fest 1832) - as a long-time observer and co-designer on site - will open the discussion. Finally, the audience will be invited to discuss possible courses of action based on the insights gained.

The event will be moderated by . It will take place at Casismirianum, Ludwigstraße 1, 67433 Neustadt an der Weinstraße. The event starts at 18:00.

Violent conflicts are on the rise worldwide - the number of fatalities recently reached a new high. The global arms race is also progressing. Global military spending rose to 2.7 trillion US dollars in 2024 - the biggest increase in decades. At the same time, peace policy measures are being reduced. The OECD has recorded a 9% decline in public development cooperation and the ability of international organizations to act is being weakened by dominant interest politics. These developments show that investment in war is increasing while investment in peace is decreasing.

Live screening and discussion

Monday, April 20, 6:00 pm, º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Kaiserslautern, Building 86, Room 107

Organized by "" and the "" (see also below), the "" will take place for the 21st time this year. The aim of the event is to counteract one-sided narratives, focus on the suffering of both sides and show ways to achieve reconciliation, peace and justice. It traditionally takes place on the eve of Yom HaZikaron, Israel's national day of mourning. Reports from grieving families and voices from peace and human rights work make it clear that change begins with recognizing the suffering of others. Before the livestream, political scientist will give a short introduction. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.

Organized in cooperation with CampusKultur

The introduction and discussion will be in German, the live broadcast in Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles.

"From pain to hope: Parents Circle - Families Forum"

Lecture and discussion

With Laila al-Sheikh (Palestine) and Michal Halev (Israel)

Sunday, 10.05.2026, 18:00, Landau, (An 44 40a, 76829 Landau)

For over 30 years, Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones to violence, terror and war have been working together in the "". Despite their deep personal suffering, they are consistently committed to dialog, understanding and an end to violence. Instead of hatred, they choose the common path of mourning. Their aim is not forgiveness, but the transformation of pain into hope - and the conviction that peace is only possible through mutual listening and recognition.

The Parents Circle was founded in 1995 and is still active today, despite all the escalations. In 2025, the Parents Circle was awarded the - one of many important honors that recognize the work of the organization. This event offers the rare opportunity to hear voices that consciously avoid the spiral of violence and retaliation - and instead stand up for humanity, dialog and peace.

is organizing a lecture tour through Germany in 2026 by two representatives of the "Parents Circle" and has kindly included a date in Landau in the corresponding program. The evening is being organized by the Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate in cooperation with CampusKultur and the .

The introduction will be in German; the lecture in English. Contributions to the discussion are possible in both languages. There will be a small reception afterwards.