The concert, initiated by District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier, was therefore intended to express solidarity with the people of the Upper Galilee and provide them with concrete help in procuring first aid supplies, maintaining school operations and organizing school transport as well as mental and psychological support. "This concert is a sign of our solidarity with the people in the Upper Galilee, who we have taken to our hearts and whose fate we follow impotently every day in the media," said Allgaier.
Interior Minister Strobl: resolutely countering anti-Semitism
"Today, here in Ludwigsburg, we are forming a strong alliance of solidarity, compassion, strength and peace," said Deputy Minister President and Minister of the Interior Thomas Strobl. "The barbaric, inhumane terrorist attack on Israel by the radical Islamic group Hamas on October 7, 2023, has shown the world in an infinitely sad way how threatened Israel and Jewish lives are. We in Germany have a special obligation to protect Jewish life and Jewish people, and when we protect this, we protect ourselves, defend our democracy and our values. Each and every one of us is called upon to oppose anti-Semitic ideas resolutely, everywhere and at all times, to raise our voices and take a clear, unambiguous and strong stance. Today's solidarity concert by the Baden-Württemberg State Police Orchestra is a further sign of our deep solidarity with the people of Israel - and with the Jews in our country." In addition to Interior Minister Strobl, Justice Minister Marion Gentges from the state government also attended the solidarity concert in Ludwigsburg.
Chairman Salz: "May the sounds of music soon replace the thunder of the cannons"
District Administrator Allgaier described the hardship on the ground in figures: Up to 95 percent of the population of the Upper Galilee, who live directly on the border with Lebanon, have been evacuated to be safe from Hamas attacks. High schools and elementary school were closed and alternative educational facilities were set up. Care facilities had to move to shelters, the local hospital is housed in the protected wards and is always ready to receive the wounded and war victims.
Chairman Giora Salz, District Administrator Allgaier's counterpart from the Upper Galilee, addressed the audience in a video greeting. He described in vivid words the threat under which the people there live and thanked them for their show of solidarity. "May the sounds of music that you hear tonight find their way to the East and soon replace the thunder of the cannons," said Salz.
Musical program refers to Israel
Professor Stefan R. Halder, musical director and chief conductor of the Baden-Württemberg State Police Orchestra, and his musicians offered the guests a brilliant concert whose musical palette repeatedly made reference to Israel. The program was as sensitive as it was atmospheric and was met with standing ovations.
Donation account open until the end of the year
"We are delighted with the successful evening and, of course, even more delighted with the numerous donations we have already received for our friends in the Upper Galilee," said District Administrator Allgaier. He thanked all those who are providing humanitarian aid on the ground with their donations. The District Administrator also thanked Interior Minister Strobl, Professor Halder and the musicians of the State Police Orchestra itself. The District Administrator also thanked Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg for its support in organizing the evening.
The donation account at Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg, IBAN: DE44 6045 0050 0000 0000 31, purpose: Upper Galilee Solidarity Concert is still open until 31.12.2023. The total amount of the donations will then be announced.
