Feb 13, 2026
Taking a stand: Thousands heeded TUD Rector Staudinger's call to form a human chain
“Take a stand – now and every day”: TUD Rector Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger joined the human chain at the Kulturpalast together with Minister of State Armin Schuster (left), among others.
Several thousand people embraced Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger’s call to join hands for the human chain and the City of Dresden on February 13, 2026. At 6:00 pm, people in downtown Dresden joined hands and formed a chain—accompanied by the chimes of Dresden's church bells. This year's human chain was held under the motto “Take a stand – now and every day.”
The Rector of TUD, Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger, explained: “The human chain sends a strong signal that, in the face of the crimes of the Nazi regime, we are assuming joint responsibility for an open society, solidarity, and respectful coexistence in diversity. By joining hands, we are taking a stand—and sending a clear message that democracy thrives on standing up for its values and on participation.“
Democracy cannot be taken for granted, the rector continued. It needs everyone. It is important to continually emphasize the importance of an open society, solidarity, and respectful coexistence in diversity, and to stand up for these values. Democracy is a mission, and it thrives on people's commitment to democracy: "Let us be brave, not apathetic. Let us take a stand, even if it is uncomfortable. Our democracy is worth it," the rector affirmed.
At 5:00 pm, numerous citizens gathered in front of Dresden's Kulturpalast for the traditional citizens' sing-along. In their speeches, Dresden's First Mayor Jan Donhauser, TUD Rector Staudinger, and Rachel Lancaster, Lord Mayor of the twin city of Coventry, emphasized the significance of February 13 as a day of remembrance, reflection, and shared responsibility for both democracy and human rights.
Together with guests from Germany and abroad, including representatives from the twin city of Coventry, the people of Dresden sent a strong message with their human chain on February 13: remembrance obliges. Taking a stand means defending democratic values not only on February 13, but every day.