After the shattering killing spree on the Borg Dreierschützengasse, youth organizations, together with the Styrian State Youth Advisory Board on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, on the Graz main square of the victims of this incredible crime. Around 1,500 people – including relatives, friend: inside, students: inside, teachers and numerous representatives: inside of civil society – gathered to commemorate the deceased and express their deep sympathy.
Among the participants were Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, Mayor of Graz Elke Kahr, members of the city government and numerous members of the local council. Representatives of the religious communities also donated consolation: Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl, superintendent Wolfgang Rehner and Imam Wolfgang Bauer turned to those present with moving words.
“We would never have expected something like this in Austria, in Styria. We will not forget you” said Federal President Van der Bellen in his speech.
Together against hate – for cohesion
A particularly moving moment was talking about Andin BerishaState Chair of the Muslim Youth Austria (MJÖ) and deputy chairman of the Styrian State Youth Advisory Board (LJB). He said:
“All of us, the entire Austrian population, we are mentally injured! We have decided to stand here together with them today – as a sign of connection to counteract the perpetrator’s hatred and to use them for social cohesion.”
He underlined how important common responsibility and humanity are in times of deepest shock:
“We are not side by side, but with each other – not as political, denominational or cultural groups, but as people who mourn, empathize and act.”
Voices of those affected
Fatlume, a surviving student, said clear and powerful words:
“Today we mourn. But we are also looking ahead. We now know: CONTROCT is our strength. Hate has no place here – not at our school, not in this city, not in Austria, not in this world, not in our hearts.”
Kenan, a victim’s brother, also reminded of his sister with great gratitude:
“I thank you for the 15 years that I was able to experience with you. You were the sister that I would like again. We miss you, we love you – and we hope that nobody has to ever experience something like this again.”
A strong sign of humanity
In the middle of pain and speechlessness, this commemorative event showed: human proximity, compassion and social cohesion are stronger than any form of violence.
The Muslim Youth Austria (MJÖ) stands alongside the relatives, the survivors and the entire school community of Borg Dreierschützengasse. In a moment of collective grief, young people took responsibility and, together with everyone present, have made a strong sign – for hope, for peaceful coexistence, for a society that holds together.
Cohesion grows out of grief.
Responsibility grows out of compassion.
We commemorate Lea, Hanna, Leo, Kaid and all those whose life was wiped out by this killing spree. Your names and stories remain in our hearts.