Help for those affected by the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market
Dear members of the university,
More than two weeks have passed since the attack on Magdeburg's Christmas market, an event that has left deep scars on the city's society. Our thoughts are still with the many injured and our sincere condolences go out to the victims and their families.
Among those affected are numerous students and employees of the University of Magdeburg. Some of them are still receiving medical treatment in the hospitals and we wish them a speedy and full recovery.
But even if the physical wounds heal slowly, the psychological injuries will remain. A return to something like normality will not be possible for many of those affected for a long time yet, and the full consequences of the attack are not yet foreseeable.
Contact to support services
The University of Magdeburg continues to provide services for all those who need psychological and psychosocial support. Important telephone numbers and contact details for support services can be found on the information pages of the University Medical Center. Please do not hesitate to accept help. I would like to assure you that we will do everything in our power to provide help and support. The faculties' course coordinators are available to you as contacts.
A place for diversity and respect
We are receiving words of comfort and concerned inquiries from all over the world, but above all signs of solidarity. This solidarity can currently be felt throughout the city of Magdeburg, even beyond the borders of the campus, and we are grateful for this. In this context, we would like to speak out very clearly against the political instrumentalization of the attack and condemn the verbal and physical attacks and discrimination against our international students and employees over the past few days.
Our university community thrives on internationality, diversity and respect. We will continue to stand up for this with full conviction and all our strength.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jens Strackeljan
Rector