Zwei Auszeichnungen mit Bürgermedaille bei Neujahrsempfang der Stadt Kehl
At the Neujahrsempfang (New Year’s reception) of the city of Kehl on Monday, January 8, two individuals were honored with the Bürgermedaille (Citizen’s Medal) in Gold. The retired pastor Alban Meier was recognized for his exceptional integration skills as a bridge builder, and Friedrich Peter, a former history teacher, was acknowledged for his significant contributions to the city’s culture of remembrance and commemoration. The awards were presented by the Mayor, Wolfram Britz.
Alban Meier: A Bridge Builder for Integration
Alban Meier arrived in Kehl in 1967 and became the pastor of a newly formed parish in the developing neighborhood of Niedereichwinkel. Many of the people who settled in the new apartment blocks were urgently needed as workers in the major companies in the harbor. Mayor Wolfram Britz described Meier as someone who had a natural ability to integrate different social backgrounds and nationalities, serving as a guiding presence for newcomers in their unfamiliar surroundings.
“Alban Meier found a calling that suited him perfectly,” stated Mayor Britz. “He acted as a mediator between newcomers and long-time residents, between people of different social origins and nationalities.”
Meier played a crucial role in integrating laypeople into the community work at St. Maria’s Church and established a sense of community that attracted individuals from other religious backgrounds or those who had no affiliations with the church. He was hailed as “the driving force for ecumenism in Kehl,” both within the city and across borders. Mayor Britz recalled ecumenical services during religious holidays, festivals, and events where Meier fostered a sense of unity and collaboration.
In addition to his involvement in the church, Meier actively addressed human suffering and social challenges. He founded organizations such as Huckepack, which supports socioeconomically disadvantaged children, and helped establish the church-based social station, Kehl-Hanauerland. Meier’s notable initiatives also include the creation of the inclusive kindergarten, St. Raphael. His commitment to addressing human suffering and social injustice made a lasting impact on Kehl, shaping the city’s social conscience.
Friedrich Peter: Preserving and Honoring the City’s History
Friedrich Peter, a dedicated history teacher, dedicated over 40 years to documenting and preserving the Jewish history of Kehl. His efforts included tracing and connecting with former Jewish residents of Kehl across the world and sharing this history with generations of students. Mayor Britz highlighted Peter’s instrumental role in facilitating the reunion of 16 former Jewish citizens in Kehl in 2001.
“The encounter with the past was deeply moving not only for the hosts but also significantly influenced the culture of remembrance and commemoration in the city, and you, Mr. Peter, played a crucial part in this,” stated Mayor Britz.
Peter’s dedication extended beyond the reunion event as he continued to foster and strengthen connections with former Jewish residents of Kehl. He meticulously preserved his correspondences, photographs, and documents, which he later entrusted to the archivist and museum director, Dr. Ute Scherb. Mayor Britz acknowledged the significance of Peter’s collection, which serves as a valuable resource for future generations to engage with the city’s history and the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime.
Recognition from Straßburg and Neujahrsempfang
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Neujahrsempfang welcomed special guests from Straßburg (Strasbourg): Mayor Jeanne Barseghian and Pia Imbs, the President of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg. They addressed the approximately 500 guests in attendance and praised the collaborative efforts between Kehl and Straßburg. They emphasized the importance of cross-border relationships and projects in fostering unity, understanding, and warmth between the neighboring cities.
The Neujahrsempfang concluded with a performance by Freiburg cabaret artist Mathias Deutschmann, who entertained the audience with his witty and positive remarks about the city of Kehl and its Mayor. The musical accompaniment was provided by the band Café Flore and the young pianist Robin Kersic.
