Janet and I watched with horror yesterday as the story of the attack on Magdeburg Germany’s Christmas Market unfolded. Having just experienced many Christmas markets in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic, we enjoyed the holiday atmosphere of the markets and the crowds they draw. Sadly, terrorist acts are a part of life. According to the news, the attack was perpetrated by a Saudi born, German resident who is an anti-islamist and ultra-right winger in terms of Germany's politics, but his cause doesn't really matter...nothing can justify the carnage he wrought on the market goers. And after our own experience with such a pastoral presence as we found at the Christmas markets we visited, this event was a shock to us.
I will say that the markets we visited had protections against the type of attack that occurred in Magdeburg. At each Christmas market we visited, we felt safe. The village markets were held in pedestrian squares with no vehicle access. Markets in larger cities were held in a limited access plaza with each entrance protected by obstacles, or by parked police cars blocking vehicle access. We’ll learn more about how security for the Magdeburg market failed in the coming days, but for now we grieve with the entire city of Magdeburg.
Christmas Markets are a wonderful way to experience the holiday season in Europe, but only if you can go and feel safe. With multiple market goers dead and many injured, the attack on the Magdeburg market is a tragedy. Law enforcement officials throughout Europe will learn from it, and it will make their markets safer in the future. Which will come as no comfort for the families and loved ones of those killed or injured in Magdeburg. Our hearts go out to them and the entire city.
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