Press release on the memorial service for Rudi Friedrich on 4 October 2025 at Ostpol, Offenbach

Conscientious objectors and guests from Great Britain, Norway, Austria, Italy, Russia, Turkey, and Israel joined us in commemorating Rudi Friedrich, our long-standing managing director who tragically passed away this year. The memorial service took place at the association’s headquarters in the Ostpol community hall in Offenbach.

With few speeches but many musical contributions from amateur musicians who had been associated with Rudi, the afternoon and evening became a celebration not only for the relatives of the deceased, but also for the companions and supporters of Connection e.V., the NGO he had helped to build and lead. Rudi also played trumpet in the Offenbach Music School Big Band. So it was fitting that three musicians from this band also paid their last respects to Rudi.

Rudi Friedrich was a recognised and respected expert and activist who fought worldwide at all levels for the enforcement of the right to conscientious objection. This right is a human right and must be enforced regardless of political considerations.

Connection e.V. continues to do everything in its power to secure asylum in Germany for deserters from the war in Ukraine and other wars.

Keywords:    ⇒ Connection e.V.   ⇒ Connection e.V.   ⇒ Deutschland   ⇒ Germany   ⇒ Rudi Friedrich