Destruction of the Peace Tree – Attack on the School

On May 13, 2026, students from the Freie Waldorfschule Halle (Saale)—together with their teachers, our members, and other participants—planted their Peace Tree on the school grounds. However, on June 27, 2026, we and the students discovered that the sapling had been stolen and the planting site vandalized. Just as the planting event was rich in symbolism, so too is the destruction of the young apple tree.

We, the Felix Graf von Luckner Society (Felix Graf von Luckner Gesellschaft e.V.), condemn this act in the strongest possible terms.

Since there is evidently no other destruction or damage on the premises, we assume that the Peace Tree was specifically targeted. The motive behind this act remains unclear. It is impossible to comprehend what issue the perpetrator(s) might have with a clear commitment to peace and coexistence, tolerance and international understanding, freedom, equality, and fraternity, and climate protection—or with a stance against war, violence, racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia—or, indeed, with the namesake of our society, Felix Graf von Luckner.

Dear students of the Freie Waldorfschule Halle (Saale),

We, too, are appalled; we cannot understand who would do such a thing or why, and we mourn the loss of our shared Peace Tree alongside you. In any case, this constitutes an attack on our shared values, and a living thing has been destroyed. We promise you that we will plant a new Peace Tree together with you at the earliest opportunity—this coming autumn.

To the perpetrator(s):

You should be ashamed of yourselves!

We hope that you are identified and caught by the police and held accountable for your actions. When that happens, you should look the children and young people in the eye! In the event that you do not confess or are not investigated, you must still answer to yourself and will carry the guilt with you forever.