In response to the deployment of Russian SS-20 missiles in Central Europe, NATO took a two-pronged decision in 1979: on the one hand, an offer to negotiate arms reduction; on the other, the deployment of nuclear missiles in Western Europe. This decision led to mass demonstrations in all the countries concerned. Across Flanders, VAKA committees were set up everywhere to organise protests. “Bloody hell, get rid of those bombs!” was one of the many slogans at the national demonstration on 23 October 1983. Judging by the number of train tickets sold and the number of buses hired, there were around 400,000 demonstrators. That remains the largest public protest our country has ever seen.

Against this backdrop, Dr Jef De Loof, together with 32 other people, founded “Vredeshuis Aalst”, a meeting place for those committed to peace, regardless of their political, religious or philosophical views. The only condition is that priority be given to peace and cooperation between East and West, South and North. On Saturday 8 November 1986, the Vredeshuis in Esplanadestraat – later in Zonnestraat – was officially opened. Hundreds of artists and speakers were guests there, and thousands of supporters passed through its doors. For discussion evenings, lecture series, language courses, children’s workshops, walks, excursions, skiing trips, torchlight processions, silence circles, the Father Daens Peace Run… But also a quarterly magazine and an annual Peace Prize.

Today, the peace movement is on the defensive. Trump, Putin, Netanyahu and other ‘malicious narcissists’ are loudly beating the drums of war. Weapons speak, diplomats remain silent. The law of the strongest disregards international law. NATO member states have agreed to increase their military spending to 5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2035. This means cuts to social security and education, amongst other things, but also fewer subsidies for international solidarity and peace work. How can we respond today to the arms race and rising militarism? Is there anything we can learn from the past?