Authorities of the German city of Frankfurt in a bid to send a message of peace and togetherness will illuminate the city’s central high street with half-moons, stars and other decorations for the first time to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
During the Muslim fasting month from March 10 to April 9, Frankfurt’s Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, also called Fressgass for its eateries, cafes and restaurants, will adorn “Happy Ramadan!” signs and decorations.
“Ramadan is a time in which people reflect on what is really important in life: having something to eat, a roof over your head, and peace and comfort with family, friends and neighbours. I’m pleased that these messages of peace during Ramadan will be visible in our Frankfurt,” city council chairwoman Hilime Arslaner was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle.
Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg, the city’s mayor, said that such messages are important as the world witnesses. “These are the lights of togetherness: against prejudice, discrimination, anti-Muslim racism and also antisemitism,” she was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle.
Frankfurt is Germany’s fifth-largest city (after Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne) and is also the centre of the nation’s financial and economic sector. It is also one of the most multicultural cities of the nation with Muslims who make up around 15% of the population (100,000-150,000).
“We all belong together… This is very meaningful for Muslims,” Mohamed Seddadi, chairman of Frankfurt’s Muslim Community, was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle.
The Frankfurt Ramadan plans therefore borrow from elements of both Islamic and Christian tradition. “I’m delighted about this sign of recognition for Muslims,” said Naweed Ahmad, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) called for a common pot for all religious groups and highlighted that funding for Christmas lights in Frankfurt came from trade associations and donations and argued that city funding for lights should not just be for one religion.
“We are of the opinion that if such a kitty exists, then it must serve all religious communities in Frankfurt,” Schander said, according to reporting by the public local broadcaster HR.
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