Breaking the fast at the Lernwerk: "Wonderful example of togetherness in Bocholt"

In his welcoming address, Mayor Christian Mangen emphasised that intercultural and interreligious dialogue was at the heart of the evening. He explained the concept of the event: "This is precisely why the circle of invitees is deliberately so colourful and the seating arrangement is no coincidence.

Real dialogue begins where we leave our familiar circles." Mangen thanked the German-Syrian Association for preparing the meal and emphasised that the annual change in hosting between the mosque associations was a nice sign of mutual appreciation. The city thrives on the commitment of its citizens.

Fatime Gönen, Deputy Chairwoman of the German-Turkish Society in Bocholt, confirmed that this concept was a success: "The breaking of the fast today has shown how important dialogue is in Bocholt and today we have seen a wonderful example of togetherness in Bocholt." Deputy Chairwoman Gül Balci then spoke on behalf of the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration (ACI), who praised the breaking of the fast as an important sign of appreciation that brings people of different origins and cultures together at one table.

Pastor Rafael van Straelen from the Liebfrauengemeinde then categorised fasting as a unifying element of the Abrahamic religions. In addition to the spiritual relationship with God, both Christianity and Islam are always about being mindful of one's fellow human beings.

Later in the evening, representatives of the local mosque associations took the opportunity to briefly introduce themselves. Muaiad Abd Alrahman, Chairman of the German-Syrian Association, looked back on ten years in Bocholt, during which many people had found a new home here.

Abdullah Zor, Chairman of the Bocholt Integration and Education Centre (Blue Mosque), recalled the historically peaceful coexistence of religions in Jerusalem and described Ramadan as a school for compassion.

Ansar Ahmad Arshad, Imam of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, emphasised that the month of fasting shows the way to seek peace through prayer. Yonca Bayluk-Zorlu, Chairwoman of the Akdeniz Alevi Cultural Association, wished strength especially to those affected by hunger and suffering. Tugay Turgut, Chairman of the DITIB Turkish-Islamic community, emphasised his close ties to the city and explained that Bocholt is colourful and will remain so.

Finally, teacher Cem Demir shed light on Ramadan from a school perspective. He emphasised that fasting is a conscious time of character development, self-discipline and empathy for many young people. The event was accompanied by music from the duo Murat Cakmaz and Recep Seber. After the call to prayer by Muzafar Mahmood (Ahmadiyya community) at sunset, the guests were able to enjoy the buffet of traditional specialities prepared by Hanadi Al Hallak and the team from the German-Syrian Association.