Greetings for Ramadan

"Dear Bocholters,

On Saturday, 10 March 2024, the 30-day fasting month of Ramadan began for the Muslim faithful. Our beautiful Bocholt is also culturally enriched by the many Muslim Bocholters who live here. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest Ramadan greetings on behalf of the council and administration, the Integration Council and also personally.

For Muslims, this intense time of religious duties and fasting between dawn and sunset is about much more than "just" abstaining from food and drink. It is about focussing on the essential things in life. These include values such as solidarity and striving together for the good of all people, regardless of origin, nationality or religion. Values that have taken on a special significance in these days in which a war of aggression in Ukraine, which has been going on for more than two years, has caused millions of people to suffer and global concern, as well as the difficult situation in the Middle East. The month of Lent is also a month of sharing. We must support people in need.

Nevertheless, it is nice to experience the community in a particularly intense way. Celebrating the breaking of the fast together and praying together. Enjoying being there for each other, caring for and supporting each other. Finding support and strength from our time together. This is important for all of us right now.

We wish all Bocholters of the Muslim faith this special experience, support and togetherness. We also hope that practising Muslims will be met with understanding and openness during the month of fasting. We wish you all a happy and hopeful Ramadan!"

Thomas Kerkhoff (Mayor) and Juan Lopez Casanava (Chairman of the Integration Council)