Hespress Miscellaneous Photo: AFP Hespress – DPA Tuesday 5 March 2024 – 17:13
In a first of its kind, special lighting will be allowed to be suspended to celebrate the advent of the month of Ramadan in the heart of the city of Frankfurt, the financial capital of Germany.
This lighting is scheduled to be switched on starting next Sunday, with the first night of Ramadan, as crescents and stars, with the words “Ramadan Kareem” written, have already been installed in the section known as “Fresgas” of Grosse-Bockenheimer Street. This section is known for the presence of a number of restaurants and fast food stores.
Ramadan is expected to continue this year until the ninth of next April.
The city council (the local parliament) decided last year to suspend the lighting, after the blocs of the municipal government coalition in Frankfurt (the Green Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Free Democratic Party, and the Volt Deutschland Party) submitted a request in this regard, justifying it by the fact that Frankfurt is home to between 100,000 and 150 people. One thousand Muslims, making up approximately 15% of the city’s total population.
For her part, the mayor of the city, Nargis Iskandari-Grünberg, said that this lighting expresses peaceful coexistence, and aims to send a signal of support for peace and human brotherhood, and the rejection of exclusion and hatred. She added that “the lights of coexistence represent a rejection of reservations, a rejection of discrimination, a rejection of racism against Muslims, as well as a rejection of hostility.” Highness,” adding: “In times of crises and wars, this lighting is a symbol of hope for all people, and enhances cohesion in our city’s diverse community,” according to what the local official was quoted in a statement yesterday, Monday.
In response to a question, the mayor’s spokesman stated that the cost of purchasing the lighting amounted to 75 thousand euros. The request came based on an initiative by Omar Shehata, a member of the city council from the Social Democratic Party.
Shehata said on Tuesday that the idea was inspired by similar lighting in the British capital, London, pointing out that Frankfurt is the first city in Germany to suspend lighting on the occasion of Ramadan. He added: “I think it is a beautiful gesture,” noting that the reactions have been very positive so far.
Ramadan celebration Frankfurt
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