The city of Frankfurt wants to set an example for peaceful coexistence during Ramadan with illuminated lettering, crescents and stars.
In the city center of Frankfurt/Main there will be special lighting for the fasting month of Ramadan for the first time. It will shine from next Sunday at the beginning of Ramadan. Crescent moons, stars and the lettering “Happy Ramadan” have already been installed on Große Bockenheimer Straße. Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims. This year it lasts until April 9th.
The city parliament approved the lighting last year. The application was submitted by the city government, Greens, SPD, FDP and Volt factions. Between 100,000 and 150,000 Muslims lived in Frankfurt; they made up almost 15 percent of the total population, the reason given was.
The lighting represents the peaceful coexistence of all people in Frankfurt, explained Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg (Greens). It should set an example for peace and humanity and against exclusion and hatred. “They are lights of togetherness, against reservations, against discrimination, against anti-Muslim racism and also against anti-Semitism. In times of crises and wars, these lights are a sign of hope for all people and strengthens cohesion in our diverse urban society,” Eskandari said. Grünerg quoted in a statement.
When asked, the mayor’s spokesman stated the purchase costs for the lighting were 75,000 euros. The application was created on the initiative of SPD city councilor Omar Shehata. The model was similar lighting in London, he said. Frankfurt is the first city in Germany to have lighting for Ramadan. “I think it’s a nice gesture,” said Shehata. The feedback so far has been very positive.
Source: Stern
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