Distressed population in Gaza
Scholz calls for a ceasefire for Ramadan
March 10, 2024, 6:04 p.m
At the start of the fasting month of Ramadan, Chancellor Scholz addressed the Muslims in Germany: “You are not alone in your compassion,” he said, referring to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. He calls on the warring parties in the Middle East to suspend hostilities.
On the occasion of the beginning of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan this Sunday evening, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for mutual tolerance and cosmopolitanism. “We stand together for our cosmopolitan, tolerant and democratic country,” said Scholz in his video message “Chancellor Compact”. With a view to the war in the Gaza Strip, he called for a longer-term ceasefire in order to make it possible to provide supplies to the people in need there.
Ramadan is always “a time when you think about those who are in need, who are experiencing war and violence,” said Scholz. Many Muslims living in Germany have friends or family members in the conflict region in the Middle East. “I want you to know: you are not alone in your compassion,” said the Chancellor. Many people in Germany share a great deal of interest – “in the suffering of the murdered and abducted Israelis and in the fate of the innocently killed, the wounded and those suffering in Gaza.”
Scholz reiterated that Israel has the right to “defend itself against the terror of Hamas.” However, the country must adhere to the rules of international law. “I am sure: the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians want one and the same thing – namely peace,” emphasized the Chancellor. “One step towards this would be a ceasefire that lasts longer, ideally during Ramadan.” Such a ceasefire could ensure “that the Israeli hostages are finally released and that more humanitarian aid finally arrives in Gaza,” Scholz continued. The federal government is also strongly committed to this.
“Let’s not divide us as a country”
In his video message, the Chancellor also referred to the fears of many people in Germany because of the “racist deportation plans of right-wing extremists.” “I think our answer to this must be very clear: we will not allow ourselves to be divided as a country,” he emphasized. “Of course, citizens with and without a migration history belong to Germany.” This applies to Muslims as well as to Jews, Christians and followers of other religions and world views.
Other politicians and representatives of other religious communities also expressed good wishes to Muslims at the beginning of Ramadan. “The Central Council of Jews in Germany wishes all Muslims a blessed month of Ramadan,” said a message from the body on X.
Bätzing: Situation in Gaza “cries to heaven”
The chairman of the German Bishops’ Conference, the Catholic Bishop Georg Bätzing, called for solidarity between religions on the occasion of the beginning of the Muslim month of fasting. Especially against the background of the stressful events in the Middle East, it is all the more important “that we remain in dialogue, recognize the suffering of others, and do not give up hope for peace,” Bätzing wrote in his message.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza screams to heaven. The blood of innocent civilians must no longer be shed,” Bätzing continued. A peace process is necessary in the region: “A lasting end to the escalation of violence in the Middle East will only come through a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians.” With a view to Germany, the bishop advocated a “path of fraternity” in which members of different religious communities could count on mutual solidarity.