In the “Love Festival – Neukölln gegen Hass und Hetze” event organized by Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V. in Berlin's Neukölln district, messages of unity and solidarity were given against hate speech, racism, antisemitism, discrimination, and exclusion. Politicians running in the Berlin State and municipal elections also introduced themselves and met with citizens at the event.
The “Love Festival – Neukölln gegen Hass und Hetze”, organized by Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V., brought together different cultures and social segments in Neukölln. The program, enriched with music, folklore, communal meals, and various cultural activities, addressed topics of equality, diversity, tolerance, and coexistence, which are gaining increasing importance in society.
The event was attended by numerous representatives from the Neukölln Municipality and Berlin politics, as well as representatives of civil society organizations and local residents.
Politicians Met with Citizens
Within the scope of the festival, candidates for the Berlin State and municipal elections introduced themselves and informed participants about their projects and political goals.
The program featured SPD candidate for Neukölln Mayor, Janine Wolter, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen candidate Daniela Wannemacher, and Bettül Yılmaz from Die Linke. Also present at the event were Vice President of the Berlin House of Representatives Dr. Bahar Haghanipour, Neukölln Municipality executive Gerrit Kringel, Karl Chung, responsible for queer and antisemitism work in the Neukölln district, and Turkish Bund Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB) representative Ayşe Demir.
The speeches particularly emphasized the fight against xenophobia, racism, discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity, antisemitism, and social exclusion.
“Neukölln is diverse, colorful, and acts together”
The opening speech of the festival was delivered by Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V. President Cemal Boyraz.
Boyraz drew attention to the importance of people from different origins, cultures, and lifestyles coming together, stating that the main purpose of the event was to send a common message against hatred and discrimination.
In his speech, Boyraz highlighted the message, “We want to celebrate love, respect, diversity, and solidarity.” Stating that they are against all forms of discrimination based on color, origin, belief, or lifestyle, Boyraz expressed that racism, antisemitism, homophobia, queerphobia, and misanthropy should have no place in society.
Sivaslı Canlar President Boyraz stated that Neukölln is an important district where different cultures coexist, delivering the message, “Neukölln is diverse. Neukölln is colorful. And Neukölln acts together; against hatred, for peaceful coexistence.”.
Boyraz also thanked the Neukölln Municipality, political representatives, artists, supporters, and volunteers who contributed to the realization of the event.
Colorful Program with Music and Folklore
In addition to political speeches, music and cultural events were also held at the festival. Cihangir Aro took the stage with a musical performance, while the Sivaslı Canlar Music Group also offered a musical feast to the participants.
The program also featured folklore performances. At the festival, which included activities for children, participants ate together, conversed, and created an environment that strengthened intercultural solidarity.
Common Message: Love, Respect, and Solidarity
The common message conveyed throughout the festival was for different segments of society to act together against hatred and discrimination.
At the event;
- Love and respect,
- Diversity and social solidarity,
- Peaceful coexistence,
- Fight against racism and xenophobia,
- Stance against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination
were among the prominent topics.
The festival organized by Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V. was one of the events in Neukölln where people of different cultures and identities came together to demonstrate their will for common life based on equality, tolerance, and solidarity.
News and Photos: Mustafa Temel
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