At 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 against hate speech, racism, antisemitism, discrimination, and exclusion were conveyed. Politicians running in the Berlin state and municipal elections also introduced themselves at the event and met with citizens.
Organized by Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V., the “Love Festival – Neukölln gegen Hass und Hetze” brought together different cultures and social segments in Neukölln. In the program, enlivened by music, folklore, communal meals, and various cultural activities, issues increasingly important in society such as equality, diversity, tolerance, and coexistence were addressed.
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 Meet Citizens
Within the scope of the festival, candidates in 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 Dr. Bahar Haghanipour, Vice President of the Berlin House of Representatives, Gerrit Kringel, one of the Neukölln Municipality executives, Karl Chung, responsible for queer and antisemitism work in Neukölln district, and Ayşe Demir, representative of the Türkische Bund Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB).
In the speeches, particular emphasis was placed on 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 Cemal Boyraz, President of Sivaslı Canlar Berlin e.V.
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 hate 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 added that racism, antisemitism, homophobia, anti-queer sentiment, and misanthropy should have no place in society.
President of Sivaslı Canlar, Boyraz, stated that Neukölln is an important district where different cultures coexist, and conveyed the message, “Neukölln is diverse. Neukölln is colorful. And Neukölln acts together; against hate, 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, the festival also featured music and cultural events. 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 included folklore performances. At the festival, which also featured activities for children, participants ate and conversed together, creating 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 hate 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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